4. Texas A&M @ Georgia (Nov. 23)
Texas A&M will be looking to turn some heads in Jimbo Fisher’s second year as head coach. Now that the Aggies have filled more of the roster with his guys, I expect them to make some big leaps from where they were last year, and they were already second in the SEC West last season.
Obviously, the games within the Aggies’ division are going to be tough. Having to play Alabama, Auburn, and LSU every year sets you up for some tough opponents. However, if they are able to upset a few teams, this game might make the difference between making or missing a New Year’s Six bowl game. A win on the road against the Bulldogs is never easy, but it would be a great resume booster for Texas A&M.
When you look at Georgia, their margin for error is continuing to shrink. They are almost definitely going to have to go at least 11-1 to make the College Football Playoff again. That practically makes this game a can’t-lose situation for the Bulldogs. If you lose at home to Texas A&M, how are you supposed to beat Notre Dame, Florida, and potentially Alabama or LSU? There’s just no way they can get upset here and still expect to make the Playoff.
This will also be after a road game against Auburn, so they will be beaten up. Assuming Georgia Tech doesn’t shock the nation this year, this will be the last true test before the postseason. It might also have potential SEC Championship berth on the line. A lot is up in the air as of now, but it will be interesting to see two of the better teams in the SEC play each other this late in the year.