2008 Texas A&M Aggies Football Predictions

Can former Green Bay Packers head man Mike Sherman improve on A&M's 7-6 2007 season in his first year at the helm. He'll certainly have plenty of offensive weaponry at his disposal, but he'll have to get better play against the pass from a defensive unit which ranked 92nd nationally in that category. Jimmy Boyd provides his take on the upcoming season in his 2008 Texas A&M Aggies predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

The Aggies boast one of the best backfields in the conference with QB Stephen McGee, tailback Mike Goodson, and fullback Jorvorskie Lane. McGee has thrown for 4,606 yards the past two season and even led the Aggies in rushing last year with 899 yards on the ground. Speedster Mike Goodson is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the pigskin and Lane will be the short yardage hammer. The near-300 pound back currently the shares the school's rushing touchdowns record with 44. The receiving corps has potential, but none have proven to be consistent playmakers yet. Only two offensive lineman return that have had any starting experience and that could put hold back the 13th best rushing offense in 2007.

Defense

Sherman and new defensive coordinator Joe Kines have been performing defensive surgery to get a faster unit on the field. Sherman will likely go with speedsters Von Miller, Garrick Williams, and Jonathan Haynes in the outside linebacker spots to try to utilize their ball-hawking abilities. Matt Featherson and Anthony Lewis will continue their battle for starting middle linebacker in the fall. Defensive end Cyril Obiozor is a punishing pass rusher off the edge, but he is the only returner up front. 6'6'' 345 1b. tackle Kellen Heard should be a force on the interior. The Aggies pass defense was terrible last season as they allowed opponents 254.9 yards per game through the air. But with five veteran D-backs returning, we will hopefully see some improvement. Although, an inexperienced front seven won't likely be enough help to them.

Special Teams

Place kicker Matt Szymanski needs to get better on distance field goals. He was 6-for-6 inside of 30 yards, but only 8-for-18 outside of that. The punting game was great last season with Justin Brantly helping the Aggies lead the Big 12 in net punting. Jordan Peterson will return the punts and Bradley Stephens will take the kicks.

Prediction – 4th in Big 12 South

It's always tough to adjust to a new coaching staff, especially when there are holes on the roster. The Aggies have a great backfield, but an inexperienced offensive line could cost them. The Aggies do have enough fire power to knock off a Big 12 contender or two, but they won't be able to carry it throughout the season. Not having to play Big 12 North heavyweights Kansas and Missouri will help and getting Oklahoma and Texas Tech at home will give the Aggies a shot in those two games. Sherman will need a season or two to recruit to get this team back to a contender, but Aggies fans should see another bowl game in 2008.  They'll struggle to beat Texas too, but could handle Oklahoma State and Baylor.

Jimmy Boyd is considered the foremost authority on college football betting so make sure you check out all of his college football predictions to get the low down on the conference contenders this season. The more you know prior to the season, the more money you'll be able to take from your sportsbook. When other handicapping services are feeling things out the first couple weeks, you can start breaking the bank with Jimmy Boyd and his award winning college football picks.

June 18th, 2008