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SMU (1-1) at Texas A&M (0-1) 12:30 p.m. ET FSN
Why to watch: SMU is riding high after the stunning 21-10 win over TCU. Considering the decent performance in the 28-23 loss to Baylor, Phil Bennett's team might actually be growing into something decent. There are still several holes in the Mustangs, but they have more confidence after thumping the team that beat Oklahoma. Texas A&M has had two weeks to sit and stew after the heartbreaking last second loss to Clemson. This is a good enough team, considering Oklahoma's problems and getting Texas at home to end the regular season. There are still things to work on, and as improved as SMU might be, this is the game to do it. Actually, next week against Texas State is the game to tune up, but the Aggies have to start improving tackling and getting the receivers involved this week.
Why SMU might win: All of a sudden, SMU's defense has become a ball-hawking, aggressive bunch. It's always tried to be that, but it's working this year with seven takeaways while the offense is getting better at capitalizing on mistakes. It's only been one game, but A&M is 110th in the nation in passing and 90th in passing efficiency. SMU's pass defense has been stunningly good currently ranked eighth in the country in pass efficiency defense. However ...
Why Texas A&M might win: ... SMU won't have an answer for the A&M ground game. If QB Reggie McNeal running out of the backfield isn't enough, now the offense is using Courtney Lewis a little more. This is a jacked up Aggie defense after making so many mistakes against Clemson, and it's going to take out its frustrations on the Mustangs.
Who to watch: Two big things came out of SMU's win over TCU. First Jerad Romo, even though he wasn't that effective through the air, proved he can win a big game. The two quarterback rotation might be dead, at least for now. Second, freshman RB DeMyron Martin emerged as the team's new rushing star. He's big, powerful, and has a little bit of wiggle rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns while catching two passes for 30 yards and a score.
What will happen: SMU isn't a speedbump anymore, but it's not good enough to beat an Aggie team with two weeks off to prepare.
CFN Prediction: Texas A&M 38 ... SMU 13 ... Line: Texas A&M -28 | Make your pick and compete against others
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Dancing with the stars) ... 2
Final Score:

This sounds like a worst case scenario. It says the stats are the stats but A&M will roll just because they are mad and have a week off.

I guess because of the spread and because they predict a blow-out the game is only rated a 2 out of 5 for viewing.

As long as we do not return to the turnover ways of the last few seasons I do not see this being a blow-out.

I don't think they are overstating the emotional edge the Aggies have, and the physical advantage of having a week off. This game could very easily get away from us in a hurry if we dont come out very hungry and playing very well. Its usually hard to do that 2 weeks in a row for any team.

Didn't they have us losing 38-10 against TCU. I guess their giving our offense some more respect this week.

The PonyGrad wrote:As long as we do not return to the turnover ways of the last few seasons I do not see this being a blow-out.

Totally agree.

It all depends on which SMU team shows up. It will be difficult to sustain the intensity two weeks in a row but it CAN, and MUST, be done!
A&M is not unbeatable. It wil take another relatively mistake free game by the Ponies and a tough defense, plus our Offensive line MUST open some holes for Martin and Romo and protect the passer.

It can be close, or it can be a blow out in A&Ms favor. I am praying for the former.

I think pass blocking will be particularly important Saturday, since I think they will key on 8 every time he's in the game and we'll need to use some play action.

Counldn't agree with you more. Our line is really going to have to step it up. Even when Massey and Martin were going well in the Baylor and TCU games, the play action wasn't slowing down the defensive pressure any. The QB's have had no time to throw. The only passing success thus far has been the quick ones. It would be nice if the Oline bought Romo enough time to go downfield.

Atleast they gave the pony's points which A&M won't, CFN was very generous to SMU.