Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: Where to Watch the Live Stream, Online Options, and TV Channel Coverage

Analysis: Tennessee vs. Texas A&M SEC Showdown

An Unmet Expectation

No. 19 Tennessee and Texas A&M, both teams with lofty expectations coming into the 2023 college football season, have not lived up to those expectations thus far. As we reach mid-October, this cross-divisional showdown between the Volunteers and Aggies presents an opportunity for one team to gain an advantage over the other. The game, featured as the SEC on CBS Game of the Week, will surely draw attention from fans and pundits alike.

Texas A&M’s Recent Performance

Texas A&M is coming off a painful 26-20 loss to Alabama. The Aggies had a 17-10 lead at halftime but were unable to maintain it due to an untimely interception, a blocked field goal, and poor pass defense in the second half. Despite the loss, Texas A&M did show some positive signs as they effectively shut down Alabama’s running game and made some explosive plays. This performance should give them confidence heading into the showdown against the relatively unproven Volunteers.

Tennessee‘s Momentum and Questions

Tennessee, on the other hand, handled South Carolina with a convincing 41-20 home victory two weeks ago. However, with a bye week following that game, the jury is still out on whether the team can sustain the momentum generated from their impressive 11-2 season in 2022. A 29-16 loss to Florida earlier in September raised questions about the team’s potential, and although they were able to secure a victory against an overmatched Gamecocks squad, those questions remain unanswered.

A Meeting With History

This upcoming game will be the first meeting between Tennessee and Texas A&M since their 2020 regular season clash, which took place in front of a limited crowd at Neyland Stadium due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The significance of this meeting lies in the fact that it will mark the first time in series history that the Aggies will visit Tennessee with a full crowd in attendance. This added element could create an electrifying atmosphere, which will surely impact the players’ performances on both teams.

The Key Matchups

The Running Game Battle

One fascinating matchup to watch will be between Tennessee‘s strong running game and Texas A&M’s stingy run defense. Texas A&M currently ranks fifth nationally in yards allowed per rush, surrendering just 2.61 yards per carry. In their recent game against Alabama, they held the Crimson Tide to a mere 23 yards rushing. On the other hand, Tennessee ranks second nationally in yards per rush, averaging an impressive 6.18 yards per carry and accumulating 230 rushing yards per game. The outcome of this matchup could significantly influence the outcome of the game.

Aerial Challenges

If Texas A&M can successfully contain Tennessee‘s running game, the pressure will fall on Vols quarterback Joe Milton to make effective passes against the Aggies’ pass defense, which struggled against Alabama. Milton has yet to consistently connect on deep passes, with just eight completions of 25 yards or more through five games. In contrast, his predecessor Hendon Hooker completed 31 such big plays in 11 games last season. Milton will need to step up his game and take advantage of the Aggies’ vulnerable secondary.

The Impact of Ainias Smith

Ainias Smith, Texas A&M’s versatile offensive weapon, will play a crucial role in this matchup. Smith has already showcased his impact in previous games, scoring touchdowns as both a runner and a receiver. While the Aggies have primarily used Smith as a returner this season, his explosive playmaking ability cannot be underestimated. He returned a punt for a touchdown against Arkansas and set up a touchdown with a punt return against Alabama. Tennessee‘s defense will need to find ways to neutralize Smith’s impact if they hope to limit the Aggies’ scoring opportunities.

Prediction and Expert Picks

Analysts and experts are split on the outcome of this cross-divisional showdown. The teams present a fascinating clash in multiple aspects of the game. Texas A&M’s elite run defense will face Tennessee‘s strong rushing attack. The Aggies’ exploitable pass defense will be tested by Joe Milton’s arm. Both teams excel at pressuring opposing quarterbacks and have a high number of tackles for loss per game.

Based on home-field advantage, the edge is given to Tennessee in this evenly matched game. The Vols are predicted to come out on top, and the experts have chosen Tennessee as the favored team to win. However, anything can happen in college football, especially when two highly-regarded teams face off.

Ultimately, the outcome of this SEC showdown will depend on which team can execute their game plan more effectively, minimize mistakes, and capitalize on their strengths while exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses. The electric atmosphere of a full crowd at Neyland Stadium will undoubtedly add to the excitement and potentially sway the tide in favor of the home team.