2017 Alabama football opponents from worst to best: The Aggies from Texas
By Ronald Evans
Each Monday leading up to the 2017 Alabama football season we focus on a Tide opponent from the projected worst team to the best. No. 4 is Texas A&M
The rundown of the 2017 Alabama football season started with this report on the Mercer Bears. Then we covered Fresno State, Colorado State, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Arkansas and last week, Ole Miss.
2017 Alabama Football Opponents from Worst to Best
No. 12 – Mercer Bears
No. 11 – Fresno State Bulldogs
No. 10 – Colorado State Rams
No. 9 – Vanderbilt Commodores
No. 8 – Mississippi State Bulldogs
No. 7 – Tennessee Volunteers
No. 6 – Arkansas Razorbacks
No. 5 – Ole Miss Rebels/Black Bears
No. 4 – Texas A&M- October 7, College Station, TX
The definition of ‘worst’ or ‘best’ is viewed based on ‘when’ the opponent takes on Alabama football. Texas A&M in 2017 is, as it has been, an enigma. The Aggies could win anywhere from five to ten games in 2017. Four losses in the first seven games and Aggie coach Kevin Sumlin will be unemployed in mid-October.
We are compelled to acknowledge a fondness for Texas A&M. It is an appreciation that goes back to shared bonds with Paul Bryant and Gene Stallings. It is fondness strong enough to overcome our distaste for Johnny Manziel and The Weasel.
We hope Kevin Sumlin makes it at A&M, as long as it does not require an Alabama football loss to achieve it.
Texas A&M Strengths
The Aggie defense will be deeper and more experienced despite the loss of Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall. The defensive line will be one of the best in the SEC. John Chavis has not forgotten how to coach football. We expect the A&M defense to be improved in 2017.
The Aggies have a great offensive threat in Christian Kirk and receiver Jhamon Ausbon is a future star.
The other strength for Sumlin’s team could be its beleaguered coach. If the Aggies can take down UCLA the opening weekend and hold serve at home against Arkansas and South Carolina, the Alabama game could save Sumlin.
A 5-0 A&M team with a ‘backs-against-the-wall’ mentality, playing at home? Maybe that does not translate into an Aggie upset but it could become a tough contest.
Texas A&M Weaknesses
At this point, the Aggies do not have a quarterback. Whether the starter is Kellen Mond or Nick Starkel or even to the surprise of most Aggie fans, Jake Hubanak, A&M needs to rally behind someone soon. Not having a clear starter in August is a recipe for September and early October losses.
Until Chavis proves otherwise, the defense remains suspect. A more explosive Alabama football offense may overpower an improved Aggie defense.
Next: 30 Great Crimson Tiders who were 3-Star recruits
Here is a tip for Alabama fans that make the trip to College Station. Don’t miss the halftime show of the Aggie band. Risking heresy, we must say they are the best in the SEC.