Florida vs. Texas A&M: Aggie Seniors Key to First SEC Win

Texas A&M may be a member of the SEC, much to the chagrin of the rest of the Big 12. But they're going to need their Big 12 recruits, namely seniors and a few key juniors, to ignite their play if they want to have any chance to beat 24th-ranked Florida in their season opener. 

Much was made about the Aggies' decision to leave the conference they called home for so many years. But from a recruiting, opponent's talent and overall program growth standpoint they made the right call when receiving the bid from the SEC.

The road to that growth starts Saturday at 3:30 EST when the opening kickoff will get things underway. To get that growth started, though, A&M is going to have to rely on their old cannons, not their young-gun recruits.

Redshirt freshman Johnny Manziel won the starting job over three upper classmen and a fellow freshman during training camp. One of the reasons many think he will work out is due to a talented, experienced offensive line and two of the better receivers the Big 12 had to offer last year.

The offense line returns two huge pieces at both tackle spots in Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel. Though both are juniors, they saw time as freshmen and have been a steady presence. Senior C Patrick Lewis anchors the unit inside.

They will be expected to block for one of the most underrated rushers in the country. Christine Michael rushed for nearly 900 yards before an ACL injury ended his season. His senior year will be a big one for the Aggies, who need to run the ball effectively in the SEC week-by-week.

On the outside, Big 12 award winner Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu are two seniors who have to find a way to beat the relentless Florida speed and give Manziel a chance to do something when the Aggies go to the air.

To put it nicely, A&M needs a big day from the guys who will be passing the torch next season, or their entrance into the SEC will be less than advertised.

This game might be the biggest question mark in the country heading into Saturday. Florida looked lost at times against Bowling Green, but has picked a starter in Jeff Driskel and still has some of the fastest defensive players in the nation.

Texas A&M saw their matchup with Louisiana Tech delayed, so they haven't had the chance to face any inferior talent in preparation for their first big conference game.

It's going to be trial by fire, as they say, which further stresses the importance of players who have been through big games to key the Aggie attack. Kyle Field and the 12th Man will be in full effect for new head coach Kevin Sumlin.

But he's going to need his senior skill players and veteran offensive lineman to make a huge impact on this game if he wants to sing the Aggie fight song and walk away after his SEC coaching debut with a win.