Texas A&M Football: Week 2 game prediction vs. Appalachian State

Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree II (76) carries the flag as he runs out prior to the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree II (76) carries the flag as he runs out prior to the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

The first game for Texas A&M football wasn’t the prettiest, even if you take out the extended weather delay. The offensive side of the football needed a few drives to really get going against a hyped-up Sam Houston State defense, while the defense continued to show why this team is seen by many as one that could be playoff bound at the end of the season. The Aggies can’t start this week’s game the same way they did against Sam Houston State.

If they want to continue going in the right direction this offense led by quarterback Haynes King will need to hit the ground running against an Appalachian State Mountaineers team that was able to put up 61 points last week against North Carolina Tar Heels.

Now, the Tar Heels’ defense wasn’t the best and the Aggies clearly have a better all-around roster than the Tar Heels but this Mountaineers offense isn’t one you should sleep on. Quarterback Chase Brice looked pretty sharp throwing for 376 yards and six touchdowns in last week’s thrilling loss.

The Mountaineers also have a pretty good running back in Nate Noel who rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns. The most impressive thing about his performance was his 8.3 yards per carry for the game, the Tar Heels just weren’t about to slow him down thanks to how well Brice was spreading the football around through the air. We should assume that this type of output won’t happen against this Aggies defense but the Mountaineers have been known for upsetting bigger schools.

https://twitter.com/TommySledge/status/1433032687053332482

For the Aggies to continue their winning ways they will need to get speedster running back Devon Achane going early in order to open up the offense more for King and his receivers. Averaging 2.3 yards per carry isn’t going to help you win games going forward against better teams. This must be Jimbo Fisher’s main goal this week, establish the run and play-action passing game.

With that being said, here is my game prediction for the week.

Game Prediction: Texas A&M Aggies 34, Appalachian State Mountaineers 10