After a somewhat surprising season, the Texas A&M Aggies will look to build on what was a successful first season for Jimbo Fisher. They went 9-4, which is considerably good, but especially in the gauntlet that was the SEC West. They also gave Clemson it’s toughest challenge of the season–even more challenging than Alabama–and were two game-changing mistakes away from beating them. Obviously the schedule won’t get any easier as they still are playing in the SEC West, as well as playing at Georgia and Clemson. The keys will be Kellen Mond developing as a passer and the defense continuing upward after a mediocre rise last season.

Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 20 Existed): 5 Stars

2018 Record: 9-4 (5-3 SEC) Defeated NC State in Taxslayer Gator Bowl

Returning Offensive Starter: 6

• Kellen Mond, QB
• Quartney Davis, WR
• Jhamon Ausbon, WR
• Carson Green, T
• Dan Moore Jr, T
• Jared Hocker, G

They lost a lot of crucial starters on offense including Erik McCoy, Jace Sternberger, and Treyveon Williams. On the positive side, Kellen Mond took a big step as a passer, from incompetent to competent. Now it’s time for Mond to go from competent to a real game-changing QB who can run and pass. Obviously that seems a little ambitious, but I really think he can get there. He certainly has the weapons to throw to do it, as all of the top four WRs are back and all have their parts that’ll help contribute to the offense

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

• Buddy Johnson, LB
• Charles Oliver, DB
• Leon O’Neal Jr, DB
• Derrick Tucker, DB

Finding returning starters on defense was difficult. Texas A&M lost a lot in the front seven, but the Aggies have a bunch of players who got playing time in almost every game. The good news is even with all of their losses they won’t be throwing players who haven’t played much into the defense and expect the same result. They have played to get their feet wet for when it’s time for them to start.

Returning Special Teams Starters: 2

• Seth Small, K
• Braden Mann, P

Seth Small will return as the primary kicker after he posted a pedestrian 71.4% on FGs, despite going 2/3 beyond 50 yards. He has to sharpen his accuracy within 50 yards as he went 13/20 on kicks between 30-49 yards. They also have the 2018 Ray Guy award winner, Unanimous All-American, and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year at punter, Braden Mann. If it wasn’t obvious, he is a good punter and will play a role in helping the defense in field position as no one flips the field better than Mann.

Key Losses:

Texas A&M lost a lot players in almost every position, but the key losses for the Aggies are Erik McCoy, Jace Sternberger, Treyveon Williams, Kingsley Keke, Daylon Mack and Donovan Wilson. We will see how deep this team really is with a lot of these crucial departures.

Key Newcomer: DeMarvin Leal

The Aggies took the biggest hit on the defensive line, but DeMarvin Leal is the 2nd best DT in the 2019 class according to 24/7. He is also 6-4, 290lbs as a true freshman. If those measurables are accurate, then I would say it would be hard to not put this kid on the field and see what can he do. A lot of these defensive lineman need time to get to the ideal weight and strength, but this kid seems to have it even before he enrolls.

Wins Conference If:

They upset Bama and don’t have any bumps in the road. I truly believe in this team, as my predictions will indicate down below, but you have to beat the Goliath that is Alabama. If they can do that then the rest should be a piece of cake. Obviously beating Clemson doesn’t matter for this, but they still have Auburn, LSU, Gerogia, and Mississippi State who could be a bump in the road.

Circle This Game On The Calendar: at Clemson, September 7th

There’s plenty of games that you could circle with their schedule, but taking on the defending champs in their house will definitely be the toughest challenge. It will also show us if they are meant to be at the big boys table or not. They played Clemson wire-to-wire last year, nearly pulling it out. Can they do it again? Can they beat them? Will this show us that they’ve regressed? Only time will tell.

Alcohol Prediction: Long Weekend At Vegas

Only the strong go all out in Vegas for three straight days and come out the other side. It takes mental toughness, physical strength, and a strong gut. Not many will watch, but when they know what you accomplished, they will see in a whole new perspective.

2019 Outlook:

vs Texas State	Win
at Clemson	Loss
vs Lamar	Win
vs Auburn	Win
vs Arkansas*	Win
vs Alabama	Loss
at Ole Miss	Win
vs Mississippi State	Win
vs UTSA	Win
vs South Carolina	Win
at Georgia	Win
at LSU	Win
Overall	10-2 (7-1)