TAMU/SMU Predictions

[GiddyUp]

Line still around 13.5. wow.

[SMU21TCU10]

Line still around 13.5. wow.

Nice. Have never bet on sports before, but am going to put down some money on this.

[Harry0569]

Texas A&M (0-1) at SMU (1-1) Sept. 15, 3:30, Fox Sports Net

Here’s The Deal: Texas A&M and SMU used to be rivals when both were members of the Southwest Conference. These days, the Aggies are with the SEC, and the Mustangs are concluding their stay in Conference USA before jetting off to the Big East. They still don’t like one another. A&M’s season has gotten off to a rocky start, an opener cancelled by poor weather followed by last week’s tough loss at home versus Florida. It was a tale of two halves for the Aggies, who channeled their inner-Mike Sherman and blew a lead in the second half. The Mustangs have had multiple personalities of their own so far in 2012. Against Baylor in the opener, they got trounced, 59-24. A week ago, they blanked Stephen F. Austin, 52-0. Somewhere in between rests the truth about SMU this season.

Why Texas A&M Might Win: In the opener, SMU proved unworthy of handling a grown-up offensive attack, yielding seven touchdowns and more than 700 yards to Baylor. The Aggies have enough promising parts to put a similar whooping on June Jones’ defense. Until stalling against a very good Florida D, Kevin Sumlin’s new offense was impressive in College Station. Though only a true freshman, QB Johnny Manziel has an exciting future in the SEC, and bruising backs Christine Michael and Ben Malena will punish the Mustangs defense. However, SMU’s biggest challenge might be breaking through an A&M fortress up front headed by C Patrick Lewis and gifted tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews.

Why SMU Might Win: The hope around the Hilltop is that last weekend’s blowout of Stephen F. Austin will serve as a turning point for a sporadic offense. Beefy RB Zach Line is already a proven commodity, while former Texas QB Garrett Gilbert has gradually gotten more comfortable in the system. The biggest news out of Dallas, though, was the play of the defense, which created an incredible 10 takeaways on Saturday. If SS Ryan Smith can continue to wreak havoc out of the secondary, it’s going to put the offense in a position to solve the Texas A&M defense on a much shorter field.

What To Watch Out For: Texas no longer gets a crack at hated rival Texas A&M, but former ‘Horn Gilbert will in Dallas. In order to have success, his makeshift O-line will need to contain the Aggies’ defensive stars, namely LB Sean Porter and rush end Damontre Moore. Moore looked like a natural at his new position versus the Gators, collecting 10 tackles and three sacks. A harried Gilbert will put balls up for grabs, a couple of which are liable to be taken back the other way.

What Will Happen: SMU collected a slew of turnovers in Week 2, and won impressively. They’ll need to dominate in turnover margin once again in order to hang with the far more talented Aggies. Texas A&M is just too physical for the Mustangs, especially a Mustangs team that’s been skittish and inconsistent through the first two games. It’ll help that Sumlin knows SMU from his days coaching Houston in Conference USA. His kids will roll behind the running of Michael, playmaking of Manziel and effort of an undervalued defense.

CFN Prediction: Texas A&M 38 … SMU 20

[indianmustang]

tamu 52
smu 21

[PonySnob]

Looks like there is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday. If it rains, which team will benefit more?

[StallionsModelT]

A&M 38
SMU 27

[sbsmith]

Looks like there is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday. If it rains, which team will benefit more?

It benefits them because they can go smashmouth with their stable of backs and outstanding o-line. We do what we do so we'll still be throwing a lot in a monsoon which means passing the ball will be even more difficult for us than it already has been against worse defenses than A&Ms.

[austinponie]

We surrendered 700 yards to Baylor?

That can't be right, is it

[WordUpBU]

We surrendered 700 yards to Baylor?

That can't be right, is it

Not smack talking but since you asked...

613
9.1 per play

[SMU_Alumni11]

Looks like there is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday. If it rains, which team will benefit more?

They will, they will just run the ball and our passing will be off target. Forcing us to run is suicide (not because of ZL)

[Pony ^]

weather channel now says 10% chance Saturday. 82/68. Awesome

[TxAgswin]

I don't think we cover against you guys, but I expect to win. Big emotional game last week could lead to a flat team this week. Thus, I think you guys have a shot at winning outright.

That being said...

35-28 Ags hang on.

[ghost]

27-24.....On an unseasonabley cool gray day in Dallas, "The Four Studs of the Hilltop" lead their herd to one of the great wins in Mustang history. The names of Gilbert, Johnson, Line and Reed will forevermore be linked with the greats from SMU's glorious past....Walker, Rote, Gregg, Levias and Dickerson! This will join the upsets of TCU in the 30's,the upset of #1 Navy and the season of thrilling finishes to win the SWC in the 60's and the thunderous stampede across the Texas Plains from Lubbock to Waco to Austin to Houston and into Arkansas in the '80s.

[Stallion]

A&M 38
SMU 17

Rationale: SMU has been 20+ points behind every Big 12 team by late in 3rd Q during recent Bowl Teams-don't think this team is much better. Physically don't match up because we don't recruit anything close to Big 12 talent

[Gotcha]

A&M 38
SMU 17

Rationale: SMU has been 20+ points behind every Big 12 team by late in 3rd Q during recent Bowl Teams-don't think this team is much better. Physically don't match up because we don't recruit anything close to Big 12 talent

Not true. Texas Tech 2010....believe SMU lost by 8. However, Ags will cover. SMU is a no-show. Jones gotta go.