Texas A&M Football: 5 reasons Aggies will beat New Mexico in Week 11

Texas A&M Football: 5 reasons Aggies will beat New Mexico

COLLEGE STATION, TX - OCTOBER 28: Nick Starkel #17 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a pass in the fourth quarter pursued by Kobe Jones #52 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on October 28, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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COLLEGE STATION, TX – OCTOBER 28: Nick Starkel #17 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a pass in the fourth quarter pursued by Kobe Jones #52 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on October 28, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

5. Nick Starkel has the best game of his young career

Entering the season, Sumlin trusted Starkel as the starting quarterback. He beat out Mond and senior Jake Hubenak for that job. Yet, the injury he suffered in that season opener ended the run he might have been able to put together for most of the year.

Mond started most of the games for Texas A&M this season. He did well for the first few starts of his career, but started trending in the wrong direction over the past few weeks. Mond was injured in the loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs by 21 points.

In limited action, Starkel tossed three touchdowns and only one interception. He has potent arm strength and provides a steadier option in the pocket than Mond. Starkel does still have some progression needed, but he does look more mature on the field than Mond.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Starkel to run with the starting job. Getting a chance to play New Mexico at this point in the season for any SEC team is rare. It’s the type of game where Starkel could throw for 250 yards and three touchdowns.