Texas A&M vs. Tennessee point spread: Picking Aggies vs. Volunteers

Tennessee opened this week as a 3.5-point betting favorite against Texas A&M this week ahead of the Week 7 matchup, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. So, who should you go with?

To make a final decision a bit easier, On3’s Andy Staples was joined by former LSU offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert to reveal his choice for this week’s pick between the Aggies and Volunteers

“It’s weird to say this is a must-win, but here’s my instinct — to go Texas A&M,” Hebert told Staples. “It sounds crazy because it’s at Neyland Stadium in October. The Tennessee fanbase is one of the best in the entire country. It’s going to be loud and intimidating, Orange always plays well in October. You have good on good here.

“Texas A&M has by far the best run defense in the SEC — the only team allowing less than three yards per carry, then Tennessee has the best team when it comes to rushing the ball as the only team averaging over six yards per carry.”

Despite enjoying their bye during Week 6, the Volunteers are still riding a high while strutting into the back half of game week following a decisive 41-20 win over South Carolina at home. The Aggies weren’t so lucky during their most recent home stand this past Saturday, allowing Alabama to slip through College Station with a 26-20 loss. 

Texas A&M had its opportunities to take control of the game in the second half leading 17-10, but two unanswered scoring drives from the Crimson Tide offense during the third quarter proved too much for Jimbo Fisher’s squad to overcome. A safety in the fourth quarter sealed the deal and the Crimson Tide eventually won 26-20 — and the Aggies could not cover the 2.5-point spread as the underdog.

Quarterback Max Johnson made his second start of the season for Texas A&M, completing a serviceable 14 of 25 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He was sacked five times during the contest. Meanwhile, Vols QB Joe Milton didn’t have his best performance before the bye despite the big victory, uncharacteristically turning the ball over twice.

“I am actually going to take Max Johnson over Milton in that fight,” Hebert continued. “The only thing that gives me pause is the Tennessee bye week. I was pretty confident in the -3.5, but then I remembered the bye week. It’s like with the SATs — go with your first instinct. I’m going with the Aggies to cover three and a half.”

Saturday’s kickoff between the Aggies and Vols is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on CBS.