5 Bold Predictions for Texas A&M Football vs. Tennessee

5 Bold Predictions for Texas A&M Football’s Trip to Neyland

Going into this game between Texas A&M football and Tennessee, there are a lot of questions about both teams. The Volunteers’ competition thus far has not quite been world-beaters, and the Aggies have had quite a problem going on the road in the last few years. Even so, I’m a brave and brash kind of fella, so let’s make some bold predictions for this game.

Texas A&M Football Limits Volunteer Rushing Game

In contrast to last season, it has been the Vol ground game that has been the engine for the Big Orange Offense. They’ve got a solid offensive front up in Knoxville both when it comes to protecting the passer and getting yards in the run game. However, as I mentioned yesterday, the Aggies have the best rush defense in the SEC, even when you factor out sacks. If the Gators limited Tennessee on the ground, I believe the Aggies can do the same.

Texas A&M Football Stymies Big Orange in the Red Zone

This is a strength-on-weakness matchup for both squads, but the Aggie defense has excelled at preventing scores when teams try to drive the field, and the Volunteer offense has had trouble creating points when forced to do so. This is a big matchup that favors the Aggies—though, as I said, the same could be said for the Aggie offense vs. the Volunteer defense.

Pocket Stays Clean for the Aggies

Tennessee is one of the best teams in the nation at generating sacks, so this is a bit more of a “stepping out in faith” prediction here, but I think the Aggies can establish enough of a run game to neutralize the Volunteer pass rush a bit. I’m not saying they shut them out on the day, but I think the Aggie offense will run the ball well enough to limit Max’s attempts to (hopefully) mostly some key play-action shots and quick throws.

Defense for Texas A&M Football Turns Milton Over

Joe Milton has not dealt well with pressure so far this year. Now, he hasn’t had to deal with a lot of it, but with the outrageously talented Aggie front that he’ll be facing, it should be one of the tougher assignments of the year for him. Harass him enough, and he’ll make an ill-advised pass sooner or later.

Texas A&M Football Limits Explosive Passes

Going back to my first point, the Volunteer offense does not quite have the same umph to its passing attacks as it did last year. After the disappointing loss of Bru McCoy for the season to injury, their receiving corps is searching for a true top dog (of course, Jermaine Burton was no great threat coming into the game last week but you would not know it to watch that matchup). If the Aggies limit the Vols on the ground, they may hit one or two deep shots but I don’t think they have the ability to do it constantly.