Texas A&M Football: 5 bold predictions for the Aggies in 2020

Competing in the SEC is no walk on the park but the Texas A&M Aggies could be in for a big year and here’s what could happen along the way.

In his first two seasons as the Texas A&M Aggies head coach, Jimbo Fisher was performed well but has many asking when will the Aggies make the jump from average to elite. Since his takeover in 2018, Texas A&M has posted a 17-9 overall record, a 9-7 SEC record, and has picked up two consecutive bowl wins in the Gator and Texas Bowl. Of those nine losses, eight of those losses have come at the hands of Clemson (x2), Alabama (x2), Auburn (x2), LSU, and Georgia. So the Aggies have not picked up a signature win but have taken care of business everywhere else.

Now the success of the Aggies may not jump right off the page but there has been some progress in these past two years. The Aggies have been recruiting extremely well and the development of those players started to show in 2019. So what does 2020 have in store for the Aggies?

The Aggies schedule could see them post a 10-win season but has them on the road against, Mississippi State, Auburn, and Alabama. And following their road game against Alabama, they return home for their regular-season finale versus the defending national champions, the LSU Tigers.

Here’s what’s coming for Texas A&M football

It is a make-or-break season for the Aggies that could see them competing for an SEC title or have them back at the drawing board to try again in 2021.

But here are some bold predictions on how the 2020 season could playout for the Texas A&M Aggies.

5. Biggest breakout player — Ainias Smith, RB

In a previous article I wrote about the Texas A&M Aggies, I talked about five breakout players for the 2020 season, and atop that list was Ainias Smith. And I’m not changing my mind. Now, before I get started on the importance of Smith, I want to correct a mistake. Previously, I had stated Smith would be making a position change from running back to wide receiver, which in fact, he is doing the opposite and will be lining up a running back this season.

Last year, Isaiah Spiller took over as the starting running back for Aggie offense and totaled over 1,100 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman. So expect Smith’s role in the backfield to be in the relief effort. But with Smith’s experience at wide receiver, expect Smith line up in more than just the backfield. This could result in screens, reverses, and just a normal pass route. And this will allow Smith to become a decoy at times to keep the opposing defenses on their toes.

Where Smith will get plenty of playing time is on special teams as he will be returning both kicks and punts for the Aggies in 2020. Smith may not be the starting running back but is set to be one of the most explosive players on the Aggies’ roster and could see himself splitting carries by the season’s end.

Smith is fast, athletic and a high motor, and will be a tone-setter game in and game out for the Aggies as the season progresses.