Texas A&M Aggies 2022 College Football Preview
August 12, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 8-4
ATS – 7-5
There were higher hopes for the 2021 campaign, that’s for sure. The Aggies defeated the mighty TIDE in one of the most entertaining games of the year (W 41-38) but still managed to lose four games along the way. The season ended in heinous fashion as they were taken down by the struggling LSU Tigers in the final week of the regular season.
Texas A&M Aggies 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Aggies ran the ball effectively last season behind the 1-2 RB combo of Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane who combined for over 1,900 yards and 15 TDs, but they were doomed by mediocre QB play (#99 FBS passing efficiency). Achane is set to have a big year and he’s complemented by a few talented youngsters, and the Aggies made a fine acquisition thru the transfer portal by grabbing underrated signal caller Max Johnson from LSU (2,815, 27-6 TD to INT LY). Redshirt freshman Haynes King is also in the mix at QB but we think Jimbo will go with the more seasoned option. There are plenty of highly-recruited specimens in the WR/TE group but there’s no guarantee that a legit #1 option will emerge. The OL is also talented but it’s a young group that’ll need to come together quickly if they want to achieve their lofty goals for 2022. We expect to see a more potent offense this season and have a good feeling about Johnson and Achane. <grabs popcorn>
DEFENSE
Texas A&M allowed a paltry 16 PPG LY (#3 FBS) but were a bit softer vs the run than you would have expected (135 YPG, #6 SEC). It was tough to get things going against their defense as they allowed just 4.7 YPP (#6 FBS) and booked 39 sacks (#18 FBS). Just five starters return on this side of the football and the strength of the stop unit appears to be a secondary that’s experienced and extremely talented. Also recall that the Aggies were ranked #10 in the FBS in pass efficiency defense LY (58%, 13-10 TD to INT). One of the most interesting storylines in the entire SEC will be to witness how quickly the rebuilt DL comes together as all the projected starters are underclassmen, but also impossibly-talented young men. We expect stretches of brilliance mixed in with moments of inconsistency. LB is the weakest unit on paper but you can’t have everything. This looks like a very good defense with a chance to be excellent if a few of the fresh faces develop into stars right away. Stay tuned!
SPECIAL TEAMS
Yes, guy.
Texas A&M will have one of the best special teams groups in the country given the return of 1st Team SEC punter Nik Constantinou (46.6, 42.0 net LY) and the PR/KR combo of Ainias Smith and Devon Achane who each booked a return TD in 2021.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – It’s a mixed bag. They don’t play a true road game until October and miss Georgia from the East, but they have to deal with three tough SEC West environments (ROLL TIDE, Miss St, Auburn).
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 17 – Miami
The Aggies will almost certainly be more “beatable” early in the season and note that Texas A&M has their SEC opener on deck (WOO PIG) that also happens to be a revenge game.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline Aug 12
Over 8.5 -145
Under 8.5 +115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over
It’s hard to see this roster losing four games, but then again, we thought the same thing in 2021.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Jimbo Fisher has done a really good job vs the point spread over his career (84-68-3, 55%) and he’s been really SPICY as a home favorite whilst at Texas A&M (14-7, 67%).
The Aggies are 21-4 SU at home under Jimbo but just 7-9 (!) in true road games.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
The Aggies are doing a phenomenal job on the recruiting trail and it seems virtually impossible that they won’t make a playoff appearance sometime soon. This season’s edition of Texas A&M football is extremely talented but also very young. They’ve got a shot to unseat ROLL TIDE but we still favor the boys from Tuscaloosa to win the division.
Want more Texas A&M football ?
WEBSITE
https://12thman.com/sports/football
FORUM
http://www.secrant.com/rant/texas-a-m-sports/
http://tamu.247sports.com/Board/Texas-AM-Aggies-Forum-20
NEWS
https://www.goodbullhunting.com/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/245/texas-a&m-aggies