JR’s top 25 - #10 Texas A&M

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Monday, August 15, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Texas A&M Aggies are worthy of a top 10 finish this year, and everyone in College Station expects it. It was only a few short years ago when a young freshman named Reggie McNeal dazzled fans at home as he drove the Aggies to a 30-26 win over Oklahoma. An injury in the following week would leave Aggie fans wondering what type of talent they had.
2003 looked great, as McNeal looked to be healthy and fans raised their expectations. Unfortunately a weak O-line forced a lot of quick passes, and McNeal got happy feet.
In 2004 the Texas A&M Aggies lost the opener to Utah, which in hindsight was expected, but then won 6 straight until an unsettling loss to Baylor. The season ended with a Cotton Bowl loss to Tennessee.

Now it's 2005 and McNeal is a senior. Nine offensive starters return and every position seems to be strong. They do lose 1st team Big 12 receiver Terrence Murphy, but the other returning receivers are solid. The O-line should be experienced, although they do lose Hangartner to the draft. This line should give McNeal enough time to think about his options.

The defense returns eight starters, including 1st team Big 12 free safety Jaxson Appel. There are a few losses to contend with, but the guys coming up are just as capable as those they replace.

The Texas A&M Aggies have a fairly easy out of conference schedule, which should allow them to ready themselves for Big 12 play. I could see a two or three loss season, but don't be surprised if the Aggies come out of Norman with a win this year!
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