CFN Prediction: Texas A&M 52 … SMU 23
Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2013 8:08 amSMU (1-1) at Texas A&M (2-1) Sept. 21, 7:00, ESPN
Why You Should Give A Hoot: The rest of Texas A&M’s 2013 life begins with a visit from SMU, a former rival from the old Southwest Conference days. In the game of the year so far, the Aggies fell short against Alabama, 49-42, in a thriller that left few fans disappointed and most out of breath. Head coach Kevin Sumlin needs to refocus the troops, knowing that the ‘Bama was a setback, but a long season ahead means that no goals have been stricken from the list. The Mustangs come out of their bye week knowing that they have to play much better to entertain thoughts of the postseason. Save for a late rally against Montana State of the FCS, the Ponies would be winless at this point.
Why SMU Might Win: ‘Bama exposed many of the weaknesses in the Texas A&M defense. heck, so did Rice and Sam Houston State, for that matter. The Aggies have issues, especially when attempting to stop the run. They’re 115th in the country, which will invite June Jones to call for more runs from 233-pound Prescott Line if former Longhorn Traylon Shead is unable to suit up. Of course, the Mustangs won’t be bashful about testing the airways with QB Garrett Gilbert and receivers Darius Joseph and Jeremy Johnson.
Why Texas A&M Might Win: The Aggies did things to Nick Saban’s defense that no one else has ever been able to do. Sure, A&M lost in College Station, but to no fault of a high-powered offense averaging more than 600 yards a game. SMU is laboring in pass defense, a harrowing reality with QB Johnny Manziel and WR Mike Evans next up on the schedule. The Manziel-to-Evans connection has been unstoppable, already producing 20 grabs for 518 yards and three scores.
Who To Watch Out For: Alright, who’s going to step up for the Aggie D? The unit is going to get better, because it can’t get much worse, and because formerly suspended players, like LB Steven Jenkins, have yet to hit their strides after just one game.
- Any hope of upsetting the Aggies will require the Mustangs to have success on the ground. If it becomes a shootout between Manziel and Gilbert, SMU will be DOA by early in the third quarter.
- SMU is still adjusting to changes along both lines. Manziel won’t feel much pressure, while backs Ben Malena and Tra Carson reach the second level before feeling much contact.
What Will Happen: The hangover effect might certainly be in play since last week’s showdown with the Tide was so emotionally draining. Texas A&M can simply outgun SMU, a team that’s eminently flawed on both sides of the ball. The familiar refrain of Manziel to Evans will again light up an opponent, piling up big numbers in the process. After clearing their heads, the Aggies will operate like a team that still has plenty of goals left to reach in 2013.
Prediction: Texas A&M 52 … SMU 23
Line: Texas A&M -28.5 – O/U: 80.5
Must See Rating: (5 The Presidents’ Gatekeepers – 1 Million Second Quiz) … 3
Why You Should Give A Hoot: The rest of Texas A&M’s 2013 life begins with a visit from SMU, a former rival from the old Southwest Conference days. In the game of the year so far, the Aggies fell short against Alabama, 49-42, in a thriller that left few fans disappointed and most out of breath. Head coach Kevin Sumlin needs to refocus the troops, knowing that the ‘Bama was a setback, but a long season ahead means that no goals have been stricken from the list. The Mustangs come out of their bye week knowing that they have to play much better to entertain thoughts of the postseason. Save for a late rally against Montana State of the FCS, the Ponies would be winless at this point.
Why SMU Might Win: ‘Bama exposed many of the weaknesses in the Texas A&M defense. heck, so did Rice and Sam Houston State, for that matter. The Aggies have issues, especially when attempting to stop the run. They’re 115th in the country, which will invite June Jones to call for more runs from 233-pound Prescott Line if former Longhorn Traylon Shead is unable to suit up. Of course, the Mustangs won’t be bashful about testing the airways with QB Garrett Gilbert and receivers Darius Joseph and Jeremy Johnson.
Why Texas A&M Might Win: The Aggies did things to Nick Saban’s defense that no one else has ever been able to do. Sure, A&M lost in College Station, but to no fault of a high-powered offense averaging more than 600 yards a game. SMU is laboring in pass defense, a harrowing reality with QB Johnny Manziel and WR Mike Evans next up on the schedule. The Manziel-to-Evans connection has been unstoppable, already producing 20 grabs for 518 yards and three scores.
Who To Watch Out For: Alright, who’s going to step up for the Aggie D? The unit is going to get better, because it can’t get much worse, and because formerly suspended players, like LB Steven Jenkins, have yet to hit their strides after just one game.
- Any hope of upsetting the Aggies will require the Mustangs to have success on the ground. If it becomes a shootout between Manziel and Gilbert, SMU will be DOA by early in the third quarter.
- SMU is still adjusting to changes along both lines. Manziel won’t feel much pressure, while backs Ben Malena and Tra Carson reach the second level before feeling much contact.
What Will Happen: The hangover effect might certainly be in play since last week’s showdown with the Tide was so emotionally draining. Texas A&M can simply outgun SMU, a team that’s eminently flawed on both sides of the ball. The familiar refrain of Manziel to Evans will again light up an opponent, piling up big numbers in the process. After clearing their heads, the Aggies will operate like a team that still has plenty of goals left to reach in 2013.
Prediction: Texas A&M 52 … SMU 23
Line: Texas A&M -28.5 – O/U: 80.5
Must See Rating: (5 The Presidents’ Gatekeepers – 1 Million Second Quiz) … 3
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