A Big 12 Rematch: Previewing Texas A&M at Colorado
Texas A&M will be a week into 2021 season before hitting the road. And while old Aggies know Folsom Field quite well during their time in the Big 12, the Colorado Buffaloes won't exactly be the host team.
Instead, the Aggies and Buffs will battle it out at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver for a sorta neutral location outing. This probably doesn't quiet the Colorado fan base, but it gives more Aggies a chance to come to the game.
Texas A&M and Colorado have a history in the Big 12. Overall, the Buffaloes lead the series 6-3. The last time these two teams met, Colorado pulled out a 35-34 nail-biter in 2009.
This time around, Texas A&M should have the edge. After all, a 10-1 record will give anyone the confidence to build off a season.
Be sure to also check out AllAggies.com's way-too-early preview of Kent State entering Week 1.
Colorado
2021 Record: (1-0)
Head coach: Karl Dorrell
Dorrell is entering his second season with Colorado following his hire in February of 2020.
Offensive Set: Spread
Defensive Set: 3-4
Returning starters on Offense: 6
The Buffaloes will be looking for a new quarterback with Sam Noyer transferring to Oregon State. The run game should be something to watch for as Jarek Broussard should look to build off his 2020 finish.
Projected starters on Offense:
QB Brendon Lewis Soph /J.T. Shrout, (RS Soph Transfer)
RB Jarek Broussard, RS Jr.*
WR La'Vonte Shenault, RS Soph*
WR Brenden Rice, Soph
WR Dimitri Stanley, RS Jr*
TE Brady Russell, RS Jr.
LT Frank Fillip, RS So
LG Kary Kutsch, Sr.*
C Colby Pursell, Sr.*
RG Casey Roderick, RS Soph*
RT Jake Wiley, RS Soph.
* Denotes returning starters
Returning starters on Defense: 7
Like the offense, Colorado is replacing more names than expected. However, a handful of the talent that is expected to play a starting role has experienced snaps in the past.
Projected starters on Defense:
DE Terrance Lang, RS Jr.*
NG Jalen Sami, RS Soph
DT Na’im Rodman, Soph
OLB Guy Thomas, Jr.*
LB Robert Barnes, Grad Transfer
LB Nate Landman, Sr*
OLB Carson Wells, RS Jr*
STAR Chris Miller, RS Jr.
CB Christian Gonzalez, Fr.*
CB Mekhi Blackmon, RS Jr.*
S Isaiah Lewis, Jr.
S Mark Perry, Soph*
Newcomers to Know:
LB Robert Barnes
Barnes joins the Buffaloes following three seasons at Oklahoma. Originally recruited as a safety, Alex Grinch elected to use his speed to his advantage, playing him up the middle as the coverage back. Expect that to be the role for Barnes in the same look with Landman playing more of the run.
QB J.T. Shrout
Shrout could be a name that wins the starting role with Moyer leaving the program. During his time with the Volunteers, he threw for 500 yards and five touchdowns against three interceptions. If Dorrell is looking to run a more pro-style offense, Shrout might be the best option.
After Texas A&M:
The Buffaloes have yet another tough matchup, this time at home against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are looking to build off a lowly 3-4 finish in 2020.
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