Texas A&M is coming off a strong 9-4 campaign. It got out of the gate 3-3 but exploded to win its final six regular-season contests before falling to LSU in the Cotton Bowl. With 18 starters back, the Aggies appear poised for an even better season in 2011.

Offense: Last season was supposed to be the Jerrod Johnson show. Instead, it ended up being the Ryan Tannehill show. He and eight other offensive starters return from a unit that ranked 23rd nationally in total offense with 441.9 yards per game last year.

Tannehill completed nearly 65 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,638 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions after taking over the starting job. He helped the Aggies rank 20th in the nation in passing offense with 276.9 yards per game through the air.

With first-team All-Big 12 wide receiver Jeff Fuller and explosive tailback Cyrus Gray back as well, the Texas A&M offense has the potential to be even better in 2011.

Fuller, who caught 72 passes for 1,066 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, leads one of the best receiving units in the Big 12.

Gray is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He hit the century mark in each of the final seven games and finished with 1,133 rushing yards and 12 scores.

The unit is held to together by an offensive line that should be even better this season. Four of five starters return up front with talented tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews anchoring the unit.

Defense: Despite the loss of the irreplaceable Von Miller, Texas A&M has the potential to be one of the better defensive sides in the Big 12.

Tim DeRuyter helped the defense do a 180 in his first season as coordinator. The Aggies finished the year ranked 55th nationally in total defense with 364.3 yards allowed per game after ranking 105th with 426.3 yards allowed per contest the previous season. There is reason to believe more improvement is on the way with nine experience starters returning.

The defensive line is a major strength. It helped the Aggies rank No. 1 in the league against the run with 130.2 yards allowed per game last season. It also helped them tie for fourth in the conference with 30 sacks. Senior ends Jonathan Mathis and Tony Jerod-Eddie are back to anchor the defensive front.

Inside linebacker Garrick Williams is poised for a big senior season after recording 112 stops last year. He anchors the second level of the defense.

The defensive backfield was the only true weakness on last years stop unit, but it should be improved with everyone coming back. Senior cornerback Coryell Judie is a player. Hes capable of making life difficult for opposing No. 1 wideouts.

Prediction: 2nd Place Big 12 Texas A&Ms first outright conference championship since 1998 is within reach this year. The Aggies get both Oklahoma State and Texas at home but must travel to Oklahoma. A&M defeated the Sooners 33-19 in College Station last year, but winning in Norman is a far greater challenge. College football lines makers have listed Texas A&M at 40/1 to win the BCS championship.

Jimmy Boyds expert college football picks will help you crush your book this season!

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