It doesn't matter how many times I post this, or where, but the almost universally accepted Aggie belief that "Buzz teams start slow" is not quite true as a sweeping statement.
2019-20: First impressions are huge, and Buzz's first A&M team most definitely started slow. 3-5 start in the non con, 6-5 overall in the non con. Went 10-8 in conference, which was only the 3rd time in 10 years we won 10 or more in conference, so definitely started slow and finished "better" than we started. Fits the stereotype.
2020-21: Horrible lost Covid season, could throw it out really. But went 5-1 in the non con and 2-9 in conference. Didn't beat anyone of note in non-con, but only lost @ TCU and every other game was a large, comfortable win. Can't say we started slow and got better this year. Does not fit the stereotype.
2021-22: Went 11-2 in the non con, losses to Wisconsin and TCU in tourneys. Beat Butler, Notre Dame, New Orleans, Oregon State but not a stellar non con slate. went 9-9 in SEC with a disastrous 8 game losing streak in conference. But we did get red hot at end of year. So we had a solid start, stellar finish, with a big mid season slump. Does not fit the stereotype.
2022-23: Started slow, 2-2 start with bad Murray St and Colorado losses, and 8-5 overall in non con with Wofford loss. Finished back half red hot going 15-3 in conference and first NCAA bid for Buzz at A&M. Fits the stereotype.
2023-24: Played a much harder non con than typical, had a non con injury or two. Lost to #19 FAU, @ Virginia, @ #4 UH, and Memphis. But beat Ohio St, SMU, Penn St, Iowa State. Went 9-4 non con and then went 9-9 in conference with a 5 game losing streak late in the conference schedule. Does not fit the stereotype.
2024-25: For the first time under Buzz we lost the first game of the year. Who knows what awaits.
In 5 years I would only say twice did we start the season slow - either first handful of games or entire non con slate - and finish clearly stronger through conference play. There is another stereotype that could be considered equally as applicable - we have a devastating losing streak in conference. What might be a more true stereotype is that the Ags seem to play at their very best right at the VERY END of the year, like last few conference games onward into postseason. That has happened 4 of 5 years.