Texas A&M heads back to Kyle Field for the final time before the Aggies host Tennessee on November 14, set to host The Citadel in what many consider the final “guaranteed win” of the season before heading to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama in Week 8. Through the first six games, the Aggies are 3-3 and 1-3 in SEC play, while the offense, led by first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and starting quarterback Marcel Reed, has been absolutely dreadful.
Coach Mike Elko’s third season at the helm has been disastrous: all three SEC losses were by 10 points or more, and the Aggies failed to score a touchdown against LSU or Missouri, managing just six points in both blowouts. It’s hard to find many, if any, positives for Texas A&M through the first half of the season, aside from several standout defenders.
Senior cornerback Dezz Ricks has been virtually perfect in coverage, aside from one bad game against LSU, while senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks has quietly dominated in the trenches as a run defender and interior pass rusher.
Texas A&M’s defense isn’t the issue, and while Mike Elko has stayed committed to starting Marcel Reed for the rest of the season, backup quarterback Brady Hart and freshman Helaman Casuga should see the field if the Aggies build an early double-digit lead.
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Before Saturday’s matchup, here are the Aggies Wire staff’s final predictions for Texas A&M vs. The Citadel in Week 7.
Cameron Ohnysty — Lead Writer
It’s hard to predict what Texas A&M’s offense will look like against an undersized, less-talented Citadel team after last Saturday’s 27-6 road loss to Missouri, and while Marcel Reed is expected to start, backup quarterback Brady Hart deserves a chance to prove his worth to the coaching staff.
Do I expect Reed to play better against an FCS team? Sure, but he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 2, even against a bad Arkansas. Despite A&M’s offensive line struggling against Missouri, the Aggies shouldn’t have much trouble running the ball, which should build a sizeable first-half lead.
The Citadel QB Quenton Hayes isn’t a threat in the passing game, and Texas A&M’s defensive line should shut down the Bulldogs’ running game, led by senior RB Gavin Garcia, making the visitors one-dimensional. Again, I would like to see Brady Hart get more snaps in this game, alongside freshman running back KJ Edwards, who is likely making his second start of the season. At this point, play your young players, Mike Elko.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, The Citadel 3
Jarrett Johnson — Contributor
Texas A&M should not have much trouble winning this game, but the performance still matters. The Aggies have scored only 12 points across their two road games and are coming off another uneven performance from Reed and the offensive line.
The Citadel led ETSU by 10 points before turnovers and special-teams mistakes cost them the game. A&M should have a significant advantage in talent and depth, especially as the game moves into the second half.
This is an opportunity for the Aggies to rebuild some confidence, establish the running game and get their younger players meaningful snaps. A&M should pull away comfortably, although the offense still has plenty to prove before its trip to Alabama.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, The Citadel 10
Dylan Flippo — Contributor
It’s too early to throw in the towel if you’re Texas A&M. There’s still plenty left to play for and opportunities along the way to regain confidence, get back on the right track and have a successful season, despite the three losses thus far.
Things certainly didn’t look great against Missouri. The offensive struggles continued, including Marcel Reed’s inaccuracy. However, this week you host your final non-conference opponent, which could give you an opportunity to test different quarterback situations.
Due to the unknowns at the position and what the Aggies could get in the coming weeks, it is integral for the offensive line to pave way for improvements in the run game. Rueben Owens II, KJ Edwards and Jamarion Morrow will all play a key role in Texas A&M grabbing a win over The Citadel on Saturday.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, The Citadel 7
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. The Citadel in Week 7