Nevada's third game of the season will likely be their toughest test of the season. The Pack will travel to College Station to face off against Texas A&M for a 9am PT start.
But before we start talking about the football part, let's take a look at Texas A&M as a school.
Texas A&M was founded in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, but did not offer any classes in agricultural and mechanics. For a while, they required all students to take military training, leading to a slew of famous military alumni. The school name was changed to Texas A&M in 1963, with the A&M being a nod to the school's agricultural past. Famous alumni include YouTube sensation Dude Perfect, the trickshot artists, with over 6 million subscribers. On the other hand, there's Johnny Manziel, and, well.
So let's talk some football now.
Key Players:
Wide Receivers
Texas A&M features an electric group of wideouts, led by Josh Reynolds. Reynolds has good height and speed, and is also the holds the record of the most touchdown receptions in a single-season. They also feature Ricky Seals-Jones, a big, physical receiver that is a matchup nightmare. Speedy Noil (He's fast, right?) is dangerous in open space and has made some highlight-reel catches. Incoming freshman Christian Kirk profiles as a similar player as Noil and could see time in the slot this season.
DE Myles Garrett - Sophomore
As a true freshman, Garrett broke the SEC freshman sack record with 11.5 sacks. The record was previously held by this guy named Jadeveon Clowney, and he's done alright for himself. The A&M features a new defensive coordinator that should help take Garrett's game to the next level. The defensive line also features more depth this season, which allows more rotation to keep guys fresh. Nevada's OL will have their hands full with him.
Offense
After replacing Kenny Hill in November, rising sophomore quarterback Kyle Allen led the Aggies to an 8-5 finish, including wins over Auburn and West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl. Allen has a very strong receiving core around him, and the top three leading rushers from a year ago return as well. Last season, the o-line struggled for most of the season, and losing offensive line coach BJ Anderson doesn't help. While the line has potential, it could struggle early in the season, which is something Nevada would need to take advantage of if they have any hope of winning this game.
Defense
The Texas A&M defense is led by Myles Garrett and the defensive line. It will feature Garrett on the edge and four-year starter Julien Obioha moving inside to tackle. With the addition of the five-star true freshman Daylon Mack, the Aggies have the depth to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the game.
While the line is strong the linebacking core behind them is shaky for the Aggies. The starters, consisting of Otaro Alaka, Shaan Washington, and AJ Hilliard are all very good players, but they have battled injuries in the past, and have little depth behind them, forcing them to play a high percentage of snaps.
In the secondary, Howard Matthews and DeShazor Everett were first and second, respectively, on the team in tackles last season. Both graduated last season, leaving a big void. Armani Watts emerged as a potential star last season, but behind him, most of the DBs remain unproven.
Prediction
While Nevada may be able to make the game interesting, I just don't see Nevada winning. On both offense and defense, Texas A&M seems to have strengths where Nevada has weaknesses. Combine that with the 9am PT start and having to go and play at the redeveloped Kyle Field, and it may be too much for the Wolf Pack to handle.
If Nevada were to go into College Station and pull the upset, they would need consist pressure on Allen from their front seven on defense, and on offense, whoever starts at quarterback (probably Stewart) would need to have a big game throwing the ball.
Thanks to Rush Roberts at Good Bull Hunting for helping me get to know the Aggies.