Bowl projections: Texas A&M football could renew another in-state rivalry or see a blue blood in Vegas
Despite a disappointing end to the regular season, Texas A&M football still has a chance to end the year on a high note. The Aggies are bowl-eligible once more, and have been since mid-October.
Texas A&M football will find out their ultimate bowl destination next Sunday, but there are projections aplenty to go around right now. The Aggies could still end up with a big time opponent in their postseason matchup, according to some projections—or they could see an old rival closer to home.
Here's where different projections currently have the Aggies playing.
CBS: Las Vegas Bowl, Texas A&M football vs. Washington State
Washington State ended up with a decent year after playing what was essentially a Mountain West schedule. The only P4 opponents for the Cougars were Texas Tech and Washington. They defeated both the Red Raiders and the Huskies, but they lost to Boise State and ended the year on a three-game skid. They're not a terrible team, but the Aggies should be able to handle this matchup.
USA Today: Las Vegas Bowl, Texas A&M football vs USC
This would be a pretty big brand matchup out in Sin City. Lincoln Riley's crew has had some issues and been up and down for most of the year, but they pose a formidable challenge with their passing attack. This is a high-ceiling, low-floor team that could be a dangerous foe for the Ags.
ESPN: Las Vegas Bowl, Texas A&M football vs. USC OR Texas Bowl vs. Baylor
Another projection for the Aggies facing off with the Trojans comes from one of ESPN's bowl predictors, while the other has the Ags playing the Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl. The Bears, despite a very slow start to the season, have closed the year strong, on a six-game winning streak. Dave Aranda has saved his job this year—this would be quite the matchup to close the season for both squads.
Sporting News: Texas Bowl, Texas A&M football vs. Iowa State
The Cyclones spent much of the season competing for the Big 12 title before fading late—not unlike the Aggies in the SEC. Though this isn't the biggest brand or rivalry in the world, Matt Campbell routinely puts out a solid product in Ames. This could be another challenge for the Aggies if it comes to fruition.