Power ranking the SEC after Media Days: Texas A&M football on the rise?

With fall camp imminent after the conclusion of SEC Media Days, it’s time for a final preseason power ranking—where does Texas A&M football land?
Jul 10, 2017; Hoover, AL, USA; The Southeastern Conference logo is shown on the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Winfrey Hotel during SEC media days at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Winfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2017; Hoover, AL, USA; The Southeastern Conference logo is shown on the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Winfrey Hotel during SEC media days at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Winfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports / Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Power ranking the SEC after Media Days: #3 Texas A&M Aggies

team. 535. . . Previous ranking: 3. . 3. . A&M.

Hey, speaking of tremendous upside! Yes, this a bit of a maximalist prediction here. But I have good reason for it!

In Bill Connelly’s preseason SP+ ratings, the Aggies come in at 13th overall. That’s counting the talent they’ve lost and gained via the portal, the production coming back to College Station, et cetera, et cetera. However, it’s also using historical data based off of a Jimbo Fisher offense and a DJ Durkin defense.

I’d take Mike Elko as a defensive mind over DJ Durkin every day and twice on Sundays. Same goes for Collin Klein versus Jimbo Fisher.

Point being, if the Aggies can utilize their talent in the way that this coaching staff has shown an ability to do with far less talented teams, then it will be frightening for other squads. This very well could be the best defensive line in the nation. The passing defense will be really good as well, I feel confident in saying.

It all comes down to the offense. The ability to run the ball will be absolutely key for this squad. If Klein and Cushing can get a passable performance out of this OL unit, this will be an exceedingly difficult offense to face. Oh yeah, and Conner Weigman will win the Heisman. Pencil it in!