New Mexico vs Texas A&M Odds: Optimism Building Around Weigman, Aggies

Last season didn’t go as planned for the Texas A&M Aggies. Despite a preseason No. 6 ranking, the Aggies finished only 2-6 in SEC play and failed to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2008. Fortunately, expectations are high again.

The Aggies will kick off the NCAAF season Saturday against the New Mexico Lobos, a longshot from the Mountain West Conference. Texas A&M is a 38-point favorite (-110), while the projected total is 49.0 (-110). Read on as we break down both teams in our New Mexico vs Texas A&M odds preview.

Weigman the Center of Attention for Aggies

Despite finishing 5-7 last season, the No. 23 Texas A&M Aggies could be a factor in the SEC race this fall. Much of the optimism surrounding the program is centered on Connor Weigman, the Aggies’ sophomore quarterback. Weigman, ESPN’s No. 1 ranked pocket passer in the 2022 recruiting class, beat out former LSU transfer Max Johnson for the starting job.

Weigman started the final four games last season following a hand injury to Johnson, completing 55.3% of his passes for 896 yards and eight touchdowns. More impressively, he was the only FBS quarterback with at least 120 attempts to not throw a single interception. In his final start, the Aggies upset then-No. 5 LSU 38-23, per NCAAF scores.

To help bolster the Aggies’ offense, Jimbo Fisher brought in a new play-caller in Bobby Petrino. Petrino, the former Arkansas and Louisville head coach, was most recently at UNLV, albeit for less than a month. He has extensive experience in the SEC and is regarded as one of college football’s brightest offensive minds.

He has his hands full, as the Aggies ranked 101st nationally in scoring last season (22.8 PPG). But Weigman, a +4000 Heisman pick, should make his transition easier. Keep that in mind when assessing the New Mexico vs Texas A&M odds.

Oddsmakers are optimistic, projecting the Aggies for 8.0 wins (-130 Over, EV Under). And while they’re something of a longshot to win the SEC, they still have the fourth-shortest odds (+1400) behind Georgia (-115), Alabama (+300) and LSU (+450).

Whether the Aggies can meet — or even, exceed — those expectations will depend largely on not only Weigman, but also wideout Evan Stewart and running back Rueben Owens, a five-star freshman. They should also be decent defensively after holding opponents to 21.2 points per game.

Tough Road Ahead for Lobos

The New Mexico Lobos have fallen on hard times. Really, really hard times. They’re just 7-24 under Danny Gonzales and have gone six straight years without a winning record.

Unfortunately, they’re not expected to be much better anytime soon. In fact, the Lobos are projected for just 3.5 wins (-110 Over, -120 Under) and own the longest odds in the Mountain West Conference at +15000. And it’s not even close.

Gonzales is bringing in a lot of transfers, including former UAB quarterback Dylan Hopkins, but it will still take a lot to fix this mess. Last season, the Lobos finished dead last in FBS in yards per game (228.1) and were second-to-last in scoring (13.1 PPG). They were shut out twice and did not score more than 21 points in any Mountain West game.

New Mexico’s defense is in need of a lot of work too, as only two starters return. The Lobos allowed 30 points or more six times last season, adding to their woes. It’s why they’re facing particularly long odds.

Handicapping the Odds

Texas A&M, 23rd in the NCAA football rankings, is in a different stratosphere than New Mexico in terms of talent. This game shouldn’t be close. For the Aggies, it’s an opportunity to work out the kinks, build confidence and fatten their stats before a trip to Miami on Sept. 9. Meanwhile, for the Lobos, it’s an opportunity to collect a hefty paycheck and nothing more.

The expectation is that the Aggies will win, and do so handily, in a game in which they’re favored by more than five touchdowns according to the New Mexico vs Texas A&M odds. There’s little doubt.

For college football betting odds, NCAAF news, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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