ESPN's 'College Gameday' crew picks Texas A&M vs. Kentucky in Week 3

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ESPN’s College GameDay crew is expecting Texas A&M to open SEC play with a victory over Kentucky on Saturday.

Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit and celebrity guest picker Morgan Freeman all selected the No. 9 Aggies to defeat the Wildcats at Kyle Field. The picks were made Saturday morning during College GameDay’s broadcast from Oxford, Mississippi, ahead of the LSU-Ole Miss matchup.

The Aggies are 2-0 after opening the season with victories over Missouri State and Arizona State. Mike Elko’s team pulled away from the Sun Devils in the fourth quarter for a 48-20 victory, but the final score did not tell the complete story. Texas A&M produced only 255 total yards, averaged fewer than three yards per carry and converted 3-of-12 third-down attempts.

A&M’s defense helped break the game open by forcing four turnovers and returning two interceptions for touchdowns. That unit will look to create similar problems for a Kentucky offense that struggled during the second half of its 45-17 loss to Alabama.

The Wildcats led the Crimson Tide 17-13 at halftime before allowing 32 unanswered points. Kentucky finished with 209 total yards, converted only 1-of-14 third downs and committed three turnovers.

The Aggies remains a heavy favorite because of its defensive advantage and home-field environment, but its offense will need to become more consistent as the schedule gets tougher. Saturday’s matchup gives offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins another opportunity to establish the running game, improve on third down and help quarterback Marcel Reed settle into the game earlier.

Kickoff between Texas A&M and Kentucky is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN's 'College Gameday' crew picks Texas A&M vs. Kentucky in Week 3

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