Texas A&M Football 2018 Preview

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After a disappointing end to the Kevin Sumlin era, the Jimbo Fisher era kicks off August 30th! How will the Aggies fare this year under a new system?

While the Aggies have been pretty relevant since joining the SEC in 2012, recent seasons have seen the Aggies of Texas A&M struggle. A bad habit of starting off hot and then cooling off significantly in the second half of the season has led them to where they are now, under new coach Jimbo Fisher.

14 practices in the books.

Thursday 📸: https://t.co/kF26KJYgkI @Academy #GigEm pic.twitter.com/MlVskFB02N

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) August 17, 2018

Why is that? A combo of horrible defensive performances and horrible calls on offense are reasons for the drop off. Terrible management at the quarterback position also led to the constant second-half demise. This time around there is a solid QB in Nick Starkel. However, the offense may suffer from a lack of star receiving power. A&M hasn’t had a consistent wide receiver since Mike Evans played and of course, Christian Kirk. Therefore, the Aggies will see how their 4-star recruit Jalen Preston does this season.

Trayveon Williams will continue to hold the backfield and is a solid option and Fisher has the option he can run with dual-threat QB Kellen Mond. Where the Aggies continue to struggle is on the offensive line. The last consistent lineman A&M had was Mike Matthews. If Jimbo has a place where the Aggies should focus on recruitment, it’s on the O-line. However, there is optimism. The Aggies start off ranked at 25 and look to build off a roster where 15 starters return.

On the defensive end, there is hope under new defensive coordinator Mike Elko. The likes of Landis Durham, Derrick Tucker, Tyrel Dodson, and Kingsley Keke all return to solidify the upperclassmen presence of the front seven. However, the back end of the defense is where the concern begins. The only notable returning starter is Donovan Wilson, who is coming off an injury. Outside of Wilson, the Aggies lack depth at the end and safety positions, meaning that some young guys will have to step up big time.

Position Preview Part II: Secondary

🔗: https://t.co/eZTdYzEAo3

🎟: https://t.co/jdKMDHw7Fw #GigEm pic.twitter.com/RodkDYytqo

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) August 17, 2018

Being that this is the SEC, don’t expect year one of the Jimbo Fisher era to result in a national title. In fact, getting to eight wins or more would be a great start for Texas A&M. If they were to reach 10 wins and a good bowl appearance, then the Fisher era would be off to an even better start than imagined. Right now Fisher must implement his pro-style offense and overall coaching style on the team and let them adapt to him.

Aggie fans, get excited. Jimbo is here to change the fortunes of this team and hopefully lead them to a place they haven’t experienced since 1939, a national title. But, the team must start from somewhere and this looks to be the great beginning College Station will look back on and remember. Here’s to a successful season Ags.

The first game will be against Northwestern at Kyle Field. Expect the usual SEC opponents, Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State, while also getting a visit from Clemson on September 8th in College Station. The Aggies will visit the Crimson Tide on September 22nd. Gig’Em Ags!

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Eric Magana

Hardworking, loyal, and passionate. I love the people that surround me because they allow me to be who I am. A lover of sports, video games, and life itself. I am a son, a brother, an uncle, and a person who holds nothing but love in his heart. I do this for Rosa Maria Magana and Edward Magana. A.k.a my folks in heaven. Music and sports keep me alive and well. Houston, Texas.

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