Texas A&M Football: Sumlin Wise to Accept the Perception of the Aggie Program

New Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin and the Aggie contingent made their way through SEC Media Days in mid-July for the first time ever. The impression that they got from the media contingent in Hoover, Ala. was as clear as day.

Nobody thinks the Aggies will be any good.

Sumlin shared his thoughts about the perception of the program at an event for A&M supporters in Houston, according to the Bryan-College Station Eagle.

"

We’re winning the bowl game, and I can’t tell you the number of people as I walked around at halftime said, ‘Well let’s just wait around for the second half and see what happens.'

Guys, based on every question I got, they don’t think we have any defense. They don’t think our offense will work, and we don’t have a quarterback or kicker. Other than that we have no problem guys.

"

Fair or not, it's wise of Sumlin to embrace that perception, because it isn't just perception—it's reality.

The Aggies threw away four double-digit second half leads last season, and that lack of closing ability will only be exaggerated in the SEC—where depth is second-to-none in college football.

That, along with the position and scheme questions that Sumlin raised, are serious doubts that exist for a reason.

Sumlin already knew that those doubts existed, but hearing them beat into the ground at the unofficial kickoff to SEC football only reinforced their presence.

That's a good thing for the A&M program.

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step towards fixing it, and Sumlin clearly recognizes the problems that face the Aggies as they transition to the SEC.

Whether it's used as motivation for the season or just gives the coaching staff a foundation to work off of, Sumlin is wise to speak of the issues openly. He and all of the Aggies handled the SEC Media Days gauntlet well and clearly gained some perspective of their own along the way.

While the perception could and should anger Aggie fans, the players and staff are handling it in the right way. That should benefit the program long-term.

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