Texas A&M couldn’t have asked for a much better statistical beginning to the season.
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The Aggies crushed Missouri State 50-0 and allowed only 67 total yards, but Saturday’s visit from Arizona State represents an enormous increase in difficulty.
Quarterback Marcel Reed gives Texas A&M an experienced leader capable of hurting defenses both through the air and with his legs. The Aggies should also have enough offensive weapons to challenge Arizona State vertically, but the offensive line is something to watch. A&M allowed two sacks and had difficulty at times handling twists and stunts against Missouri State. Arizona State’s defensive front should provide a much more sophisticated test.
Arizona State arrives with plenty of offensive confidence after destroying Morgan State 70-0. Quarterback Cutter Boley threw for 387 yards and six touchdowns, immediately demonstrating why the Aggies cannot treat this as another tune-up.
The matchup I’m watching is Arizona State’s offense against Texas A&M’s defensive front. T.J. Searcy, Marco Jones, Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson give the Aggies multiple ways to generate pressure. If A&M can pressure Boley without repeatedly bringing extra defenders, Arizona State will have difficulty duplicating its Week 1 fireworks.
Home field also matters. Kyle Field will be a much different environment for Arizona State than its opener.
This game should tell us considerably more about Mike Elko’s team than the 50-0 opener did. A&M has playoff aspirations, and this is exactly the sort of nonconference game a playoff team needs to control at home.
Arizona State has enough offensive talent to make things uncomfortable, but I like A&M’s defense and the Aggies’ ability to control the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 17
