By Brendan Paschal 

Remember when Texas A&M was one of the best teams in the country, when they gave the University of Alabama their only loss in 2012, and when Johnny Manziel wasn’t in rehab? I do too. Kevin Sumlin does as well. However, it is impossible to have 11-2 season when you can’t win in the West. 

Preseason Preview: Texas A&M

Record: 7-5 (3-5) 

Kevin Sumlin could be on the hot seat this season if he does not pull out a couple of wins in the West. Last year the Aggies lost four of their six games to teams in the West, including Auburn who had a 2-6 record against SEC teams. Sumlin can’t afford to lose to “The Big Three”, (Ole Miss, LSU, and Alabama) like they have the past two years.

Aggies’ Biggest Strengths:

Defensive Ends: Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall are a scary duo. With nearly 20 sacks between the two they cause chaos in any backfield. Garrett has the ability to reach a quarterback before the play has a chance to develop. 

Receiving Core: Christian Kirk became a fan favorite as a freshman last year. With over 1,000 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns Kirk turned heads. However, he did not produce against teams in the West as well as expected, but looks to change something about that this year. Speedy Noil will hopefully make some big plays this season after coming off of several injuries. Ricky Seals-Jones, and Josh Reynolds also hope to step up as reliable hands.

Quarterback: Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight was a great pickup for the Aggies. Knight threw for 2,300 yards in 2014. Even though he lost his starting spot to Baker Mayfield it is hard to argue that Knight is not a talented quarterback. Knight is used to a pass dominant offense and will have weapons to throw to. The only hesitation I have is that it is a big jump from the Big 12 to the SEC.

Biggest Concerns: 

Special Teams: I immediately have flashbacks to the glory days of high school football when our head coach would remind us daily that special teams wins games. He could not be more right. You disagree? Just ask Dabo Swinney if special teams win games. 

The Aggies could be in trouble with their special teams. First of all, the special teams coach is suspended for half of August. Second of all, both their punter and kicker from last year are gone. Without a coach, the inexperience could be trouble early on in the season.

Linebackers: It’s dèjà vu all over again for Texas A&M. Injuries seem to hold back the potential these talented linebackers have. The best news for the Aggies is that Otaro Alaka finally returns from a season ending injury in 2015. He will need to remain healthy along with Shaan Washington and Richard Moore, who both missed spring practice due to injuries, to be able to help out Josh Walker in the middle. In order for the Aggies to stop run dominant teams, such as Alabama and LSU, they need the size that Alaka and Washington have.

Offensive Line:  As if having only two starters return wasn’t bad enough, offensive line coach Jim Turner is already in hot water with his suspension. Turner was fired from the Miami Dolphins after evidence pointed to his role involving the misconduct of tackle Jonathan Martin. Sumlin took a risk when he hired Turner, and it seems to have already come back to bite him. Turner was the ringleader in the degrading remarks towards women during their “chalk talk” in College Station. A second chance for Turner has resulted in another off the field issue of bullying. Sumlin continues to play with fire by keeping Turner on. There is simply no place for that type of behavior, and just because Turner is good at coaching offensive linemen it should not give him a free pass to abuse or degrade anyone. With only Avery Gennesy and Keaton Sutherland as returning starters, this offensive line does not need off the field fouls. 

Biggest Losses:

1. Kyle Allan – QB
2. Tra Carson – RB
3. De’Vante Harris – CB
4. Taylor Bertolet – K
5. Mike Matthews – C

Impact Players:

1. Myles Garrett – DE
2. Christian Kirk – WR/PR
3. Trevor Knight – QB
4. Armani Watts – FS
5. Speedy Noil – WR/KR

Biggest Game of the Year: at Auburn 

The Aggies play their first away game of the season in Auburn. The Tigers went 2-6 in the SEC last year; they lost to every team in the West except Texas A&M. Sumlin can’t let that happen again if he expects to keep his job.