Texas A&M Football: Too early 2018 game-by-game predictions
By Jeff Shull
Clemson Tigers — September 8
I’m of the firm belief the Aggies will at least split their tough September games, and it makes a whole lot of sense that the one win would come against a familiar opponent to head coach Jimbo Fisher in his first major home game.
Clemson welcomes back a host of starters from a team that was supposed to regress after a national championship season yet still made the College Football Playoff. They boast a defensive line that could have as many as FOUR first round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, and that plays directly into the one perceived weakness for the Aggies coming into this season — offensive line.
The Tigers return eight starters from a defense that ranked No. 2 in points allowed, with six of those eight being on the front seven. They were No. 1 in the country with 46 sacks as well.
The only hope for Texas A&M is that Jimbo’s no-nonsense practicing sets the tone for a physical offense that can get going early with no growing pains. Points will be tough to come by.
Having said that, the Aggies return several defensive starters and hired Mike Elko, who turned around Notre Dame’s defense in just one season. Having several months to prepare for the Tigers could bode well for this unit.
Prediction: Aggies 23 – Tigers 20
Overall record: 5-0