The College Football Gametime Podcast is counting down to college football by going around the SEC and ACC to give a 2021 season preview. Join us every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the 92.9 The Game Facebook Live!
Next up, Texas A&M:
Jimbo Fisher has to be used to great expectations by now. He was hired away from Florida State after a successful championship-winning run with the Seminoles and it appears that he has the Aggies on the same path. Fisher has Texas A&M ranked in the top 10 of preseason polls for the first time since 2013. But can he finally do what he was brought here for?
He was only one spot away from a College Football Playoff berth in 2020 and their fourth overall ranking was the program’s highest since 1939. Fisher's former boss is still standing in his way, but he was brought in here to clear that hump. Texas A&M is on the verge of joining college football’s elite company, and 2021 could be the Aggies' chance.
Let’s break it down:
Offense
The Aggies were a strong offensive unit in 2020, averaging 439.2 yards and 32.8 points per game – both good enough for fourth in the SEC. This was ground-and-pound offense that was predicated on winning the time of possession, and they were certainly effective, finishing third nationally in that metric. While offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey will have to replace a four-year starter in Kellen Mond, there will be no shortage of skill players coming back to College Station. Texas A&M will be returning 88-percent of their skill player touchdowns from last season.
That group of skill players is led by the All-SEC bruiser of a running back, Isaiah Spiller, who rushed for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games. Expect for him to build on those numbers in 2021, even though he’ll be splitting carries. The second-year speedster, David Achane, was the Orange Bowl MVP after an outstanding 140 yard, two-touchdown game. He brings game-breaking speed that was put on full display on his 74-yard scamper to lock down the Aggies’ first major bowl victory since 2012. This thunder and lighting duo will be instrumental in the overarching success of the offense.
While the receiver room was not the most potent in 2020, Texas A&M does return all of its production. And while it may not be the most explosive unit, there’s no lacking in reliability. The 6-5, 195 pound Caleb Chapman should be fully recovered from a knee injury he sustained against Florida last season. That incredible size makes him a major mismatch for defensive backs. He put it on full display in that game against Florida in which he went for nine receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Chapman will be joined the Swiss Army Knife, Ainias Smith, who led the team in receiving while also splitting time at running back. On the inside, Jalen Wydermyer is as sure as they come and figures to be a top tight end in the conference.
That experience in the backfield and in the receiving corps will be paramount as the Aggies are going to breaking in a new quarterback for 2021. The favorite to land the job is the super athletic dual-threat, Haynes King. His play certainly will be a major X-Factor for A&M as he’s replacing the career leader in total offense, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions in Kellen Mond. The sophomore has the good fortune of an easier slate to start the season that gives him some much-needed experience before the schedule really takes off when Alabama comes to College Station.
King’s dual threat ability matched with the dynamic running back duo will be exciting to watch, but there is a concern up front. The Aggies will be looking to replace four starters on the offensive line. Tennessee transfer Jahmir Johnson should provide some immediate relief, but this unit will need to grow up in a hurry. This group will also benefit from the easier slate to start the season.
Defense
The Aggie offense was good in 2020, but the defense was one of the best in the country. After five starters opted to return for their super-senior seasons, this defense is absolutely loaded with nine returning starters and ready to improve on last season. That unit finished first in the SEC in total yards allowed per game and third in points allowed.
The dominant play of this defense stemmed from the punishing play of their defensive line. Despite losing the All-SEC defensive tackle Bobby Brown III, this group is back and ready to wreak havoc again in 2021. The group is led by junior defensive end DeMarvin Leal, a preseason favorite to take home First Team All-SEC honors. Veterans Jayden Peevy and Michael Clemons, who both opted to return for their additional season granted by the NCAA, bring valuable experience. The Aggies finished top two in rushing defense and could very easily repeat that performance with one of the country’s most elite units this season.
Texas A&M will miss its leading tackler in Buddy Johnson, but super-senior Aaron Hansford should be able to replicate some of that production from the weak-side. What will be difficult to replace are the intangibles Johnson took with him. He was the emotional leader of the defense and it will be interesting to see who fills this void in 2021.
The secondary returns its entire unit from last season and it is loaded with upperclassmen experience, but its best player may be sophomore Jaylon Jones. He lived up to his lofty top-25 recruiting ranking as a true freshman starter with some pretty promising performances. The other Jones, Myles, opted to take advantage of his super-senior season and he will take up the mantle on the opposite side.
Season Outlook
Texas A&M will be able to effectively rely on its defense in the early goings of the season. Their first five opponents only managed to win four games in 2020, and only one of those games will be played outside of the confines of the Lone Star State. That could prove to be critical as they break in a new starter at quarterback and replace four starters on the offensive line. After that stretch, the onslaught that is the SEC West begins with a date against defending National Champion Alabama.
Haynes King has the potential to be special and if can play at a high level, the sky is the limit for the Aggies. Even if he does struggle, this could still be a double-digit win team in 2021.
Expectations for the Aggies will be through the roof in Jimbo Fisher’s fourth season. His squad has the size and talent all over the field to make some noise, but it starts and ends with the Week 6 matchup with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Jimbo was brought here to win the big ones, but to this point he has failed to do so going a mere 2-8 against top ten teams and winless against Alabama. That has to improve if he wants to start pushing for greater heights.