Fansided

10 games that will shape the 2019 College Football Playoff picture

By Jordan Alexis

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 09: Lamont Gaillard #53 of the Georgia Bulldogs gets ready to snap the ball during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 09: Lamont Gaillard #53 of the Georgia Bulldogs gets ready to snap the ball during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies rushes with the ball as Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers moves in for the tackle at Kyle Field on September 8, 2018, in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies rushes with the ball as Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers moves in for the tackle at Kyle Field on September 8, 2018, in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Week 2: Texas A&M at Clemson – Sept. 7

The defending national champion Clemson Tigers have plenty of remaining talent to repeat in 2019. But with the ACC being a pretty mediocre conference, their fiercest challenge seems to be their early rematch with the Texas A&M. Last year, Clemson won a very competitive game at Kyle Field and will now welcome the Aggies to death valley for round 2.

Trevor Lawrence will lead an explosive offense featuring speedster Travis Etienne and a dangerous wide receiver duo of Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross. On defense, they have to replace all four defensive line starters, but guys like Xavier Thomas seem ready to step up.

The Aggies finished 2018 strong winning a seven overtime marathon against LSU and dismantling NC State in their bowl game. Now they head into this season with what may be the toughest schedule in America. Jimbo Fisher continues to elevate the level of talent on the recruiting trail, but it is time to begin translating that into marquee wins. Quarterback Kellen Mond had some serious flashes in last year’s matchup with Clemson and seems primed to take the next step in 2019.

This is a massive game for both teams, but very different reasons. For Clemson, we discussed earlier the state of the ACC so Texas A&M may be the only high ranked team they face this season. Syracuse is their best bet, and maybe South Carolina if they survive their intense schedule, but the Aggies are easily the most prominent name.

If Texas A&M is going to turn the corner from good to great, this is precisely the type of statement road victory they need.