Shortened 2020 schedule could enhance Aggies' hopes for a special season

Well before COVID-19 was part of the everyday dialogue — indeed, even before COVID-19 existed — the 2020 college football season was expected to be special for Texas A&M.

But then the Big Ten and Pac-12 announced the cancelation of non-conference games. The Big 12, ACC and the SEC are expected to soon follow that trend.

However, a reduced schedule may actually enhance A&M’s title aspirations.

The Aggies return eight starters on offense, including senior quarterback Kellen Mond. The defense — which was ranked among the nation’s Top 30 in 2019 — brings back even more experience.

The treacherous, unforgiving schedule of 2019 — in which the Aggies set a record by facing three top-ranked opponents — eased significantly. Road games against powerhouses Clemson and Georgia were supposed to be replaced by home games against struggling Colorado and Vanderbilt. Texas A&M’s Sept. 19 contest against Colorado was canceled last week.

Furthermore, several A&M opponents are entering the 2020 season with new coaches, new quarterbacks or both. Others have to substantially rebuild offensive lines or defenses.

All the factors seemed to be in place to allow the Aggies to emerge as bona fide contenders in the SEC West, which equates to bona fide contenders for the SEC championship, which equates to bona fide contenders for the national title.

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It’s possible that Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M could benefit from a shortened season.

That won’t change.

Indeed, a shortened schedule may actually benefit A&M. The Aggies are the SEC’s most experienced team. Therefore, they don’t figure to need as much time to iron out wrinkles as many of their opponents.

If the SEC omits non-conference games, the Aggies will open against Arkansas, which will be the Razorbacks’ first game under coach Sam Pittman and with new quarterback Feleipe Franks. The perennially-rebuilding Razorbacks might also have several starters making their major collegiate debut.

Next, A&M would face Mississippi State. That will be Bulldogs’ quarterback K.J. Costello’s second game running Mike Leach’s system. Mississippi State will also be in the process of rebuilding its defense and offensive line.

The Aggies’ third conference game is against Auburn, who must replace four starters along the offensive line and bolster its defense.

Cohesion is a significant factor in successful offensive line play. Auburn will have played three SEC opponents before A&M. Will that be enough to acquire sufficient cohesion in the offensive line, particularly against a solid A&M defensive front?

Maybe. But it’s a valid question.

A&M’s next three opponents would be South Carolina, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. Those teams combined for 11 victories in 2019, and in 2020, they don’t project to be much better. Vanderbilt and South Carolina could be worse, while Ole Miss is in its first season under coach Lane Kiffin.

TexAgs

A&M’s Nov. 21 date against Alabama is when the Aggies’ schedule really gets tough.

The Aggies close against powerhouses Alabama and LSU. A&M’s championship hopes always have and always will hinge on beating those teams.

Although the Crimson Tide and Bayou Bengals both have significant holes to fill — particularly at quarterback — they will likely find solutions to their issues before the Aggies face them late in the season. That’s still the case.

But they would have four fewer games to develop their quarterbacks and replace other holes.

That might not seem like much, but the Aggies will take any edge they can get against Alabama and LSU.

Nothing is assured, of course. Teams still have to play at a high level against rivals. Upsets must be avoided.

If the Aggies capitalize on their edge in experience, the 2020 football season could be extra special.