2012 Summer Football Opponent Preview: Texas A&M

Mississippi State vs Texas A&M - Saturday, November 3, 2012 - Starkville, MS

"The Snow Bowl" Commemoration

2011 Record: 7-6 (4-5 Big 12 / 6th)

2011 Bowl Game: Meineke Car Care Bowl: defeated Northwestern, 33-22

2011 Texas A&M Statistics

2012 Returning Starters: 13 (8 offense, 5 defense)

2012 Texas A&M Football Roster

2011 Opponent Season in Review

The Aggies didn't exactly go out with a bang in their final Big 12 season, but they were pretty damn close. They started out the season 5-2, but lost 4 of their next 5 before winning the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. Outside of their loss at Oklahoma (41-25) the Aggies other five losses came by a COMBINED 17 points, including overtime losses to Missouri and Kansas State...and a one point loss to Oklahoma St....and a two point loss to Texas (27-25) that finally got Mike Sherman axed.

Texas A&M hired Houston head coach, Kevin Sumlin, on December 10, 2011.

Who To Watch For (Offense)

Ryan Swope (WR - Sr., 6'0 / 206 lbs, Austin, TX)

Swope put up big numbers for the Aggies last season: 89 catches, 1,207 yards, and 11 touchdowns. And that was before Kevin Sumlin brought his pass-heavy offense to College Station. The problem will be figuring out who is going to throw him the ball. Ryan Tannehill is a Dolphin now (8th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by Miami), and his back-up, Jameill Showers, only attempted 5 passes last season. No matter who the quarterback is, there is no doubt they'll look to Swope often.

The Offensive Line -

Four starters return to an offensive unit that only allowed nine sacks in 13 games last year. The Aggies also finished 10th in the country in total offense (490 ypg) and set numerous school offensive records. Tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews are as good as anyone in the conference and should be first round NFL draft picks next spring.

Who To Watch For (Defense)

Sean Porter (LB - Sr., 6'2" / 230 lbs, Schertz, TX)

Porter makes a lot of plays from his outside linebacker spot. He was the best in the Big-12 with 9.5 sacks and a first-team all-conference selection last season.

Damontre Moore (DE - Jr., 6'4" / 250 lbs, Rowlett, TX)

The Aggies are dangerous off the edge with guys like Porter and Moore. Moore finished just behind Porter with 8.5 sacks of his own and led the team with 17.5 tackles for loss.

Game Prediction

Mississippi State 38 - Texas A&M 34

It would be pretty awesome if it snowed, right?