Five key things A&M fans should know about Clemson

COLLEGE STATION - If Texas A&M fans haven't had September 7 marked on their calendar since last year, it'd be hard to believe in their fandom. The Aggies will make the trip to Clemson, South Carolina, with hopes they'll leave Memorial Stadium with an upset victory against the No.1 team in the nation.

The defending national champions nearly took a loss at Kyle Field last season thanks to a late comeback by the Aggies offense. In the end, a failed two-point attempt secured the Tigers the 28-26 victory. With a full year in Jimbo Fisher's offense, Kellen Mond is expected to give Clemson fits for all 60 minutes.

Here's five storylines all Aggie fans should remember come Saturday afternoon.

Still the front-runners

Over the past four seasons, the national championship has seemed to be stuck on repeat. Either Clemson or the Alabama Crimson Tide has taken home the trophy with the other heading back to the drawing board empty-handed.

Once again, the Tigers are still a heavy favorite to repeat history and go back-to-back in 2020. A majority of their key offensive players have returned for the 2019 campaign, the same offense that stumped Nick Saban's roster, 44-16 last year.

Led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the early Heisman favorite has a plethora of offensive weapons and a quality offensive line. Travis Etienne should be a favorite in the NFL Draft community thanks to his speed and ability to create jaw-dropping runs.

Last season, the Aggies gave Dabo Swinney's defense fits, a task no one else could do. And despite both teams entering the game with a 1-0 record, Clemson is still a heavy favorite to win, entering Wednesday as a 15.5-point favorite over A&M.

Tanking for Trevor

If you haven't heard the expression, start learning it. That's how high NFL teams are on the sophomore gunslinger who still has two years of eligibility.

Already considered the front runner to be a Heisman finalist in December, Lawrence's resume checks out as one of the top players in all the sport. At 6-foot-6, the mobile quarterback is physical, has impressive mechanics and can extend offensive drives, running down the clock for opposing teams to work against.

Updated Heisman odds via @betonline_ag:

Lawrence 5/2
Tagovailoa 3/1
Hurts 5/1
Taylor 12/1
Fields 12/1
Ehlinger 16/1
Etienne 18/1
Swift 20/1
Herbert 22/1
Fromm, Jeudy, Patterson 25/1
Burrow 28/1
Book, Dobbins, Kendall, Martinez 40/1
Bryant, Moore 50/1
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 3, 2019

Last season, Lawrence spilt snaps under center at College Station with Kelly Bryant. His outing was below average, but he did manage to throw for 93 yards and a touchdown. Now with Bryant in Missouri, A&M will need to prepare for an improved Lawrence for the entire game.

That's been easier said than done. Just ask Alabama.

Elite Etienne

While the Aggies will need to worry about Lawrence's arm, he's not the only offensive weapon. Etienne might be the x-factor that could lead to another victory for the Tigers.

The former A&M commit has seen consistent success in the Tigers' backfield. Last season, Etienne rushed for 1,658 yards and scored 26 total touchdowns. He also was named a Doak Walker finalist and scored two touchdowns against the Crimson Tide.

9️⃣0️⃣ YARDS TO THE HOUSE

Travis Etienne ties Clemson’s record for longest run in school history 🔥

(via @CBSSportsHQ)pic.twitter.com/OuyFdO42pr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 30, 2019

In the team's season opener, Etienne rushed for a career-high 205 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns. While Lawrence could be the favorite now, the junior runner is making a case to represent the Tigers in New York.

The good news for A&M? The team held him to a season-low 44 yards last year.

Wide Receiver U

Some schools are known for developing a specific position better than most. In Clemson, that would be at wide receiver.

Since the start of the Swinney era, multiple pass catchers have heard their names called early and found success at the NFL level. Once again, the Tigers have two highly-touted prospects in Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross.

Tee Higgins, go up and GET IT.

The defending champs are cruising in their opener. pic.twitter.com/paK8nqq5ZA
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 30, 2019

Higgins finished last season with 59 catches for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns. Against the Aggies, he collected 123 yards on just three catches and scored a touchdown. As a freshman, Ross led the team in receiving yards (1,000) and scored nine touchdowns.

Ross did not play against A&M last season, making him a new target for the secondary to cover. The Aggies will also be without top cornerback Debione Renfro, who still is serving a suspension for violating team conduct.

The Tigers receivers could make or break or A&M's secondary, who will feature true freshman Demani Richardson starting at safety.

New year, new pass rush

One of the most promising ways a team could secure a victory is by pressuring the quarterback. Last season, the Tigers' front seven collected four total sacks against A&M's lone one.

This year, it could be a different story with a whole new front line. Clemson lost all four starters to the NFL and had to rebuild. Brent Venables, however, has been known to transform young talent in perennial stars in a short amount of time.

Last week against Georgia Tech, the Tigers collected four total sacks. Only K.J. Henry and Myles Pinckney were able to collect solo sacks while the other two came in the form of combined players. Against Texas State, A&M's offensive line did not allow a sack but did allow pressure into the backfield.

Despite a new pass rush, A&M will need to prepare as if they're facing a veteran unit. Keeping Mond safe in the pocket will be essential to the team's success on offense.

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