Tag: Pete Hernandez

Aggies Wire, Vols Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. Tennessee

Our writing staffs at Aggies Wire and Vols Wire have made out predictions for Texas A&M’s critical road trip to Tennessee on Saturday.

Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) will hit the road to face the Tennessee Volunteers (4-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as head coach Jimbo Fisher is in for one of the roughest environments the SEC has to offer.

Coming off of their bye week, Tennessee and head coach Josh Heupel has yet to find an offensive identity behind the big arm of quarterback Joe Milton, but this unit can score more than 30 plus points at any given week. In contrast, Texas A&M’s Week 6 loss to Alabama created more questions than answers, specifically concerning the Aggies’ secondary and offensive line.

However, this game starts and stops with Jimbo Fisher, who hasn’t won a ranked road game since 2016 or an SEC road game since 2021 against Missouri. To change the narrative surrounding the program, it starts with a solid showing of Knoxville.

Texas A&M’s dominant pass rush and stellar linebacker play have been a consistent bright spot despite the offense’s failure to sustain drives as of late, leaving signal caller Max Johnson’s SEC experience crucial to the Aggies’ future success, especially on the road.

Ahead of the matchup with the Volunteers, we at Aggies Wire have provided several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game. At the same time, Our Staff and Vols Wire have made our predictions ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Aggies Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. Alabama

Our Staff at Aggies Wire have predicted just how things may shake out during Texas A&M’s pivotal Saturday’s afternoon matchup vs. Alabama.

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) will face its biggest test of the 2023 season thus far, as Alabama (4-1, 2-0 SEC) comes to College Station in front of what should be a sold-out Kyle Field.

In a game that will likely be won in the trenches, the Aggie’s surging defensive line hopes to continue wreaking havoc in the backfield, as Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s strong arm duel-threat ability poses a challenge for Texas A&M’s secondary, ranked 9th nationally in passing yards allowed.

The bottom line is that this is a monumental game for Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher, who, after going 5-7 and 2-6 in the SEC last season, knows that to solidify his future standing with the program, winning and winning against top tier SEC competition at a consistent rate will act as his judge and jury.

Ahead of the matchup with the Crimson Tide, a game that seemingly always frustratingly comes down to the final game, we at Aggies Wire have provided several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game. At the same time, Our Staff has made our predictions ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Cameron Ohnysty, Managing Editor: 

“The SEC West has been chaotic and simply underwhelming through five games this season, but for Texas A&M and Alabama, LSU’s defensive collapse against Ole Miss provided a huge opportunity to establish division supremacy this weekend. 

Both are on similar hot streaks, at least record-wise, winning three in a row while reaching a 2-0 mark in the SEC, as both teams have dominated defensively. At the same time, Aggies quarterback Max Johnson has kept the offensive ship afloat after Conner Weigman’s season-ending injury. On paper, Texas A&M is just as talented or even more talented than the Tide, but in the last two seasons, neither team has truly dominated the series, splitting their previous two meetings. 

Flip-flopping back and forth for most of the week, Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe’s potential hamstring issue combined with an offensive line allowing a sack 15.6% of the time will go against an Aggie defensive front that’s recorded 14 sacks and 30 tackles for loss in their last two games. Something has to give, so I’m taking the Ags in a tight one.” 

Final Score: Texas A&M 24, Alabama 21

Pete Hernandez, Staff Writer: 

“This is the big one and will be the first indicator of whether Texas A&M is on the precipice of huge success. The last two games between these two have been tight, and I think we see a similar scenario come Saturday.

Whether Jalen Milroe is fully healthy or not, Alabama will count on the ground game to be physical with the Aggies. But the latter’s defense is playing their best ball as of late, and with a more proven offense, will grind out a close win at home.”

Final Score: Texas A&M 26, Alabama 23

Jarrett Johnson, Staff Writer: 

“At the beginning of the season, I had the Aggies falling to Alabama 27-34, but after watching the game last weekend, I changed my mind. The Texas A&M defense has a golden opportunity to show that last week’s performance was no fluke.

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe is a more dangerous running threat than KJ Jefferson. However, he is lacking in the passing game, which should allow the Aggies to load the box. I see Max Johnson having a rough game against a tough defense but pulling through to help lead the offense to another 30-point game with the help of the defense giving him an extra possession or two.”

Final Score: Texas A&M 34, Alabama 27

Texas A&M will host No.10 Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT, inside Kyle Field (TV: CBS).

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Aggies Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

Our Staff at Aggies Wire have predicted just how things may shake out during Texas A&M’s Saturday afternoon SEC matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks

Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) is set to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday afternoon amid the recent loss of starting quarterback Conner Weigman, whose season-ending prognosis was revealed on Wednesday morning to the shock of many after the initial belief that a then diagnosed ankle injury would only sideline him for a short time.

Nevertheless, veteran quarterback Max Johnson’s SEC experience brings tremendous value to the starting lineup, while his noted arm strength seen throughout his collegiate career provides only a small drop-off from the skill set Weigman displayed in three full games this season.

Within the Aggies’ 27-10 win over Auburn last Saturday, Johnson took over for Weigman in the second half, engineering a 21-7 run that included two touchdown passes to his brother, tight end Jake Johson, and a 37-yard beauty to wide reliever Evan Stewart. While Texas A&M’s elite defensive performance, which included seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss, stole the show, Aggies fans can at least feel confident that Max Johnson is good enough to start for nearly every other SEC program this season.

Ahead of the matchup with the Razorbacks, a game that seemingly always frustratingly comes down to the final game, we at Aggies Wire have provided several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game. At the same time, Our Staff has made our predictions ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Cameron Ohnysty, Managing Editor: 

“Suffice to say this may be the most frustrating matchup on Texas A&M’s schedule, as Arkansas under Sam Pittman has continued the annoying tradition of playing their best football against A&M while the Aggies always seem to play down to every Hogs team they face year after year. This year, things may come down to Arkansas signal-caller K.J. Jefferson vs. Texas A&M’s secondary.  

The season-ending loss to quarterback Conner Weigman was a gut punch to the fanbase and program alike. Still, backup Max Johnson has the tools and experience to get the job done and keep the Aggies on track to accomplish their goals to rebound from the disastrous 2022 campaign.

While the run game may have an issue gaining ground against the Razorback’s Top 20 rushing defense, their susceptible secondary, averaging 8.4 yards allowed per pass attempt, is a stat Aggies offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is well aware of, likely utilizing Johnson’s arm strength early and often.

Defensively, Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin still needs to prove his worth. After an impressive seven-sacks performance against Auburn due to enhanced blitzing, a similar game plan should yield positive results. I’m taking the Ags in a close one, so prepare for another anxiety-induced roller coaster ride!”

Prediction: Texas A&M, 31, Arkansas 28

Pete Hernandez, Staff Writer: 

“Given that six of the last ten matchups between these two teams have been decided by single digits, I’m going to say we get another thrilling chapter of the Southwest Classic. The Aggies will face one of their toughest quarterbacks yet in KJ Jefferson, who has no shortage of experience in making A&M’s defense work in stopping the run.

While I believe A&M’s offense is in more than good hands with Max Johnson, he is more of a pocket passer, which contrasts with Conner Weigman’s ability to throw while on the move. I think reality will shake things up a bit, resulting in the Aggies being a bit more surgical on offense. It may come at the expense of some big plays, but if it leads to a win, I’ll take it.

If anything, I think the defense will step up once again while A&M’s running backs work to control the tempo. A&M will fend off the Razorbacks for another close win in this storied rivalry.”  

Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Arkansas 24

Jarrett Johnson, Staff Writer:

“With Conner out and Max starting, I don’t think it changes the offense that much overall, as Bobby Petrino will still put Max in the best position to get the ball to the playmakers. So, I do not believe they will struggle to put up another 30-point game on the season.

I have concerns this week with the defense trying to keep a lid on KJ Jefferson. In the past, the main goal would be to try and make Jefferson beat you with his arm; however, this season, Jefferson seems slightly more polished, and it touted a 70.4 completion with nine touchdowns.

However, even with Jefferson looking better and a possible return of Sanders, it will not be enough to outscore the Aggies due to a defense that is not perfect, but after some changes in the scheme last week looks much better.

Not much has changed from my prediction other than that instead of the Aggies driving down the field for the game-winning field goal, the Aggie defense will stop the Razorbacks from getting to field position late in the fourth, leading to a turnover on downs.  That will allow the Aggies to take a few kneel-downs for a hard-fought victory at Jerry’s World.”

Prediction: Texas A&M 30, Arkansas 27

Texas A&M will now travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. CT., and air on the SEC Network, as Max Johnson will make his first start of the 2023 season.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Aggies Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. Auburn

Our Staff at Aggies Wire have predicted just how things may shake out during Texas A&M’s Saturday afternoon SEC opener vs. Auburn

Texas A&M (2-1) may not be completely removed from its 48-33 loss to Miami; as they say, time heals all, and after blowing out UL Monroe 47-3 last Saturday, Jimbo Fisher’s squad at least exercised some demons ahead of hosting Auburn this Saturday afternoon to open SEC play.

Unsurprisingly, sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman stole the show once again, throwing for 337 yards and a touchdown with dead-set accuracy, hitting 25/29 of his targets for a nearly record-setting 86% completion rate. With wide receiver Evan Stewart out, Ainias Smith (7 rec, 127 yards) and Jahdae Walker (5 rec, 110 yards, 1 TD) showed up and showed out, while the Aggies’ up-and-down defense held the Warhawks to three points and only 95 passing yards (all in the first half).

Looking to get off to a hot start against an Auburn team looking to pull an SEC upset, this game is vital from a momentum perspective and perhaps Jimbo Fisher’s long-term future at the helm.

Providing several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game, Our Staff have made our predictions ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Cameron Ohnysty, Managing Editor

“Under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze, the Tiger’s identity is still unknown, but with an experienced defense that will look to pressure Weigman early while challenging him in the passing game, the Aggies will have their hands full but still hold the advantage on offense by a large margin. 

Defensively, the Aggies’ showed more effort and physicality compared to their lackadaisical showing against Miami, and even though the pass rusher was still an issue, defensive end Shemar Turner has begun to find his footing after recording this third sack in three games. 

Conner Weigman’s recent press conference appearance in which he discussed last year’s ugly loss to Auburn and what he has learned since has eased the mind of most Aggie fans who are still hesitant to believe that things will turn around. Suppose the Aggies’ offensive line holds, and The Payton Thorne/Robby Ashford combination is at least managed defensively. In that case, I’m giving Texas A&M the nod and a solid first showing to defend home turf and send a message to the rest of the SEC West.”

Final score: Texas A&M 31, Auburn 24

Pete Hernandez, Staff Writer: 

“The Aggies mustered just 215 yards of offense with four turnovers generated between these two teams late last season. Thankfully, both of these teams look improved to start 2023, which means we should expect a highly competitive game.

While I believe A&M has the QB advantage with Conner Weigman playing arguably the best ball in the SEC, that’s not to say the Tigers will roll over easily. In particular, I think the tandem of Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford could at least give the Aggies some trouble, namely the latter. Ashford flashed his ability to make some plays with his legs, which I think spells trouble for A&M on the edge as they have easily given up contain on numerous occasions.

Texas A&M has too much talent and an innovative play-caller in Bobby Petrino, which means they should win their first SEC matchup of the season. Just don’t expect it to be a blowout win, and there’s a chance that the Aggies could fail to cover the spread.”

Final score: Texas A&M 30, Auburn 23

Jarrett Johnson, Staff Writer: 

“After a poor offensive outing last year, I expect a much-improved showing. Conner Weigman has been hitting on all cylinders with Bobby Petrino and the wideouts. The Aggies will extend their 30-point-scoring streak to four games this season, putting up 37 points with another strong day through the air.

I do believe the defense will struggle again; however, I’m convinced DJ Durkin will make some scheme tweaks for this game. Between Auburn QB Payton Throne and RB, Damari Alston will give Aggie’s front seven a lot to think about in the ground. They cannot have the same type of performance as week two and must show that improvements have been made in the past 14 days.

I made this game a little bit closer than my original prediction, but I am still trying to find the balance between how much the offense can carry this team while the defense figures things out against level competition. However, the Aggies will still win, and Kyle Field can breathe a sigh of relief for one more week.”

Final score: Texas A&M 37, Auburn 30

Texas A&M will host the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m., where it will air on ESPN.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Aggies Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. UL Monroe

Our Staff at Aggies Wire have predicted just how things may shake out during Texas A&M’s Saturday afternoon showdown vs. UL Monroe.

Texas A&M’s lackluster defensive performance against the Miami Hurricanes last Saturday resulted in a 48-33 road beatdown at the hands of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who passed for 374 yards and five touchdowns through the air, torching the Aggies’ secondary who consistently failed to tackle, allowing 8.4 yards per play.

On a positive note, sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman showed out once again, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns in one of the toughest performances we’ve seen from an Aggie quarterback in quite some time, and even though Miami blitzed Weigman on 33 of his 57 dropbacks, he avoided getting sacked, which is simply incredible while watching the tape.

While second-year D-coordinator D.J. Durkin is certainly under fire for the defense’s performance, the players need to step up, and this weekend’s home matchup vs. UL Monroe is a chance to “get right” and clean up their mistakes while sending a message on the scoreboard against an inferior opponent before SEC play begins.

Providing several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game, Our Staff have made our predictions ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Cameron Ohnysty, Managing Editor:

“I’m choosing to live in a world where last weekend’s ugly showing was simply a blip on the radar, but that doesn’t mean Jimbo Fisher’s coaching seat isn’t heating up week to week. Yes, second-year defensive coorinator D.J. Durkin deserves most of the blame after the defense’s atrocious performance, problems always rise to the top.

This week, UL Monroe, who despite ranking 192nd in passing offense ranked 8th in the country on the ground with 246 rushing yards per game, so even though the Aggies’ run defense has steadily improve, last week’s undwhelming showing must dominate against in trenches and consistently impose their will. While Texas A&M’s struggling secondary will likely have a realtivly easy day, tackling in the open field must improve.

Offensively, quarterback Conner Weigman’s performance against Miami provided a glimpse into his very bright future, and after being harrased in the pocket for most of the afternoon, the offenisve line should be able to take care of the Warhawks pass rushers, while, aggreeing with Pete, the Aggies passing attack should yield results, which will hopefully include more looks to Ainias Smith and Moose Muhammad III.

Receiving more criticim for an early out of conference loss that Alabama’s ten point home defeat to Texas, I expect the Aggies to readily respond with at least 40 points and three or more sacks on defense. It’s time to reset, and refocus.”

Prediction: Texas A&M 45, UL Monroe 13

Pete Hernandez, Staff writer: 

“There’s no skirting around it, Texas A&M was punched in the mouth last week against a good Miami team. It underscored the areas that needed to be addressed, and the good news is they can tighten things up immediately. The question is, will they illustrate that against a team they should handily beat in UL Monroe?

I say they will, and look for both the offense and defense to be more efficient and play with discipline. I think we’ll get a better display from the offensive line, creating a clean pocket for Conner Weigman to unleash the passing attack. Additionally, the secondary won’t be nearly as tested, but, they should tackle better in space compared to last week’s lackluster performance.

Given all the noise this week, and with the chip on their shoulder, A&M should easily dominate by double-digits. I’m looking for contributors like Ainias Smith and Moose Muhammad III to get more heavily involved, as they should.”

Prediction: Texas A&M 48, UL Monroe 10

Jarrett Johnson, Staff writer: 

I’m sticking with my original prediction for this game simply because I do believe this team is different and will not be allowed to go into a funk. The Miami game did confirm a few concerns I had about this team, but the Aggies just have too much talent to let this game be competitive once they are mid-way through the second quarter. The last time these two teams met Jimbo was two games into his first season as head coach and just dropped a heartbreaker to a very good ACC team in Clemson.

The situation is a little different as back then, the 1-1 record looked very promising early in the Jimbo era. Today, this 1-1 is concerning but not alarming just yet, as the defensive execution and scheme need to look impressive against the Warhawks. However, if it’s late in the third quarter and the defense has a repeat performance of the Miami game, we are in for a long season with Durkin eventually getting sent down the ole dusty trail.

None of that will matter on Saturday because UL Monroe will not be able to stop the Aggies on special teams or the offense. Conner will continue to feed Thomas and Evans for multiple touchdowns, and I predict Ainas Smith will return a punt for a TD before the clock hits triple zeros.

Even though it is obvious the defense has areas to fix, Saturday will be a repeat of the New Mexico game with a few early worries but will shut them down before any real momentum builds. My prediction for the defense is Walter Nolen with get a strip-sack and Cooper with scoop it for a score.

Prediction: Texas A&M 50, Monroe 10

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Aggies Wire Staff Predictions for Texas A&M vs. Miami

Here are our predictions of how Texas A&M’s road trip to Miami will shake out on Saturday afternoon.

We’re just one sleep away from Texas A&M’s Week 2 road test vs. Miami, and after a full week of in-depth coverage to prepare you for what should be a very exciting and likely anxiety-inducing contest that could set the fate of Jimbo Fisher’s future with the program.

Dramatic enough? The Aggies are well equipped to take on the Hurricanes on both sides of the ball, as starting quarterback Conner Weigman is the present and the future for the Maroon & White. After throwing for five touchdowns in Texas A&M’s 52-10 opening season win, this is just the start of what could be a magical season.

Providing several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game, We at Aggies Wire have made our predictions, and let’s say we’re pretty confident that Texas A&M will get the job done, on the road no less.

Cameron Ohnysty, Managing Editor:

“Miami Head Coach Mario Cristobal is determined to change the narrative surrounding the program after matching Texas A&M’s 5-7 record in 2022, as the season took a horrible turn after coincidentally falling to the Aggies 17-9 in last year’s Week 3 matchup. With a clean slate and returning quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who thrives in the intermediate passing game, back at the helm, things are looking up… for now. On Saturday, if the Aggies’ defensive line fails to stop the run and lets Van Dyke and running back Henry Parrish Jr. set the tone early, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a shootout.”

Texas A&M, who, as you all know by now, defeated New Mexico 52-10 to open the season behind a potent offense as new OC Bobby Petrino has made it known that his “feed the studs” mantra has come to fruition, and will continue throughout the 2023 season. On Saturday, the matchup is simple: For Conner Weigman to thrive in the pocket and find a rhythm in the passing game, the offensive line must hold up against a stout Hurricanes defensive front, while Miami safety Kam Kinchens is by far this biggest threat in the passing game, I’d have to agree with my colleague Pete Hernandez that the Aggies’s elite receiving options including Evan Stewart, Noah Thomas, Ainias Smith, Moose Muhammad III, and Jahdae Walker present a huge challenge for an otherwise young defensive backfield.”

Final Score: Texas A&M, 35, Miami, 28

Pete Hernandez, Staff Writer:

“Last season, Texas A&M outlasted Miami 17-9 in a defensive struggle that saw both teams struggle to throw the football. As for the sequel coming Saturday, I expect both teams to flip the script regarding how they move the ball through the air. The Hurricanes’ short to intermediate passing game should be fully displayed with a seasoned passer in Tyler Van Dyke.

That should be an intriguing contrast to the Aggies’ method of stretching the field with sophomore Conner Weigman looking deep. It could very much come down to whether Jimbo Fisher or Mario Cristobal will commit to playing aggressively. Both are veteran coaches who like to control the temp and lean on their defenses, but as we saw last week, Fisher and Petrino seem to be in sync regarding going for the kill on offense.

I don’t think Kam Kinchens in the secondary will be enough to stop the Aggies’ “pick your poison” wide receiver group. Texas A&M’s offensive line should put together a convincing performance against the Hurricanes’ front seven. It won’t be a blowout like last week, but a convincing win over a more competitive opponent moves Texas A&M to 2-0 and adds more support to their rebound campaign efforts.

Final score: Texas A&M 31, Miami 23

Jarrett Johnson, Staff Writer:

“While the Texas A&M defensive held the New Mexico Lobos to under 100 yards and below a 3.0 average there still seems to be a leaking on that side of the ball. Miami can run the ball and has a veteran quarterback who has a strong grasp of the system. Due to that, I believe the Hurricanes will succeed where the Lobos failed by sustaining long drives that result in points. Now you would think that would lead to a Miami victory, but it won’t. Bobby Petrino is going to open the offense this week after allowing them to just shy of 40 points and give the Aggies a 7-point victory.”

Final Score: Texas A&M 34, Miami 27

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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