2021-2022 CFB SEC West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Texas A&M Aggies: SEC West

Capital One Orange Bowl - Texas A&M v North Carolina

Texas A&M is one of the strongest teams in the country, but they face a monumental task to conquer the SEC West for the first time: beating Alabama. The Aggies have gotten better and better each year since they hired Jimbo Fisher, but joining the playoffs will still be a tough mission as they have the Crimson Tide in the same division.

Everything Jimbo Fisher said about his development philosophy, quarterback room and more. #GigEm https://t.co/tgzVFZSmhO pic.twitter.com/P8iGB8voSa

— GigEm247 (@GigEm247) July 18, 2021

Here's a look at the Texas A&M Aggies' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.

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2021-2022 SEC West Conference preview: Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M's strengths: Along with Georgia and Alabama, Texas A&M had one of the SEC's best defenses last year, allowing only 21.7 points per game in 2020 and the lowest number of total yards with 317.3 per game. Most defensive starters are returning, so you can expect an even stronger 2021 from the unit.

Texas A&M's weaknesses: There aren't a lot of weaknesses on the roster since it's deep and very talented. The main question mark is who'll succeed Kellen Mond, who's now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, at quarterback. The answer will be the difference between a good or a great year.

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Texas A&M key player: Offense

RB Isaiah Spiller: If we don't know who's going to start at quarterback for the Aggies, Spiller will be the offense's most important player in the first few weeks. He amassed 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns in ten games in 2020 and is primed for an even better year, even though the offensive line lost the majority of its starters.

Capital One Orange Bowl - Texas A&M v North Carolina

Texas A&M key player: Defense

DT DeMarvin Leal: The Aggies defensive front is scary and Leal is the headliner, with 12.5 tackles for loss during his first two seasons. He's got a little bit of everything, as he also registered 2.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and three passes defended. There's nothing he can't do.

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2021-2022 Texas A&M schedule:

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Colorado Buffaloes

Week 3: Saturday, September 18 vs. New Mexico Lobos

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Week 7: Saturday, October 16 at Missouri Tigers

Week 8: Saturday, October 23 vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

Week 9: Bye week

Week 10: Saturday, November 6 vs. Auburn Tigers

Week 11: Saturday, November 13 at Ole Miss Rebels

Week 12: Saturday, November 20 vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers

Week 13: Saturday, November 27 at LSU Tigers

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2021-2022 Texas A&M Aggies prediction (10-2 overall, 6-2 SEC)

While the Aggies present themselves as the biggest threat to Alabama's dominance, they'll still have to contend against the Crimson Tide with uncertainty in the most important position of the game, and that may be the difference during their matchup in Week 6. Look for the Aggies to contend for a New Year's Six Bowl.

Jimbo Fisher: “I believe expanding the playoff is a great thing. I think there are certain leagues who have advantages where you’re able to dominate the league… I’m using us as an example, we played Alabama as well as anyone did that year.”

— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) July 18, 2021