ESPN identifies best, worst case scenarios for Texas A&M in 2023

Ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, Texas A&M‘s 2022 season is expected to be a blip on the radar. The Aggies are expected to be back to form this season — and their success could hinge on one decision.

To ESPN’s Alex Scarborough, having Jimbo Fisher hand over the keys to the Aggie offense to new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino could be the answer to Texas A&M’s recent woes.

“Petrino’s shown time and time again — whether at Arkansas or Missouri State — that he can score points. And with Conner Weigman at quarterback and a talented group of receivers, the pieces to succeed are in place,” Scarborough wrote.

Those wideouts — Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart and Moose Muhammad III — combined for 106 receptions for 1,550 yards and eight touchdowns. They made up for nearly all of the wide receiving production from a year ago, and are expected to build on those numbers in 2023.

On top of Texas A&M’s personnel, Scarborough also pointed out that the Aggies will be favored during all of their early-season matchups. That includes opening matchups against New Mexico, Miami, ULM and Auburn.

An undefeated start would already put the Aggies in a better position than they were in last year — and following those first four games with home matchups against both Arkansas and Alabama — Texas A&M still needs to be on the tracks when October rolls around.

Overall, to Scarborough, disaster would be a .500 season. It can’t be ruled out after 2022’s 5-7 season — but a shift in playcalling could be a silver lining Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies never knew they needed.

“Fisher seems reluctant to completely step away from the offense, and you’re talking about two big personalities between him and Petrino,” Scarborough wrote. “We could see fireworks — and not the good kind — if Texas A&M starts off slow and Fisher feels the pressure of being on the hot seat. Lose at Miami and the chatter will ramp up quickly. Lose at home to a rebuilding Auburn team and it could become deafening.”

The Aggies will begin their new season against the Lobos on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. ET. Texas A&M is favored by more than five touchdowns, per Vegas Insider, and will look to kick their season off on the right foot with a big-time win before turning its attention to Miami for a tricky Week 2 road trip.