No. 3 Texas A&M (10-0, 7-0 SEC) will host Samford (1-10) on Saturday afternoon, facing one of the worst defenses and an offensive line that has given up 51 sacks this season, ranking last in the FCS. On paper, this could be one of the more lopsided games of the weekend, which also serves as Senior Day, where head coach Mike Elko and his staff will honor 30-plus seniors.
Less than a week after Texas A&M’s historic 31-30 comeback win over South Carolina, Elko stated throughout the week that, no matter the opponent, his team needs to play a complete game and avoid the slow start that led to the Aggies’ 30-3 deficit at halftime.
Still, as impressive as the comeback was, and will be for years to come, defeating Samford is the only thing that stands in the way of A&M’s regular-season finale vs. the Texas Longhorns in Austin. Texas A&M star quarterback Marcel Reed, who has thrown for 2,632 yards and 22 touchdowns, combined with 391 yards and six scores on the ground, and will look to continue his Heisman-worthy season with another elite performance.
On defense, senior edge Cashius Howell, who is now a finalist for the Lombardi and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, still has a chance to tie Von Miller’s program sack record (17), already amassing 11.5 sacks through ten games.
On paper, this is a tune-up game for the Aggies, needing to avoid injuries and play all four quarters with the same intensity and physicality that will be on display against the Longhorns.
Ahead of the early 11:00 a.m. kickoff, here are our official Aggies Wire staff predictions for No. 3 Texas A&M vs. Samford.
Cameron Ohnysty — Lead Writer
We’ve made it through the bulk of SEC play, and your Texas A&M Aggies are 10-0 for the first time since 1992. It wasn’t easy, as last Saturday’s rousing comeback win over South Carolina proved that this team can contend for its first National Championship since 1939.
However, while these types of wins are exciting, playing poor football in the first half and needing to rally seldom works out when trailing by 27 points or more, as head coach Mike Elko was clear this week that his team will need to play a complete game against the 1-10 Samford Bulldogs before facing Texas on the road next Friday night.
Starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who threw for a career high 439 yards, was dreadful in the first half against the Gamecocks, but quickly rebounded, throwing for 298 yards and three touchdowns in what is widely considered his best performance of the season. While he shouldn’t play the entire game on Saturday, Reed will need to deliver strikes from the pocket and avoid turnovers.
Samford’s offensive line has allowed an astounding 55 sacks, which ranks last in the FCS, while Texas A&M’s pass rush has produced as an FBS-best 38 sacks, led by Cashius Howell’s 11.5 on the year. I don’t think I need to tell you just how quickly this game could get out of hand based on these stats alone.
Honoring 30-plus seniors in the process, Texas A&M will likely produce its highest point total of the season, and quickly shift its focus to the Lone Star Showdown with SEC Championship hopes on the line.
Prediction: Texas A&M 59, Samford 3
Dylan Flippo — Contributor
Last week’s historic comeback against South Carolina shone a light on some of Texas A&M’s inconsistencies, which could be detrimental to the team’s success moving forward if they don’t clean them up against Samford on Saturday.
The Aggies are 10-0 for the first time since 1992 and are on the hunt for their first national championship appearance since 1939, but to get there, the Maroon and White need to be healthy and playing their best football all season.
The key to this contest is not letting next Friday’s Lone Star Showdown against Texas overshadow the task at hand. I expect Mike Elko will have his team raring to go out and compete in front of the Aggie faithful, potentially for the last time in 2025. Staying healthy and consistent will be integral as we move into next week.
Prediction: Texas A&M 52, Samford 9
Jarrett Johnson — Contributor
Focus, not fireworks, is the real opponent this week. Texas A&M’s matchup with Samford is less about who lines up across the field and more about whether the Aggies can stay sharp and play their brand of football. Samford has struggled all season, giving up 37 points per game while managing only 15 on offense.
Freshman quarterback Brady Stober is the one bright spot, a talented athlete who has the tools to create a few moments of trouble, but the gap in depth and execution is too broad to matter for long.This game should turn into a showcase for A&M’s backups by halftime, with walk-ons and seniors getting their chance to shine in what will be the final regular-season game at Kyle Field for many.
Blowouts are always tricky to predict because late-game play calling shifts toward development and rotation, but the outcome isn’t in doubt. Whether it’s the starters setting the tone early or the reserves closing it out, the Aggies’ depth ensures this contest won’t be close when the clock hits triple zeros.
Prediction: Texas A&M 65, Samford 10
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Staff predictions for Week 13 matchup between Texas A&M and Samford
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Dylan Flippo and Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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