Aggies Have A Chance To Make SEC Statement With Win Over Auburn

The Aggies could prove to be a legitmate contender in the SEC with a win over Auburn Saturday.

COLLEGE STATION -- Following a 47-3 win against Louisiana-Monroe, sophomore defensive back Bryce Anderson proclaimed what many around Texas A&M already believe. 

“As long as we prepare the right way Monday through Friday, I feel like there’s no team in the nation that can play with us,” said Anderson. 

National pundits aren't paying attention to a lopsided victory over the Warhawks. They likely aren't looking back at Week 1's 52-10 blowout over New Mexico and considering A&M a favorite to win the SEC for the first time in program history. 

But Anderson isn't wrong with the "us" part of the conversation. The Aggies (2-1, 0-0 SEC) are stockpiled with talent on defense. They have a quarterback fans can get behind in Conner Weigman, not to mention a cast of targets that can win in the passing game.

Even after losing by 15 to Miami, the Aggies aren't out of any race. Win out in the regular season and the division title would be theirs for the first time. Claim a victory in Atlanta over whoever wins the SEC East, and the College Football Playoff awaits. 

A&M hasn't given voters a reason to believe this could be its year where things click. But to counter, has anyone in the SEC West given an optimistic outlook heading into Week 4? 

Auburn, which comes to town Saturday for an 11 a.m. kick at Kyle Field, and Ole Miss remain the only unbeaten teams in the division. The No. 15 Rebels (3-0, 0-0) look poised to contend alongside Georgia, but did struggle against a backup quarterback in Week 2's win over Tulane. The Tigers (3-0, 0-0 SEC) needed a fourth-quarter touchdown and interception to defeat Cal on the road. 

The four remaining schools are in the same boat as A&M, each suffering a loss through the season's quarter-mark. Alabama never caught fire in the second half against Texas, and needed two quarterbacks and a rain delay to beat South Florida. LSU lost to No. 4 Florida State in Orlando and struggled defensively in coverage. 

Arkansas blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter to BYU thanks to two turnovers and a missed field goal. Mississippi State was throttled by now-No. 12 LSU at home and currently has an offensive identity crisis. 

While mishaps and putrid open-field tackling cost the Aggies a win in South Beach, all that could be washed away with a win over the Tigers to kick off conference play. Still, Hugh Freeze presents his own challenges on offense, and can dial up a gameplan similar to that of the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. 

“He’s going to be wide open and aggressive on offense,” A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said of the Tigers' offense. “He’s going to be dynamic and create things on special teams, and he’s not afraid to call a fake and not afraid to do (other) things.

“He’s a very good coach who will have his guys motivated and ready to play.” 

Freeze might be new to The Plains, but he's established in the SEC. He spent five seasons at Ole Miss, leading the Rebels to three eight-plus win years. Of his 39 victories in Oxford, three came against A&M. 

Auburn is still coming into its own on offense. Defensively, it's a sound unit. The Tigers have held opponents to 12.3 points per game led by first-year coordinator Rob Roberts. They haven't allowed more than 305 yards per outing. 

"We're playing a very good Auburn team," said Fisher. "Auburn is 3-0, [they're] very physical, as always. Auburn is always a physical football team." 

Freeze might hold a 3-2 record against the Aggies, but A&M has the overall 7-6 advantage. Last season, the Tigers ended a two-game winning streak in a 13-10 win behind former running back and interim coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams following the in-season firing of Bryan Harsin. 

A&M's offense is miles ahead of last season's unit under first-year coordinator Bobby Petrino. Other teams in the division are still playing catch-up after a rough September. 

The Aggies could set the tone with a win against the Tigers to begin conference play. And it could be the start to a promising outlook heading into the belly of the beast with games against Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee on the horizon. 

"SEC play is always big," said defensive lineman LT Overton. "We're always about competition."