Sam Houston State vs. Texas A&M: Complete Game Preview

The No. 8 Texas A&M Football team will take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Saturday at Kyle Field. The Bearkats are the Southland Conference champions and are coming off of seven consecutive wins.

This game is the first time in recent memory that the Aggies will play a non-conference game this late in the season. Because of the Southeastern Conference's typical scheduling format, each team plays a conference game early in the season.

Therefore, everyone plays a non-conference game late in the season. This was the week to do that for A&M and many of the other SEC schools.

This is a complete preview of the game between Texas A&M and Sam Houston State.

Game Day Information

Who: Texas A&M Aggies vs.Sam Houston State Bearkats

When: 2:30 p.m. CDT

Stadium: Kyle Field

TV:  PPV

Radio: WTAW 1620, Sirius 93, XM 201

Rankings: Texas A&M No. 8 BCS, SHSU No. 3 FCS

Records: Texas A&M 8-2, 5-2, SHSU 8-2, 7-1

Texas A&M Depth Chart

Offense

QB: Johnny Manziel

Backup: Matt Joeckel

WR: Mike Evans

Backup: Derel Walker

LT: Luke Joeckel

Backup: Germain Ifedi

LG: Jarvis Harrison

Backup: Germain Ifedi

C: Patrick Lewis

Backup: Mike Matthews

RG: Cedric Ogbuehi

Backup: Ben Compton

RT: Jake Matthews

Backup: Joseph Cheek

TE: Michael Lamothe

Backup: Nehemiah Hicks

WR: Uzoma Nwachukwu

Backup: Sabian Holmes

WR: Ryan Swope

Backup: Malcome Kennedy

WR: Kenric McNeal

Backup: Thomas Johnson

TB: Ben Malena

Backup: Christine Michael

Defense

DE: Gavin Stansbury

Backup: Julien Obioha

NG: Kirby Ennis

Backup: Jonathan Mathis

DT: Spencer Nealy

Backup: Ivan Robinson

Rush: Damontre Moore

Backup: Tyrone Taylor

WLB: Steven Jenkins

Backup: Donnie Baggs

MLB: Jonathan Stewart

Backup: Justin Bass

SLB: Sean Porter

Backup: Michael Richardson

CB: Deshazor Everett

Backup: Dustin Harris

CB: De'Vante Harris

Backup: Floyd Raven

BS: Howard Matthews

Backup: Steve Campbell

FS: Steven Terrell

Backup: Toney Hurd, Jr.

Sam Houston State Depth Players of Note

QB Brian Bell 6'2", 175 Passing: 135-of-206, 1,883 yds, 18 TDs, 69 rushes, 259 yds, 3 TDs

RB Tim Flanders 5'9", 210, Rushing: 166 carries, 1,087 yds, 16 TDs

WR Trey Diller 6'2", 200, Receiving: 45 receptions, 671 yds, 3 TDs

LB Darius Taylor 6'0", 240, 59 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks

What Happened to the Aggies Last Week?

Texas A&M shocked the college football world by going to Tuscaloosa and beating No. 1 Alabama in its house. Johnny "Football" Manziel thrust himself into the national consciousness by completing 24 of 31 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 92 yards.

He had his Heisman moment in the first quarter when he spun away from a sure sack and fired a touchdown pass for Ryan Swope.

It was the Aggies' biggest win in at least a decade. The win sent a message loud and clear to the rest of the SEC that the Aggies are a program to be reckoned with. 

What Happend to SHSU Last Week?

The Bearkats beat Northwestern State 56-17 to win their second straight Southland Conference title. It was the Bearkats' seventh win in a row. 

The Bearkats ran up 509 yards of offense on the Demons. SHSU rushed for 253 yards in the game. Brian Bell passed for 239 yards and three touchdowns.

Tim Flanders rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns. SHSU scored 31 points in the second quarter to break the game open.

What a Win This Week Would Mean for the Aggies and Bearkats?

This is a pay game for SHSU. It picks up a big paycheck for showing up to play A&M. Chance Nelson is the second-leading receiver for the Bearkats, and he spent his freshman year at A&M. He should be motivated for this game.

A win for the Bearkats would be the greatest win in the history of their program. It would be an upset the magnitude of the Appalachian State beating Michigan. SHSU went to the FCS finals in 2011 before losing to Montana. It would like to win the game, but the most important thing is to avoid major injuries before the playoffs start.

A win for A&M would simply boost its record to 9-2. They just need to avoid a major letdown after the win in Tuscaloosa. A win would also keep its hopes alive to land in a BCS bowl game.

Key Player for the Aggies

Johnny Manziel is the most important player for the Aggies. He is the engine that makes the Aggies offense go. Manziel needs to have a solid game with limited turnovers to keep his Heisman campaign alive. 

If Manziel is sharp early, the Aggies may be able to get out to a big lead and give their starters a much-needed rest.

The most important thing for A&M is to keep everyone injury-free for the final game of the regular season against Missouri.

Key Player for the Bearkats

Brian Bell is the key to the Bearkats' chances to win the game. The Aggies' weakness is their secondary. If Bell can get hot, the Bearkats will be able to score some points and make this a four-quarter game.

The Aggies are riding high right now. Everyone is patting them on the back and telling them how great they are.

The Bearkats have an explosive offense. They are going to come into Kyle Field and try to be giant killers. If Bell gets in rhythm, it could be a long day for the Aggie secondary.

Aggies Will Win If.....

The Aggies will win the game if they take the game seriously. The Ags have too much talent at too many skill position standouts to lose to a FCS team. If they show up ready to play, then this game should be over shortly after halftime.

They simply need to take care of business at home. The Aggies need to recognize that this is a good football team they are facing, and they will get their best shot. As long as A&M limits turnovers, it should be fine.

The Bearkats Win If......

The Bearkats will win if the Aggie football players spent the whole week drinking and celebrating their win over Alabama. SHSU has a great FCS program and would likely beat a few FBS teams.

If the Bearkats can force a bunch of turnovers, then they have the kind of offense that can hold onto the ball for a long time and keep the Aggies offense on the sideline.

If the Aggies come out lethargic and the Bearkats force a bunch of turnovers, it could become a game.

Prediction

Prediction: Texas A&M 51 SHSU 27

If Texas A&M shows up ready to play, then this should not be a game. The Aggies will likely come out a little lethargic, and this will be a game until at least the second quarter.

SHSU will be able to score some points because it does have some talent on offense. Eventually, the Aggies will pull away. Expect Jameill Showers to lead the second team offense to a touchdown or two in the fourth quarter.