Clemson at Texas A&M – College Football Predictions
The Game
Here we go!
Clemson looks to continue another title run with a trip to face Texas A&M on Saturday. Clemson started with a tune-up win over Furman (W 48-7) and looked pretty crisp. Texas A&M? All they did was put up 758 (!) yards and 40 (!) first downs in their victory over FCS squad Northwestern St. These two head coaches have done battle many times before, but this time JIMBO is with the Aggies. Let’s do this!
The Details
Clemson -12 Texas A&M (54)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Clemson -11
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Clemson 33 Texas A&M 21
The Match-Up
Clemson offense vs Texas A&M defense
The Tigers got both QBs into the body bag game last week. Kelly Bryant threw for 132 yards and had a 35-yard rushing TD. Trevor Lawrence had 137 yards passing and 3 TDs. Freshman RB Lyn-J Dixon led the team with 89 rushing yards (oh no, not another stud offensive player) and 11 guys caught a pass. Texas A&M allowed 30.7 PPG last season and have not allowed less than 170 YPG rushing over the course of a campaign since 2012. They will have their hands full. The good news? The Aggies have displayed the ability to get PENETRATION (43, 39 sacks last two years) and just might be able to force the Tigers into some negative plays and mistakes. <grabs popcorn>
Texas A&M offense vs Clemson defense
The Aggies moved like a TREMENDOUS MACHINE last week and got a nice effort from QB Kellen Mond (240, 3 TD) and a massive game from RB Trayveon Williams (240, 3 TD). The balance was there and they looked potent, notwithstanding they were playing something called Northwestern St. Now comes the ultimate challenge. The Clemson DL (on paper) is the best in college football. Texas A&M has had trouble when forced to be one-dimensional so it worries us what might happen if they can’t get the ground attack going at least a LITTLE bit. Clemson has bagged 40+ sacks in four consecutive seasons and the Aggies allowed 29 sacks last season. It feels like Texas A&M may have to hit a couple of big plays and/or take advantage of short fields if they want to compete in this game. It’s hard to see a scenario where they sustain a number of long drives.
Trends, Intangibles and More!
JIMBO has prepared for Clemson many times……What can he do vs Dabo in game two with Texas A&M?…..The Aggies are 6-9-1 ATS over the last 10 seasons as home dogs….Clemson is 9-14 ATS the past five seasons as road chalk.
Summary
We are very skeptical that Texas A&M can move the ball consistently on the Clemson defense. It also remains to be seen if they can slow down the Clemson rushing attack. Texas A&M looked sharp in week one and will not have to face a proven and/or experienced passing QB. That is a theoretical positive.
CROWD WILL BE ROCKING GUY should note that the crowd doesn’t run, pass or catch the ball. Or make tackles. Having said that, it is one of the tougher places in college football for visiting teams IF the Aggies are playing well. They will need to avoid getting buried in the first quarter. If that is the case? Game on, yo.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Side: No recommendation at this number. Slight lean to Clemson if the line goes to -10. Slight lean to Texas A&M if the line goes to +14.
Total: Lean to Texas A&M team total under. Any number 20 or higher.
Note:
‘Lean’ implies we are comfortable suggesting ‘small potatoes’ on the game. Nothing more. < but always stay tuned for updates >
‘Slight lean’ implies we are almost certain to avoid the game and/or total from a betting standpoint even for ‘small potatoes’. We give an opinion for those who need to get down and want advice.