Opinions, projections, conjecture, factoids amid 12 random thoughts with college football season approaching:
1. I probably shouldn’t say (write) this but…
In my opinion, Texas A&M has to replace the best running back the program ever had.
True, other Aggie backs rushed for more yardage than Devon Achane, who completed his A&M career with 2,376 yards.
But take a closer look.
Achane only had 369 carries — far less than A&M’s top backs.
He also averaged 6.4 yards per carry. That’s higher than the averages of Isaiah Spiller, Trayveon Williams, Cyrus Gray, Darren Lewis, Curtis Dickey, Greg Hill, Rodney Thomas, Bubba Bean and Leeland McElroy.
Further, Achane only had one season as the starting back. In his final two seasons, Achane ran behind average-at-best offensive lines. A&M also had erratic quarterback play, which enabled opposing defenses to key on the running game.
Speaking of opposing defenses, Achane, of course, competed primarily against rugged Southeastern Conference defenses.
Indeed, last season, he faced three defenses that ranked among the nation’s top 50. In those three games, he rushed for 388 yards and three touchdowns.
Had Achane gotten more attempts, run behind stronger lines, been complemented by a better passing game and against the caliber of defenses many other backs faced, he would’ve posted alarming numbers.
A&M did not fully capitalize on Achane’s astounding ability. Replacing him figures to be one of the most difficult tasks the Aggies face.
Except that…
2. It’s unfair to expect true freshmen to make a major impact... except at running back.
Three times since 2009 a true freshman has led Texas A&M in rushing. Christine Michael led with 844 yards in 2009. Trayveon Williams led with 1,057 yards in 2016, and Isaiah Spiller led with 946 yards in 2019.
Just saying… Rueben Owens.
3. Looking for A&M “break out” players in 2023? The bet here is Noah Thomas on offense and Bryce Anderson on defense.
Thomas only caught five passes as a freshman in 2022, but the 6-foot-6, 200-pounder has drawn raves throughout the offseason.
Anderson played well as Antonio Johnson’s backup last season. He’ll shine as a starter.
4. Is Feta the GOAT of cheese?
5. An experienced offensive line figures to boost A&M’s running game. Recent history shows that’s vital. Set 200 rushing yards per game as the mark A&M needs to average. In four SEC seasons in which the Aggies averaged 200 yards per game (or more), they were 37-12.
The only season of those four in which A&M did not win at least nine games was 2016.
That was the year A&M started 7-1 and was listed fourth in the first College Football Playoff rankings before losing four of its last five.
6. A&M trivia question: Name the only senior since A&M joined the SEC to lead the Aggies in rushing. (Don’t look it up. The Aggie honor system applies.)
7. The Big 12 is crowing over poaching Colorado from the Pac-12. Colorado has posted one winning record in the last 17 seasons. That’s like stealing from a garage sale.
8. It’s probably a matter of time before the Pac-12 blames its apparent demise on “East Coast bias.”
9. To continue dumping on the Pacifist 12 consider that after UCLA, USC and Colorado exit in 2024, the conference’s largest stadium is Washington at 72,500.
Six other stadiums seat fewer than 60,000. Compare that to the SEC, which has nine stadiums of at least 77,000 and only one — Vanderbilt (40,350) — that seats less than 60,580.
That illustrates the different levels of interest, which likely affects negotiations of upcoming television contracts.
By the way, the Pac-12 is at risk of losing Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Oregon and Washington, too.
10. The statistical categories A&M absolutely must increase are sacks and interceptions.
Last season, the Aggies posted their lowest totals in sacks (19) and interceptions (4) since joining SEC play.
For reference, consider every SEC championship since 2012 posted at least 31 sacks and at least 11 interceptions.
11. Boosting the above totals obviously would enhance A&M’s chances of adding non-offensive touchdowns.
The last two seasons indicate that’s vital.
A&M has scored a non-offensive touchdown in five of its last six SEC victories. Three came on fumble returns (two by Demani Richardson, one by Micheal Clemons). Ainias Smith scored on a 95-yard punt return against South Carolina in 2021. Devon Achane scored on a 96-yard kickoff return against Alabama in 2021.
12. Trivia answer: Tra Carson led the Aggies with 1,165 rushing yards in 2015.
