2014
Texas A&M
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Texas A&M lost some big-time talent to the NFL, but in the end, it wouldn’t be surprising if they finished with more wins than last season’s 9-4 record. Their offense loses Johnny Manziel, but should be more run-focused in 2014, while the defense can only improve from last year’s dismal performances.
Oddsmakers aren’t giving the Aggies much of a chance without Johnny Football. 5 dimes sportsbook has them listed at odds of 130 to 1 to win it all this year.
The quarterback competition will come down to freshman Kyle Allen or sophomore Kenny Hill. Allen looked to be the favorite in the spring, but there’s still time for that to change. While losing Manziel is going to hurt, the Aggies’ offensive line is going to be one of the best around. And when you throw in a multi-faceted rushing attack with Tra Carson, Trey Williams and Brandon Williams, expect a new-look offense this season. They lost Mike Evans and Derel Walker at wideout, but Malcome Kennedy and Ricky Seals-Jones can be factors.
It’s likely we won’t see over 4,500 passing yards from this team again, but the rushing yards will increase. Ben Malena led the running backs last year and he only had 551 yards.
The defensive side is the Aggies biggest question after they were one of the main reasons for losses and close Games last year. They return nine starters from a mostly new unit and bring in plenty more recruits which should bulk up the defensive line. Don’t expect this defense to be top of the SEC yet, but with experience and depth they won’t be as much of a walkover. Deshazor Everett is their top cornerback and the leader of the back seven. The linebacking core failed to do much last year, but again that’s what you get when you give multiple freshmen big minutes.
Texas A&M probably isn’t getting as much respect as they were a year ago due to Johnny Manziel gone, but this is a team that can fight in the SEC West.
Their opener against South Carolina will show a lot because the Gamecocks have plans of a SEC East title this season. The problem for the Aggies is that they have to travel to Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi State, and they could be underdogs in all of them. In those road Games, it’s going to come down to how their quarterback play is and right now, it’s hard to trust that. And then they still have to face Missouri and LSU to close out the season in November.
This team does have what it takes to reach nine wins again, but an unkind Schedule may see them reach less than that, although a bowl bid should still be secure.
2014 Texas A&M Football Schedule
Aug. 28 at South Carolina
Sep. 6 vs. LAmar
Sep. 13 vs. Rice
Sep. 20 at SMU
Sep. 27 vs. Arkansas (in Arlington)
Oct. 4 at Mississippi State
Oct. 11 vs. Ole Miss
Oct. 18 at Alabama
Nov. 1 vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Nov. 8 at Auburn
Nov. 15 vs. Missouri
Nov. 27 vs. LSU