The Texas A+M Aggies have not had a winning record in Big 12 play since 2006 but this could be the season that the Aggies have some success vs. bookmaker odds. Texas A+M was a .500 team last season but they lost their bowl game vs. the online bookmaker odds as they were routed by Georgia. The Aggies could be improved this year as they have one of the best quarterbacks in the country returning.
Bookmaker odds will favor the Aggies early in the season as they have some easy non-conference games. It is in conference play where the questions will be answered for A&M. This is the third year for head coach Mike Sherman and the Aggies need to be better. Texas A+M does have Jerrod Johnson at quarterback and he was picked by the media as the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year.
Last season he led the Big 12 in total offense as he threw for 3,579 yards and 30 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also ran for 506 yards and scored eight TDs on the ground. The A&M offense is definitely going to score points with Johnson leading the way. The offensive line will need to come together though as three freshman will be playing. The early schedule should help A&M in that regard as their first three games are easy.
The problem for A&M last season was their defense. They were 105 in the country and allowed 426 yards a game. If the Aggies are to finish with a winning record in the Big 12 they simply have to be better on defense. They are going back to a 3/4 defense this season. They do have a solid front line led by Von Miller who had 17 sacks to lead the nation last year.
Texas A+M opens the season against Stephen F. Austin on September 4th. That should be an easy win and the Aggies follow that up with home games vs. Louisiana Tech and Florida International. Neither of those two games should provide a challenge. Their first test of the season vs. online bookmaker odds comes in late September as they go to Oklahoma State. The key games for A&M will be the three that follow the game against the Cowboys. They host Arkansas, Missouri and then go to Kansas. They will need to win at least two of those three games to set themselves up for a winning season in the Big 12.