The new college football season starts this afternoon, with Texas A&M at South Carolina at 5:00 PM on the new SEC Network. The Aggies are the underdogs (10.5 points), and the most common prediction is that they'll lose, but cover the spread. All factors considered, that seems like a reasonable outcome. I need to see how much drop-off the offense experiences post-Manziel, and if there are signs of significant defensive improvement.
Other TV games that are potentially interesting: Florida State vs Oklahoma State, Clemson at Georgia, LSU vs Wisconsin, and West Virginia vs Alabama.
Added 6:51 PM same day: Texas A&M is ahead 31-14 at the end of the first half. Spurrier says they're getting their butts kicked by a better team right now. Considering this is a Top Ten opponent, the Aggies have been impressive. Kenny Hill is not the question mark I thought he might be. He isn't Manziel, but he's very poised and efficient. I'm seeing a diverse offense that uses the RBs and TEs, and the coaching is improved with Spavital handling the OC duties.
The defense gave up two long bombs for TDs, and kept SC drives alive with three pass interference penalties. A&M's pass rushing ability has been upgraded with an infusion of premium talent, and the defense hasn't been gashed with running plays yet. Snyder looks like a good coach so far.
Overall, the offense earned an A in the first half, and the defense will earn at least a B for the game if they can hold the Gamecocks to 14 points in the 2nd half.
Added 8:34 PM same day: I didn't see that coming. Aggies win 52-28, and led from their first touchdown on the opening drive. This was the most impressive opening game in Sumlin's tenure at A&M, and certainly more impressive than any of the games against Top 10 opponents last season. As they say, there's a lot of football yet to be played, but this team is better than I expected.
Added 4:14 PM on Saturday 30 August: Alabama 20 West Virginia 17 at halftime. The Mountaineers are a lower tier team from the Big Dumpster Fire, and Alabama is supposed to be a contender for the national championship. I like to scout Texas A&M's conference opponents, and right now, Alabama looks like a team that can be had.
Added 10:38 AM Sunday 31 August: It wasn't easy, but the Tide finally muscled their way to a 33-23 win over the BDF. Auburn beat Arkansas impressively, 45-21, and LSU edged Wisconsin 28-24. Mississippi State stomped Southern Miss 49-0. Every SEC West team other than Arkansas won its opening game, and none of the teams looked weaker than expected. Tough schedule.
Other TV games that are potentially interesting: Florida State vs Oklahoma State, Clemson at Georgia, LSU vs Wisconsin, and West Virginia vs Alabama.
Added 6:51 PM same day: Texas A&M is ahead 31-14 at the end of the first half. Spurrier says they're getting their butts kicked by a better team right now. Considering this is a Top Ten opponent, the Aggies have been impressive. Kenny Hill is not the question mark I thought he might be. He isn't Manziel, but he's very poised and efficient. I'm seeing a diverse offense that uses the RBs and TEs, and the coaching is improved with Spavital handling the OC duties.
The defense gave up two long bombs for TDs, and kept SC drives alive with three pass interference penalties. A&M's pass rushing ability has been upgraded with an infusion of premium talent, and the defense hasn't been gashed with running plays yet. Snyder looks like a good coach so far.
Overall, the offense earned an A in the first half, and the defense will earn at least a B for the game if they can hold the Gamecocks to 14 points in the 2nd half.
Added 8:34 PM same day: I didn't see that coming. Aggies win 52-28, and led from their first touchdown on the opening drive. This was the most impressive opening game in Sumlin's tenure at A&M, and certainly more impressive than any of the games against Top 10 opponents last season. As they say, there's a lot of football yet to be played, but this team is better than I expected.
Added 4:14 PM on Saturday 30 August: Alabama 20 West Virginia 17 at halftime. The Mountaineers are a lower tier team from the Big Dumpster Fire, and Alabama is supposed to be a contender for the national championship. I like to scout Texas A&M's conference opponents, and right now, Alabama looks like a team that can be had.
Added 10:38 AM Sunday 31 August: It wasn't easy, but the Tide finally muscled their way to a 33-23 win over the BDF. Auburn beat Arkansas impressively, 45-21, and LSU edged Wisconsin 28-24. Mississippi State stomped Southern Miss 49-0. Every SEC West team other than Arkansas won its opening game, and none of the teams looked weaker than expected. Tough schedule.
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