by Texas A&M UNDER 8.5 wins (-180)
Confidence level: 7.5/10
I really can’t get a good read on this program and, quite honestly, who really can? A&M has all the pieces and resources to be what Georgia currently is behind its historic recruiting classes, transfer portal success, and established coaching staff. And all for what… to miss a bowl game?
To give them some leeway, six out of seven of A&M’s losses were one-possession games and they get four of those teams at home this year. I like what Jimbo Fisher did in the offseason by reassembling the offense and bringing in Bobby Petrino as OC, who should be an immediate upgrade. The weapons are plentiful, especially with Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith at wideout, but the QB position is unproven and that’s been a theme that has lingered throughout College Station for a few years. The o-line is in the unproven department as well, and so is a defense that finished dead last in the SEC in rushing a season ago.
There are three gimme wins against New Mexico, ULM, and ACU on the schedule (many thought the same with App State last year too), but the Aggies will either be underdogs or play in true toss-up games the rest of the way. Another early-season matchup against fellow annually overhyped blue blood program Miami will be the tone setter, but a seven-game SEC stretch starting with a Huge Freeze-led Auburn team and ending with an underrated Miss State squad in the heart of the season will be the measuring stick. I see them going 4-3 at best in that slate before closing out the season against what will be hungry and vengeful LSU team in Baton Rouge.
There’s no doubt that the Aggies have reeled in a boatload of talent. However, talent can only take you so far. Last year was a disaster for A&M behind the underwhelming performances, reefer locker room controversy, and overall toxic environment. Now the pressure on Fisher has never been greater. While they should improve in 2023, I can’t buy in to an A&M team that has not shown a lick of promise as of late. I have the Aggies going 7-5 and hitting the under. #CANTGIGEM
