Jake Crain shares why he believes A&M will win nine games this season

As the offseason dwindles away, Jake Crain of Crain & Company joined Wednesday's edition of TexAgs Live to share his record predictions for teams around the Southeastern Conference. Crain highlighted Texas A&M, as well as Oklahoma, Texas, Auburn, Alabama and more.

Key notes from Jake Crain interview

• I think that’s one piece of the puzzle. When you’re trying to project, you need the right ingredients. The anomalies of injuries last year and their offensive line, the odds of that happening again are as close to me staying healthy the next whole year.
   
• I don’t expect the Oklahoma product to be that bad again, as it was last year. Jackson Arnold was a problem, too, but bringing in John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle. Mateer doesn’t have to learn a new language, which is good. It’s everyone else, which is easier on the offense, so Brent Venables can concentrate on the defense.
   
• I like what Oklahoma brought in on the defensive side to go with R Mason Thomas. They have some young guys. I think they are really talented. They have a brutal schedule, but have a real shot to go 10-2. The embarrassment factor is the biggest fuel for 18 to 22-year-old men. They watched Texas go to the SEC Championship game when Oklahoma fell flat on its face... I think Oklahoma will roll up Michigan and smoke them.
   
• Auburn, I think they're 8-4. It’s the best roster they’ve had since 2017. He doesn’t have to be Batman; he needs to be Robin. They have depth now at offense and their defense at all three levels that they’re talented enough. That stretch at Oklahoma, at A&M, I have them losing, but I believe they beat Georgia off the bye week at home. This puts them at 8 and 4, which I think Auburn fans would take right now.
   
• I have A&M at 9-3. To me, it's at Notre Dame that decides it. If you win that one, and they can win it… They can go there and win because they're physical enough up front. I think they forgot that Elko had his first year last year. Marcel Reed balled out… Everyone’s talking about Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, etc., but two quarterbacks that aren’t being talked about are Demond Williams Jr. at Washington and Reed. I have them beating Notre Dame, and if they do, they could potentially get in if they are at 9-3.
   
• I don’t think Manning is the next coming of Jesus. There’s no way he can live up to the hype. I think they lose Week 1. They have a good roster, but I could give you different teams with better rosters. I’m not that much in love with them, but their defense will be fine. I have them losing to Oklahoma and Georgia. At 9-3, I don’t know if Texas gets in. I don’t see it. I think they start off 0-1. You had to replace most of the offensive linemen. When you have to replace a quarterback and the offensive line, it usually doesn’t work out. I’m not ready to anoint them the cream of the crop.
   
• With Alabama, every year is different. I think you could make the argument that they have the best 1-2 combo on the offensive and defensive lines. I think the offense will be more balanced because last year they made Jalen Milroe throw to beat them. Half of stopping the run was stopping Milroe. Getting Ryan Grubb back, I think, was one of the best plays in the offseason. They are going to murder Florida State. They will win all their non-conference games. I have them beating Auburn but losing to Georgia. I think they play them and lose in the SEC Championship.
   
• I’m worried about Kentucky and Mississippi State, but that’s no fun to talk about…. I’m worried about Tennessee, man. I don’t think the difference between Joey Aguilar and Nico Iamaleava is that big, but you lost some key pieces on offense and defense. You have some guys that will be talented on defense, but I think they’ll be a weaker team than last year. I have them at 8-4, but wouldn’t be surprised if they were at 6-6.