Texas A&M Football: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic for 2012

This past year was more than just a disappointment for a team that thought it could be playing for the national title right about now. Next season looms for new head coach Kevin Sumlin and company in what could be a more than dangerous road.

With A&M's inaugural SEC year just about here, many fans have to be somewhat frightened. The toughest football conference in America will tear the Aggies apart if they play like they did this past season, but there are reasons to be somewhat optimistic.

We take a look at five things Aggies can be grateful for once next August comes around. 

Solid SEC Schedule

As the Aggies prepare for their inaugural SEC season, they have to understand this certainly won't be easy. The Southeastern Conference is a meat-grinder that will crush you and spit you out without a second thought.

Playing with the best of the best will require a lot more than what A&M has been giving in recent years, especially considering the Aggies haven't beaten an SEC squad since 1995 when they took down LSU at home.

Fortunate for Texas A&M, its 2012 SEC schedule is ideal (as compared to some other teams). Just take a look for yourself:

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Sept. 8:  vs. FLORIDA

Sept. 29: vs. Arkansas (Location TBA)

Oct. 6: at Ole Miss

Oct. 20: vs. LSU

Oct. 27: at Auburn

Nov. 3: at Mississippi State

Nov. 10: at Alabama

Nov. 24: vs. MISSOURI

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A&M is set up to play only one of the two powerhouses away next season (Alabama), while it gets to host the other (LSU). Arkansas will also either be at a neutral location up in Dallas or be at Kyle Field. 

Additionally, the Aggies' other three road games for the year are at Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Auburn, the bottom three squads in the division. Finally, their SEC East opponent, Florida, is still trying to get used to their new coach Will Muschamp, the former defensive coordinator at Texas. Facing them at home is a possible win.

On the whole scale of things, the Aggies got it a lot better off than most anyone else in the SEC West. That is something to be grateful for. 

The Offensive Line

For most of this past season, the Aggies started on the offensive line one freshman with Cedric Ogbuehi, two sophomores in Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews, and two juniors with Patrick Lewis and Brian Thomas.

So obviously, that means that every single one of these buffet busters will be coming back for another whole year together. After playing almost all of past the 13 games as a unit, they won't need to "mesh" next season like O-lines usually have to. Instead, they will be ready to go for the very first matchup. This is a gigantic advantage.

Having a seasoned offensive line is one thing, but almost any coach would tell you that a line that already trusts in each other is a million times better than one that just has experience. With a senior RB like Christine Michael also returning, this rushing game will be the backbone of the A&M offense come next year.

The Linebackers

Easily considered the best part of the A&M defense this past season, three of the four starting Aggie linebackers will be returning to wreak havoc on SEC offenses.

Without a defensive coordinator chosen yet, we don't know what kind of defensive scheme will be the base for A&M. If the Aggies remain at a pressure defense of 3-4, they will need to chose one back-up to replace senior Garrick Williams. However, if the new DC runs a 4-3 defense, no new LBs will be required.

The returning starters, two juniors in Jonathan Stewart and Sean Porter and sophomore with Damontre Moore, were three of the four leading tacklers for this defense. They combined for 249 total tackles, 21 sacks and 40 tackles for loss. Those are some insane numbers.

Watch for this dangerous squad to cause some major headaches for SEC offensive coordinators.   

The Receiving Corp

The Aggies lose a superstar in Jeff Fuller. His loss will soon be forgotten, especially after you notice who is coming back next season. Returning to help out a rookie QB in Johnny Manziel, A&M will have its leading receiver with junior Ryan Swope. His presence alone is enough to game-plan around.

Along with Swope, the Aggies will retain juniors Uzoma Nwachukwu, Brandal Jackson and Kenric McNeal as well as sophomore Nate Askew. They are stronger than ever and will be huge in making sure Manziel has some experienced hands to throw to.

This receiving corps underperformed this year when it should have been arguably the best in the nation. Swope and company will have a lot to prove come next August, but with this kind of talent at hand, there should be no problem.

New Coach, New Look

New coach Kevin Sumlin is considered one of the best offensive minds in the nation. His intricate formations and big-time passing game is second to none as Houston, led by Case Keenum, proved week after week.

Now, he moves a few miles northwest to Aggieland. His offense is set up for some huge changes and with amazing talent at running back, wide receiver and offensive line, he will have a lot to work with. A young QB in Johnny Manziel can now by molded into a deadly machine by a man who knows exactly how to take advantage of any defense.

Confidence oozes from his personality and demeanor. It should seep into the locker room and every player on next season's roster, giving them a weapon that is easily half the game. With incoming recruits preaching this new "Ag Swag," the Sumlin and A&M are set up to have a great year.

Things are looking up for this disappointing Aggie team, but there is still a lot of work to do. We can always be optimistic, but actuality is where the results count and hopefully A&M will turn its fantasies into something much more real.