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Texas A&M Football: Ranking 2021 opponents by toughness

By Shelbie Warr

Sep 28, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) and defensive lineman Jayden Peevy (92) celebrate a sack in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) and defensive lineman Jayden Peevy (92) celebrate a sack in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

6. Arkansas

I wouldn’t normally put Arkansas this high, but there are two reasons that they end up right at the halfway point of the toughness rankings.

Number one is that there are just other teams that are going to be easier for the Aggies than the Razorbacks. Number two is that the Razorbacks tend to be a struggle for Texas A&M football — no matter how bad they are and Arkansas has been abysmal. How much? They celebrated the three-win season that they put together a season ago, proud of each and every moment.

I’m not buying into the hype of Arkansas this year, especially not at the quarterback position. The starter is KJ Jefferson and outside of a good day against Missouri a year ago, he hasn’t been all that great. Look for the Aggies to finally get a big win over Arkansas that doesn’t make people hold their breath.

5. South Carolina

The Gamecocks of South Carolina have yet to beat the Aggies since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012 and the two became permanent cross-division rivals. From the emergence of “Kenny Trill” to a blowout win at the hands of Kellen Mond and company in 2020, the Aggies have owned the Gamecocks. I don’t anticipate that changing much through the 2021 season.

They do have a new coach in Shane Beamer and that could change things for them, but that remains to be seen. Until South Carolina shows that they can compete with anyone, especially the Aggies, I will not believe that this team can beat Texas A&M.