It's become pretty passe at this point to predict that Texas A&M football will go 8-4 in any given season. Despite its popularity as a narrative surrounding the Aggies, cornerback Will Lee let the media know in his press availability yesterday that this A&M team is tired of hearing it as they shoot for high goals.
"Everybody's tired of seeing [people] saying that we're going to be an 8-4 team," he remarked after yesterday's practice. "It's really disrespectful... everyone is taking that on the heart."
Of course, whatever annoyance he and the rest of the team might find in these kind of predictions, there is a historical precedent there. The Aggies have been in the SEC since the 2012 season: since joining, they have finished the regular season with an 8-4 record six times.
Will Lee slams worn-out 8-4 narrative, claims Aggies have historic goals
That said, past performance is no indication of future results. It's not as though some curse is on this program where they can do naught but finish with 8 wins every regular season— they've had a few seasons well above and one season well below that mark.
Lee knows that even though this is the history of this team since joining the SEC, that each season adds to that history, and so the goal for this year is to begin to change it.
"Everyone is coming out here every day, working hard, and just trying to be the greatest team we can be, and change the history of Texas A&M football."
There's a lot of built-up disrespect towards this team that they will have a chance to disprove this upcoming year. Even though they've been consistently above average, no one expects them to break through except the fans in College Station— so it's time for them to put up this year.
The amount of promise this team is showing had better result in some tangible outcomes, however, or the disrespect will only continue. Lee and his teammates have the chance to bring those outcomes to bear— and with the season starting in one week, that time is coming soon.