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SEC Predictions Week 2: Picking Games Against the Spread

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) is sacked by Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 12, 2014
  • Time: 5PM Eastern
  • Location: College Station, TX
  • TV Channel: ESPNU
  • Spread: Texas A&M -30.5
  • Over/Under Total: 63.5

If there were a national Team of the Week Award for Week 1, it would undoubtedly go to Texas A&M, who thoroughly dominated No. 15 Arizona State in Houston Saturday night. We knew the addition of defensive coordinator John Chavis would have an impact, but few predicted that impact would be so apparent so soon.

A&M held what is expected to be a very good Sun Devils’ offense to just 291 yards and ASU quarterback Mike Bercovici was under constant pressure from the Aggies’ athletic front four. Myles Garrett was a dominant force and had two sacks, while fellow defensive end Daeshon Hall got to the quarterback four times. The pair already looks like one of the best pass rushing duos in the SEC.

Texas A&M was also very good on offense, which should be expected. The Aggies had 425 total yards, including 178 rushing yards on 45 carries. Quarterback Kyle Allen started, but we also saw true freshman Kyler Murray, and the pair combined for 247 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Odds are, we’ll see much more of Murray in Week 2 – not because he has unseated Allen as the starter, but because the Aggies are likely to blow out Ball State.

After three consecutive bowl-eligible seasons, the Cardinals fell to 5-7 last year. However, head coach Pete Lembo has turned Ball State into a consistent competitor in the MAC West, and has a veteran group of players, including ten returning starters on offense that helped rack up 567 total yards in last week’s 48-36 victory over VMI. Of course, the defense allowed a startling 547 yards to a FCS offense not nearly as potent as A&M’s.

The Aggies should win and win easily, and with a solid, new-look defense in place to support an explosive offense, a cover should be expected.

Next: Missouri at Arkansas State

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