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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 12, 2016; Hoover, AL, USA; Texas A&M player Trevor Knight speaks to the media during SEC media day at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; Hoover, AL, USA; Texas A&M player Trevor Knight speaks to the media during SEC media day at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 8-5, 4-4 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. UCLA

Texas A&M isn’t seen as a strong competitor in the SEC West, mostly due to their ineffective run game and lack luster defense, as was the case in 2015. 2016 on the other hand has the potential to be a surprise season for the Aggies.

Kevin Sumlin might have finally found a stable quarterback, on and off the field, in Trevor Knight. Knight was the star of the Sooners in the 2014 Sugar Bowl and was the starter until Baker Mayfield replaced him at the start of the 2015 season.

Related Story: 15 Best Freshmen for 2016

Knight has the tools to be a star quarterback but at Texas A&M he inherits a team loaded with talent on offense, particularly at receiver. Christian Kirk, Josh Reynolds, Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil are all exceptional receivers. New offensive coordinator, Noel Mazzone should instill optimism that the Aggies will have a top notch offense. The only question on offense for the Aggies is at running back, where Oklahoma transfer Keith Ford looks to be the top back.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis has to be pleased with the impact players that return for his defensive unit. Led by Myles Garrett and Armani Watts. Rushing the passer isn’t a problem for the Aggies. Pass coverage is not much of a problem either.

The problem is that the Aggies haven’t been able to stop the run. Chavis is a defensive guru and should be able to get the young Aggies talent to make plays and be more than competent. If the Aggies can slow down the run game of opposing offenses then they will be more than competent from a defensive standpoint.

Next: No. 6 Florida Gators

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