Not too early 2021 schedule breakdown
Some never too early game by game predictions. By: The Hammer
It’s the offseason. A time when every publication is putting out some sort of “Way too early top 25” or “way too early SEC power rankings” or some other random power ranking list they pull out of their rear end. Here at TJB, we say it’s never too early to be talking about Aggie football, and with the schedule being released recently, it’s prime time for discussion and debate. In case you missed it, here is the 2021 schedule:
9/4 - Kent State at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
9/11 - Texas A&M at Colorado (Mile High Stadium - Denver)
9/18 - New Mexico at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
9/25 - Arkansas vs Texas A&M (AT&T Stadium - Arlington)
10/2 - Mississippi State at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
10/9 - Alabama at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
10/16 - Texas A&M at Missouri (Faurot Field)
10/23 - South Carolina at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
10/30 - BYE
11/6 - Auburn at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
11/13 - Texas A&M at Ole Miss (Vaught Hemingway)
11/20 - Prairie View A&M at Texas A&M (Kyle Field)
11/27 - Texas A&M at LSU (Tiger Stadium)
What a great looking schedule. The first true road game, excluding neutral site games, is not until October 16th. And it’s at Mizzou, which no offense to them, is not a very intimidating environment. Then, the only other SEC road games we have are at Ole Miss and at LSU. You’re damn right that gets me pumped up. Getting both Alabama schools at home and not traveling to a difficult SEC East stadium is great. I might just predict the Ags to go unbeaten.
I’m half joking of course, but if you look hard enough you can convince yourself it’s possible. I like looking at this schedule a whole hell of a lot more than I did looking at the 2018 and 2019 ones. Having just three true road games on another school’s campus is rare. Obviously we have two neutral site games but Jerry World is always split evenly among Razorbacks and Aggies at least. Last few years it’s been much more Aggies as the Hogs wallowed around in the SEC basement. Plus, we always beat Arkansas so that game doesn't worry me.
Photo: Bailey Orr, Texas A&M Athletics
The game at Mile High should be really fun. I actually wish it was on Colorado’s campus cause that would be a much better away game road trip than Mile High in Denver. I always prefer getting to see the campus and tailgate scene of our opponents instead of playing at a neutral site. But having it at Mile High will give more Aggies a chance at tickets, and I imagine it ends up with a nearly 50/50 crowd. Us Texans love Colorado, especially in early September when it’s still hotter than hell in Texas, and flights to Denver are cheap. Cool weather, cheap flights, more places to stay, and a bigger stadium are all reasons more Aggies will make the trip. The Buffs dug their own grave with this one.
Apologies for burying the lede, but now it’s time to go game by game and project the winner, as is standard in the biz. Keep in mind these are piping hot takes so maybe throw on some sunglasses to avoid any burning sensation in the eyes.
Game 1 - Kent State: Win
Game 2 - Colorado: Win
Game 3 - New Mexico: Win
Game 4 - Arkansas: Win
Game 5 - Mississippi State: Win
Game 6 - Alabama: Win
Game 7 - Missouri: Win
Game 8 - South Carolina: Win
Game 9 - Auburn: Win
Game 10 - Ole Miss: Win
Game 11 - Prairie View: Win
Game 12 - LSU: Win
Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press
Yup 12-0. I have convinced myself we can pull it off as I write this. I’ll justify this more (and probably walk it back) at a later date as we get closer to the season, but right now I’m still high off the 9-1 season we just had. We have some pieces to replace, but not a ton. Offensive line and QB are the biggest question marks. The only game that’s a real stretch to say we win is Alabama. All others should be easy wins or at least have me leaning toward the Ags. But I'm sticking by that Bama prediction. I think we will get them next year. They lost EVERYONE. Yes, it’s Alabama and they reload every year. But you don’t lose three Heisman finalists, majority of the Joe Moore award winning offensive line, your offensive coordinator and many playmakers on defense and return to the same level immediately. They will still be a top 5 team and likely win 10 or 11 games. But I think they’ll take a step back from this past year where they beat everyone by double digits (except for Florida), and potentially had the greatest season in college football history. And guess what? The Aggies are a legit top 5 team as well. So buckle that chinstrap and mark your calendars because October 9th is going to be a grown ass man game. I can’t wait. Young, unproven Alabama against a veteran Aggie squad seething with anger and revenge after a 52-24 defeat kept them out of the playoffs in 2020. Let’s go.
#BTHOOffseason
