Texas A&M vs. New Mexico State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the two Aggies.
Texas A&M vs. New Mexico State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the two Aggies.
When: Saturday, October 29 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Texas A&M was handed its first loss of the season by Alabama 33-14 in Tuscaloosa this past Saturday. The Aggies took the lead in the third quarter 14-13 but they wouldn’t score again.
New Mexico State fell to 2-5 on the season with a 22-19 loss to Georgia Southern. The Aggies had a 12-9 lead going into the final 15 minutes but two touchdown throws by Kevin Ellison led the Eagles’ comeback.
After a tough stretch that saw games against Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama, Texas A&M will get a little break when taking on the Sun Belt member Aggies. Trevor Knight struggled in the loss to Alabama, throwing for only 164 yards and two touchdowns while being picked off once. The lack of a running game didn’t help, as the Aggies gained only 114 yards on the ground. The Aggies should have their way against a New Mexico State team that allows 503.6 yards and 41.6 points per game.
The defense held in there for a while against Alabama, intercepting Jalen Hurts twice, but Hurts was able to score three times (two passing, one rushing) and keep drives alive with his arms and legs and the help of running back Damien Harris.
The offense gaining yards hasn’t been a problem for New Mexico State, but scoring points has, as the Aggies are No. 86 in the nation averaging 25.9 points per game. Finding room to move the ball against Texas A&M won’t be that hard, as the SEC Aggies give up 439.4 yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Rogers will have to be accurate with throws and stay away from big turnovers.
Offense: Texas A&M. Knight and running back Keith Ford form an explosive backfield.
Defense: Texas A&M. The Aggies of New Mexico State haven’t been able to stop anyone from scoring.
Special Teams: Texas A&M. The Aggies will look to get Speedy Noil back from concussion protocol to return kickoffs.
Coaching: Texas A&M. Kevin Sumlin should seriously be considered for SEC Coach of the Year.
Intangibles: Texas A&M. The Aggies need to rebound after their first loss.
Trevor Knight vs. New Mexico State pass defense
New Mexico State has had trouble defending the pass, allowing 258 yards per game through the air. Knight ranks fourth in SEC, averaging 237.7 yards per game.
Spread: Texas A&M -43.5
Over/Under: No line as of post
The Aggies get a reprieve from SEC play with this layup against New Mexico State. Texas A&M should be able to get a big lead early and rest some starters in the second half and start preparing for the stretch to end the season. Trevor Knight throws for at least three touchdowns in first half, the SEC Aggies control the line of scrimmage, and fans will resume tailgating right after The Fighting Texas Aggie Band does its magic at halftime.
Texas A&M vs. New Mexico State Score Prediction: Texas A&M 61, New Mexico State 17