TENNESSEE VOLS FOOTBALL: Game 10, at Texas A&M

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NOV. 14, AT TEXAS A&M

OK Tennessee fans, buckle up. This is where the rubber really meets the road.

At 8-1, the Volunteers are so close to the playoffs that they can taste them. 

The Aggies were a last game loss to Texas away from a perfect regular season last year. They’re going to be good again, but may not be elite like last year. 

Whatever happens with A&M will start with quarterback Marcel Reed. He threw for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, and ran for 493 and six scores. However, he threw a dozen interceptions and struggled in critical losses to Texas and Miami (Fla.) in the playoffs. Finding consistency in his play will be the next developmental step.

Skill positions seem to be well-stocked. Last year’s leading rusher Rueben Owens II is back along with quality receivers Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton.

Center Mark Nabou Jr. is the returning anchor of the offensive line that has been re-tooled with four transfers. Two notables are tackles Wilkin Formby (Alabama) and Tyree Adams (LSU).

Proven veterans Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks at safety and cornerback Dezz Ricks make the A&M secondary the strongest part of the defense.

Add in guys like Marco Jones and Northwestern transfer Anto Saka and linebacker transfer Ray Coney from Tulsa and the Aggies have a nucleus on which to build.

Playing this game at Kyle Field will go a long way toward deciding the outcome. One of the toughest venues for opponents in the SEC, this will be the first big-time game the Volunteers will be playing on the road.

Given the magnitude of the game, and everything that’s at stake, it will become too much for Tennessee to handle. The crowd and the Aggies will jump on the Vols early, and it will be impossible from which to recover.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 38, Tennessee 23

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