Texas A&M is gearing up to take on Arizona State this weekend, and the more this matchup shapes up, the more it looks like it will be a blowout in favor of Mike Elko's squad. Texas A&M is heavily favored already via Vegas lines, and that's for a good reason.
Will this thing actually turn into a blowout, though, or are the Aggies just a paper tiger? Fans should expect a big win out of Texas A&M this Saturday— here are three reasons why.
Texas A&M can blow out Arizona State on Saturday for three reasons
Line of scrimmage advantages
There's really no question that the Aggies have more talent on both lines of scrimmage than do the Sun Devils. ASU is no slouch— they're certainly better than Missouri State— but this is also far from the toughest challenge that the Aggies will face in the 2026 season.
The Aggie offensive line had a few snafus this past Saturday, but were able to get things under control in the second half. This will be a stiffer test for them, and fans will be watching closely to see if the improvement from last week has carried over to this one, but just from a skill perspective, Marcel should have more than enough time and the run game should be able to feast.
The defensive line for Texas A&M should be patently dominant here. Arizona State had some issues with the Morgan State defense, so the Aggies should have success— though Dillingham's plan is likely to try to get the ball out as quickly as possible, so this may not manifest as a lot of sacks or TFLs.
Stifling secondary
The Aggies' corners will have an early test here thanks to the fact that Arizona State's receiving corps is their most talented unit, but A&M has the men for the job. Dezz Ricks and Julio Humphrey both looked the part in game one; ASU will test them down the field, but these two are ready for that challenge.
Most of the Sun Devils' yards came after the catch in game one, so the Aggies will need to stick close and get the safeties involved in a big way. Though he missed game one, this could be a big opportunity for Tawfiq Byard if he gets back on the field; you can already see him laying the lumber against any ASU player in his sights that catches the ball short.
This will be a fun battle to watch, but especially in an environment like Kyle Field, the Aggies should have the advantage. Elko's defensive schemes might just turn Cutter Boley's brain into mush if he decides to turn up the intensity.
Kyle Field effect
It's never worked out for an opponent to downplay or discount the effect that Kyle Field has on a game, but that's exactly what Jalen Moss for Arizona State just did yesterday. Name-dropping the Big House is probably impressive to non-ball-knowers, but the Home of the 12th Man is in a different category of stadium than Michigan.
It will be an early game, and it will be very hot, but that has never deterred the Aggie faithful before. There's no doubt that they will get there early and ratchet up the intensity every time ASU has the ball— and that's something you just can't prepare for in practice.
The home environment, combined with what Mike Elko can do with his defensive schemes, will give the Aggies a huge early advantage. I expect to see them press that advantage to the tune of a massive halftime lead, thanks in large part to the 12th Man.
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