Texas A&M Football: 3 Takeaways From a Last-Second Loss at Alabama

Outlook for the rest of the season

Look, this season hasn’t been what a lot of us thought it would be here six games in.  I had predicted 10-2 and that is now, finally, categorically out the window.  The Aggies sit at .500 with half their schedule left to play.  The good news, however, is that their toughest games are likely behind them.

I do believe, regardless of how they looked against LSU, that Mississippi State is likely the second-toughest team on the Aggies’ schedule.  Ole Miss’s best win in Kentucky has lost quite a bit of its shine following the Wildcats falling to South Carolina.  That game against the Rebels, in my opinion, will make the difference in 9-3 and 8-4.  I’m not scared of LSU, especially at the end of the year (at that point, all these freshmen are no longer freshmen).  Nor am I scared of Auburn, given how they’ve struggled thus far.

Has this season been a disappointment?  A lot of people would say so.  But if you ask me, it’s way too soon to tell.  The Aggies have missed some opportunities, for sure.  They could have— and should have— won every game so far.  Yes, even Mississippi State— that one was a lot closer than the final score indicated.  But that’s what happens with a young team.  It’s unfortunate that so many of these freshmen have been pressed into service due to injuries above them on the depth chart.  But it’s also a huge boon for your future.  They’re being forged in the fire right now, and come next season— or even the end of this year— they’ll be ready for the Aggies’ championship run.  2023 has always been the goal, and I think, despite all the lumps that A&M has taken, things could be setting up perfectly for that timeframe.  But for the sake of recruiting, team unity, and locker room culture, it is imperative that the Aggies finish strong this year.