When a team loses a star player to the NFL draft, they will often spend a few seasons trying to get out from under the shadow that player left behind. While Alabama, Ohio State, and some of the other big guns can simply reload each year, programs like Texas A&M and Auburn struggle to replace a player that meant so very much to them. The Aggies and the Tigers had their best years with Johnny Manziel and Cam Newton under center, but once they moved on, both programs struggled to maintain their high standing, proving that those two players were essentially what was carrying those teams. Both are looking to make some noise this year, and it can be argued that both have certainly made promising starts. The Aggies will have to head into hostile territory in Auburn this weekend, and their offense, which has looked sharp, will get a run for their money against a Tigers defense that has only given up a single TD through the first two weeks of the 2016 college football online betting season.

A Closer Look At The Aggies at Tigers College Football Winning Predictions

When: Saturday, September 17 at 7 PM EST Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn TV: ESPN Live Stream: Watch ESPN NCAAF Odds: Auburn Tigers -3½

Why bet on the Texas A&M Aggies

The Texas A&M Aggies come into this one a perfect 2-0, but it could have been a different story, as they came very close to gassing a big lead in Week 1 against the UCLA Bruins. It was a Trevor Knight TD run in OT in that one that speared the Aggies blushes. It would certainly have been a bit of a different story had A&M lost after being up 24-9, but they somewhat put that near debacle in the rearview mirror with a convincing 67-0 win over Prairie View in Week 2. Jordan-Hare is never an easy place to go and get a win, but the Aggies have done just that on their last two visits. They are going to have to find a way to break down what looks like a stubborn Tigers defense if they are to make it 3 in a row.

Why bet on the Auburn Tigers

While it was by no means a perfect performance the Auburn Tigers had to be somewhat pleased with their Week 1 showing against Clemson. Sure, they ended up going down 19-13, but they held a very good offense in check, and managed to force some turnovers in the process. The offensive line of the Tigers looks like one that could very soon be dominant in college football, as they are giving their QB time in the pocket, whilst also blasting holes that Kerryon Johnson is picking his way through with relative ease. If the Tigers can establish the run game early on Saturday, it could be a long day for the Aggies.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Despite starting the season 2-0, the Aggies are heading into Auburn as a 3.5-point dog. This is an indication of just how tough it is to win in that building, and I believe that it will be the Tigers who hold sway at home.