Why Texas A&M is on 'boom watch' in 2023

Just a year after finishing 5-7, expectations are still high for Texas A&M. On3’s J.D. PicKell has them on “boom watch,” saying they are somebody who could have a big 2023 season. Tons of noise surrounds head coach Jimbo Fisher but all of it can be silenced with a few of those “boom” wins on the field.

Plenty can be made of the state of Texas A&M but something is undeniable. The Aggies have excellent talent at the top of their depth chart on both sides of the ball. Mark that down as a reason why PicKell likes their potential, especially with the offensive returning production.

“The talent is there,” PicKell said. “The way I am looking at this, they have as many four and five-stars as just about everybody else they’re going to play in the country. They’re going to be competitive from a roster standpoint… I love Conner Weigman, I love Evan Stewart. Having Anaias Smith back is huge. They got a lot of ingredients on this roster.”

Most of the criticism does get directed at Fisher. His contract and potential buyout received a lot of attention as Texas A&M stumbled to 5-7 last season. Had it not been for a huge upset win against LSU in the season finale, it would be been a dismal 4-8.

PicKell compares the situation to being in the kitchen, having a problem with the recipe. The ingredients (players) are worthy of better results but the execution of putting them all together has failed thus far. Thankfully, Fisher is looking to change the stature of his cookbook.

“So, if you’re telling me it’s Jimbo Fisher’s fault, you’re likely telling me there’s a problem with the recipe,” PicKell said. “Not a problem with the ingredients. The ingredients are solid… It’s much easier to change the recipe than the ingredients. They’re working on changing the recipe right now in College Station. I’m not concerned about the roster. The roster is the hardest part to acquire.”

Changing the recipe comes with a new offensive coordinator hire, Bobby Petrino. Fisher has apparently given up play-calling duties, allowing Petrino to run the show. A lot of faith is being put in the former Arkansas State head coach as Fisher hands him the head offensive chef hat in the kitchen.

If things work out offensively, PicKell likes where Texas A&M sits. He believes they can make some noise in the College Football Playoff race, even if the Aggies are not competing for a final four spot themselves.

“If they put it together, they’re going to be a team that I think competes in the SEC,” PicKell said. “And they’re going to put a dent in the College Football Playoff race. Just look at who they play.”

As usual, Alabama coming to College Station will draw attention. We all know how Texas A&M fared in the last game at Kyle Field, giving Fisher the marquee win of his tenure. And after last season’s close affair in Tuscaloosa, one where potential starter Jalen Milroe got the nod, you cannot give Nick Saban an automatic win.

Trips to Baton Rouge and Knoxville sit on the schedule too. LSU and Tennessee consider themselves programs going for it in 2023 after just falling short a season ago. Texas A&M could have the chance to play spoiler in big-time matchups on the road.

Everything must come together throughout the course of the season, though. If it does, PicKell is putting the SEC on watch.

“Whether or not they compete for the College Football Playoff or not — who knows,” PicKell said. “But I’m telling you. The roster itself is enough to be very, very dangerous when it comes to the 2023 season.”