Texas A&M football will finally kick off their season in only a few hours when they host the UTSA Roadrunners at 6 PM CT. With kickoff so close, here are a few final things Aggie fans should be watching for in this one.
Final Texas A&M vs. UTSA Predictions: Marcel balls out
The dynamic combination of ground game and passing that Reed brought to the table last year immediately had fans excited, but the apparent limitations on his passing ability were concerning. He overcame those down the stretch and emerged as a guy who could run the offense impressively— but the lack of explosion was still concerning.
I think we see him pick up some huge chunks on the ground and through the air tonight. Watch KC Concepcion and Mario Craver down the field— that deep passing ability from Reed should tell us a lot about what to expect this season.
Final Texas A&M vs. UTSA Predictions: Aggies are buzzing about Ashton Bethel-Roman
ABR has gotten so much hype this offseason from insiders and the coaching staff that it's hard to know just what to expect out of him in this first game that's not unfair. I doubt he piles up 200 yards or anything, but seeing him get some regular targets and make some downfield catches would go a long way towards validating some of the excitment around him.
Whatever ends up happening in particular, I think A&M fans are talking about him a lot— in a positive way— by the time the game is over. He's set up to be a big part of this passing attack this year, and I think fans will see why by the time the game is over.
Final Texas A&M vs. UTSA Predictions: Starters are out by fourth quarter
Though UTSA is no pushover by Group of Five standards, I think A&M has enough of a handle on this one to pull the starters by the time the fourth quarter begins. The Roadrunners will have an offense to be reckoned with, but the gap will just be too great by that point.
Health is the most important thing with Notre Dame looming in game three, so the Aggies don't need to mess around here. It may end up with a lower final score than some A&M fans would like, but it's for the best.