Staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. Arizona State in Week 2

Texas A&M dropped one spot to No. 9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, and two spots in the AP Top 25 rankings to No. 10 after shutting out Missouri State 50-0 in Week 1, as coach Mike Elko's defense held the Bears to 67 total yards, while starting quarterback Marcel Reeed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, completing 70% of his passes.

Nationally, Texas A&M is still considered one of the best teams in the country, but doubt set in after the Aggies' four new offensive line starters struggled in the first half before improving after halftime, with some feeling that, if this inconsistency continues going into SEC play, it's tough to gauge A&M's offense if Marcel Reed doesn't have time in the pocket.

Still, it's more than fair to give this group time to fix their mistakes, as starting left tackle Tyree Adams said this unit's "growing pains" were expected, but after watching the film and working with Mike Elko and OL coach Adam Cushing, this group's potential remains sky-high.

In Week 2, Texas A&M will host Arizona State, which is coming off a 70-7 win over Morgan State, which included Kentucky transfer quarterback Cutter Boley's career-high 387 yards and six touchdowns. Mike Elko is 11-0 against unranked opponents, while the Sun Devils, under coach Kenny Dillingham, have won five straight games against first AP Top 25-ranked teams.

One of these streaks will end on Saturday, and the game will come down to Texas A&M's defensive line finding success against Arizona State's shaky O-line, along with Marcel Reed connecting on more explosive plays with his deep wide receiver rotation.

Ahead of Saturday's early 11 a.m. kickoff, here are the final Aggies Wire staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. Arizona State.

Cameron Ohnysty — Lead writer

Arizona State presents the first legitimate challenge for the Aggies, and while Texas A&M's offensive line "issues" are premature at best, this group cannot stop the Sun Devils' defensive line, especially defensive end C.J. Fite, from making an early impact.

Still, Arizona State's offensive and defensive lines are completely new and have yet to be tested, providing Mike Elko and DC Lyle Hemphill plenty of opportunities to pressure Cutter Boley into mistakes, but it's clear that the Aggies' secondary will have its hands full against wide receivers Omarion Miller and Reed Harris, who possess the size and playmaking ability to cause problems.

This will also serve as Texas A&M's Red, White and Blue game, and Kyle Field will be nearly sold out and extremely loud, which will undoubtedly impact Cutter Boley and his offensive line, but depending on the crowd to cause mistakes is a poor game plan, meaning Marcel Reed and his deep wide receiver rotation must connect on several 20-plus yard plays, combined with the run game matching last week's performance.

In a game that could be close going into the fourth quarter, one of the underrated aspects of Texas A&M's roster is the improved kicking game with David Olano and freshman Asher Murray, who could be the deciding factor late in the contest.

Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 21

Dylan Flippo — Contributor

Arizona State brings various looks on both sides of the ball and boasts one of the most underrated running back duos in the Big 12, with Kyson Brown and Grayson Rigdon. Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley looked solid in his first start with the Sun Devils last week, throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns. Arizona State's weakness resides in the trenches, with many new starters on the offensive and defensive lines.

They allowed two sacks against Morgan State and a forced fumble, which is something Texas A&M's game-wrecking stars like Anto Saka, DJ Hicks and others could expose at Kyle Field. Boley struggled to find his rhythm on the road with the Wildcats, and this environment in College Station for the Red, White and Blue game will be one of the loudest and most electric atmospheres he's faced in his collegiate career thus far.

The offseason hype about Marcel Reed's improvements as a passer looked to be true in Week 1, but another good performance against a more formidable opponent could garner much momentum for the junior gunslinger and this offense entering SEC play in Week 3. Much of Arizona State's yards allowed against Morgan State came on the ground, so I expect a massive game for Rueben Owens II and Jamarion Morrow in this one.

Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 14

Jarrett Johnson — Contributor

Both Texas A&M and Arizona State cruised through overmatched opponents in Week 1, so Saturday's matchup should provide the first meaningful test for each team.

My biggest concern for the Aggies is an offensive line that struggled with communication early against Missouri State, leading to several avoidable negative plays. The second half was much more encouraging, asA&M'ss backups controlled the line of scrimmage and helped the running game finally gain momentum.

Arizona State has enough offensive firepower to put significantly more pressure on the Aggies’ defense. Quarterback Cutter Boley also has experience playing in SEC environments from his time at Kentucky, although this will be the Sun Devils ’ first trip to Kyle Field.

Arizona State is more than capable of jumping out to an early lead if Texas A&M's offense stalls or makes early mistakes, which will make things uncomfortable. Still, the Aggies have more talent across the roster, a strong home-field advantage, and enough depth to take control as the game progresses. I expect a competitive first three quarters before Texas A&M pulls away late.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. Arizona State in Week 2