Texas A&M Football: Evaluating Aggies’ first 3 opponents in 2022

9/10 Appalachian State @ Kyle Field

Anyone that hears the name Appalachian State outside of their fan base automatically thinks of the year they upset Michigan in the Big House. Since that big moment, they have continually climbed and made themselves a solid program that keeps growing. Coming off another solid year at 10-4 they look to build on that and keep getting better. Since making the jump to FBS and the Sun Belt, they have an impressive 80-24 overall record and 54-11 conference record. If you ask me, that is beyond impressive.

Players to Watch:

Chase Brice QB #7 2021 Stats (238 Passing YPG, 27 TDs, 62% Completion)

Nate Noel RB #20 2021 Stats (1142 All-Purpose Yards, 4 TDs, 5.7 Yards Per Carry)

Nick Hampton OLB #31 2021 Stats (69 Tackles, 17.5 TFL, 11 Sacks)

Analysis:

The Mountaineers run a very balanced offense but are losing their top two wide receivers which will hurt a lot for them. They will be relying on Nate Noels and Camerun Peoples running game till they can get their wide receivers some experience. Last year, their common formations were the I formation and WR stacks. The Mountaineers do not run motion as much as Sam Houston State does but they mix it into their playbook well. Chase Brice is a pocket passing QB that can deliver strikes but also can put a nice touch on his long passes. Coach Clark plays to win and is difficult to get off the field as they were 24-37 on 4th down conversions last year so that is something to keep an eye on.

The defense comes after you and it comes after you quickly. The defense is responsible for 37 sacks, 15 INTs, and 113 TFL. They were successful defensively on 3rd downs having only 34% of 3rd downs converted last year. This will be a good test for Texas A&M as Appalachian State is no pushover. They are bringing back a tough team and they are known for their upsets. I believe at the end of the day the size on the lines as well as the running game Texas A&M has will keep this game from getting too scary down the stretch. But if you let the Mountaineers hang around they are bound to make you pay. Jimbo will need to have the offense and defense prepared for this one.

Prediction: 35-17 (Texas A&M 2-0)