There’s never a wrong time for early college football predictions, with topics ranging from contenders to probable playoff clashes.
247Sports laid out their projected postseason bowl matchups coming out of spring football, and while there are plenty of external factors (e.g. rights holders and bowl organizers) in play when it comes to where teams are situated, chances are if your team is deserving of a bid, you’ll get to play in the postseason.
And with that in mind, 247Sports projects Texas A&M will go head-to-head with TCU in this year’s iteration of the Texas Bowl.
The Aggies last played in the Texas Bowl in 2019, which resulted in a 24-21 win over Oklahoma State. Quarterback Kellen Mond completed 13-of-19 pass attempts for 95 yards and one touchdown. On the ground, he tallied 12 carries for 117 yards and one rushing score, while running back Isaiah Spiller chipped in with 19 carries for 77 yards and one rushing touchdown.
The Maroon and White have appeared in 42 bowl games throughout school history with a record of 20-22. Of those bowl appearances, only two have come by way of the Texas Bowl, with the other back in 2016 (a 33-28 loss to Kansas State).
The Texas Bowl has been held annually since its inception in 2006, and each year has taken place at NRG Stadium (previously known as Reliant Stadium), which is the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans. The bowl replaced the defunct Houston Bowl, which was played annually from 2000 to 2005, and before that the Bluebonnet Bowl. The game features one participating school each from the SEC and Big 12 conferences.
While the Aggies surely have their sets on a hopeful College Football Playoff appearance, a matchup between Texas A&M and TCU would represent a clash of two notable programs from the SEC and Big 12.
The Maroon and White boast one of the most talent-laden rosters in the country, led by an established head coach in Jimbo Fisher and one of the most innovative play-callers in offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. The Aggies also boast a plethora of talent on the defensive side of the ball that ranked top 25 in opposing scoring last season (21.2 PPG allowed).
In facing the Horned Frogs, A&M would be matching up against a program that made a historic appearance in the national championship game in 2022. It’s safe to say the hype builds itself when pitting these two against each other.
With the season just months away, time will tell how the Aggies 2023 campaign plays out. Here’s to hoping it ends with a ticket back to the postseason for the Maroon and White.
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 Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee
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