Being in the bottom half of the most competitive division in the most competitive league in the country was never going to be enough for the College Station brass. That is why Kevin Sumlin – and his annual second half slump – was replaced by $75 million man Jimbo Fisher. This is a team preparing to win a national title under their new head coach, and now we get to see how year one plays out as Fisher tries to develop players recruited by the former regime.
By Steve Wright
August
8/30/18 Northwestern State – This game being on a Thursday night means that an interested nation will be able to tune in and check out Fisher on the A&M sidelines. That will be the only intriguing aspect of a blowout win. Texas A&M 52, Northwestern State 13.
September
9/8/18 Clemson – It is hard to think of an non-conference game in the country that is as meaningful for a new coach. Fisher is uber familiar with the Tigers and this is a true home game for the Aggies. Clemson brings an NFL level defensive front to College Station and the No. 2 in the nation Tigers have their eyes on another national championship under Dabo Swinney. This game is appointment viewing. Texas A&M 24, Clemson 31.
9/15/18 ULM – This is the ultimate trap game as it comes between the two best college football teams in the nation. Fisher will get the Aggies past this potential pitfall. Texas A&M 35, ULM 20.
9/22/18 @ Alabama – Eventually Nick Saban will lose a game to one of his former assistant coaches. Fisher could well be the man that takes that crown as Saban brings ‘Bama into this one 12-0 all-time against former members of his staff. It won’t be this year. Texas A&M 14, Alabama 35.
9/29/18 Arkansas (in Arlington) – This should be the game where the Aggies get back to reality after the Clemson and Alabama games. The problem is that they face an Arkansas team that has the potential to be sneaky dangerous this season. With A&M still figuring out their parts, the Hogs sneak a win. Texas A&M 24, Arkansas 34.
October
10/6/18 Kentucky – The first meeting between these two in SEC play comes at a time where the Aggies need a home game against an opponent that they are just flat out better than. Texas A&M 35, Kentucky 17.
10/13/18 @ South Carolina – These two were paired as conference rivals in 2014 and Sumlin went on to dominate the Gamecocks. South Carolina is projected to be the second or third best team in the SEC East, but Fisher will have his offense rolling by this point with the bye just a week away. Texas A&M 35, South Carolina 21.
10/20/18 BYE
10/27/18 @ Mississippi State – This figures to be an outstanding game as a couple of teams with new coaches are hitting their stride by late November. Even in a down year Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald wrecked the Aggies in 2017 and a coaching change to boost his production means that the Bulldogs will be a tough out in 2018. Texas A&M 28, Mississippi State 31.
November
11/3/18 @ Auburn – Of the big three that the Aggies face in 2018 this game feels like the most winnable. Auburn has designs on a CFP place, but Fisher would love to start his A&M career with a statement win against one of the two top dogs in the SEC West. Jarrett Stidham will have to be on point for Auburn to avoid the upset. Texas A&M 24, Auburn 31.
11/10/18 Ole Miss – Expect a shootout here is Mississippi quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has the best set of receivers in the country to throw to. Texas A&M 35, Ole Miss 21.
11/17/18 UAB – These late season non-con games tend not to be pretty, but Fisher should have a chance to rest some starters in the second half. Texas A&M 41, UAB 20.
11/24/18 LSU – The Tigers will be better late than they were early as they try to replace so much of their offensive identity. The worry is that with nothing on the line – we have LSU missing a bowl – their will to win in College Station might fade in the second half as Fisher beats a team Sumlin never could.Texas A&M 38, LSU 21.
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