College Football: 10 Teams who could dethrone Clemson and Alabama
10. Texas A&M
Texas A&M is one of only two teams, the other being South Carolina, which has a guaranteed crack at both Alabama and Clemson in 2019. That alone makes it unlikely that the Aggies will make a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff, but they will have the opportunity to play spoiler.
In Jimbo Fisher’s first year in College Station, he led Texas A&M to a 9-4 record, surpassing expectations for the year. Two of the Aggies’ four losses came to Clemson and Alabama last season, and they finished the year on a high note by hammering NC State in the Gator Bowl.
Rising junior Kellen Mond made major strides as a sophomore, and his return is a big reason for optimism heading into next season. A few important pieces must be replaced, namely offensive weapons such as RB Trayveon Williams and TE Jace Sternberger. They’ll return all of their talented group of wide receivers, though.
On defense, the Aggies must replace six starters, highlighted by imposing defensive tackle Daylon Mack and linebacker Tyrel Dodson.
There will be a strong influx of talent heading to College Station thanks to Fisher signing the No. 3 ranked recruiting class in the early signing period. The class is led by a pair of five-stars who will compete for playing time right away in DT DeMarvin Leal and OT Kenyon Green.
Replacing the production of Trayveon Williams on offense will be the biggest priority this offseason, but there are several talented backs on the roster who are itching for their crack at a featured role led by rising sophomore Jashaun Corbin.
The biggest thing standing in the way of Texas A&M and a potential SEC Championship and playoff berth next season is a ridiculously difficult schedule. Along with facing Clemson on the road and Alabama at home, they finish the regular season with back-to-back road games against Georgia and LSU.
Fisher has the Aggies moving in the right direction, but they’re probably still a year away from seriously challenging Alabama in the SEC West. They’ll relish the role of spoiler, however.