CFB analyst Phil Steele provides breakdown of A&M's opposition this fall

One of the most well-known college football analysts in the country, Phil Steele joined TexAgs Radio to speak on Texas A&M's 2024 opponents, the Maroon & White's position groups and how the Aggies could fare in year one under Mike Elko. 

Key notes from Phil Steele interview

• First of all, I have great respect for what coach Mike Elko did at Duke. Out of my entire conversation with him, the one thing that stood out to me was he said that this had the chance to be the best defense he has coached.
   
• Remember, back in 2021, they only allowed 15.9 points per game here at Texas A&M. It's a dominant defensive front coming in. The offensive line will be improved, and the key is to keep Conner Weigman healthy. The quarterback is the key for them to operate at the highest level.
   
• They have really good running backs, and the biggest question mark on offense might be the wide receivers, but they have the talent. If they can come around, that’ll help out Weigman. An improved offensive line, better running backs, and the defense, look out.
   
• The offensive line was a weakness last year. If you go back to last year, it seemed like the quarterbacks were running for their lives. I think having the improved offensive line is going to improve the offense overall and help keep Conner Weigman healthy.
   
• Nic Scourton was dominant in the Big Ten. I think the Big Ten and the SEC are very close. I think those are the two elite conferences in college football. He was basically the star of the Purdue defense last year, and now, he is surrounded by a bunch of talent. There are so many guys on the defensive line that can cause havoc.
   
• I do like the pickups they have made on defense. Bringing in Solomon DeShields from Pitt was a big-time addition. Bringing in Scooby Williams from Florida is a very productive player and another big addition.
   
• Obviously, Taurean York coming back is huge as a captain of the team. I'm not calling the linebacker unit elite, but I do think that they’ll be really solid this year.
   
• A&M vs. Notre Dame is the only game of the year that I do not have Notre Dame favored. I think it is a tossup because it’s in College Station, and it's early in the year. I do think Notre Dame makes the playoffs this year with Riley Leonard at quarterback.
   
• Notre Dame is solid on the defense across the board. I ranked their defensive backs at No. 6 and their defensive line at No. 11 in the nation. Offensively, they’re strong in all four units. This is a very talented Notre Dame team.
   
• Florida is going to surprise some folks this year. Billy Napier is very confident in his team this year. They do have the toughest schedule in the country, and the Texas A&M game is in The Swamp.
   
• Graham Mertz is at quarterback with DJ Lagway, a true freshman, behind him. Montrell Johnson at running back, and a much-improved defense than years before... This is a very dangerous game for A&M.
   
• I have Texas A&M favored against Missouri. You look at Missouri offensively, and they are really solid. They lost their star running back in Cody Schrader, but then they brought in a couple of 1,000-yard guys. They have one of the best receiving rooms in the country and a veteran offensive line.
   
• Missouri lost their defensive coordinator and five defensive draft picks. Their defense has a lot of question marks, so I have A&M as a six-point favorite.
   
• You have to figure that LSU’s defense is going to improve. The last time they had a Heisman-winning quarterback, they averaged 48 points per game. They dropped 16 points per game the year after. They’re going to be less potent on offense.
   
• I think it is going to be a completely different-looking LSU team. More running back play on offense, lower scoring and a stronger defense. They play a lot of “toss-up” games this year. I can see them as a contender or as an eight-win team this year.
   
• I think Michigan has one of the top defenses in the entire country. On offense, all five offensive linemen starters are gone. You’re not looking at elite quarterback play, either. If you have question marks in those two areas, you’re generally going to struggle. I have Texas as a seven-point favorite in that game.
   
• I think Ole Miss can make the playoffs. I think they’ll be 6-0 when they travel to face LSU. They have a ton of talent on offense with Jaxson Dart, dangerous receivers and a veteran line. Walter Nolen in the nose tackle spot is a massive upgrade. When you look at Ole Miss, this is by far Lane Kiffin’s best team.
   
• When Nick Saban stepped down, and everyone hit the portal, I thought it was going to be a rebuilding year. Kalen DeBoer is 104-12 as a head coach. He brought in some key players from the portal. I feel he's got more talent this year than he had at Washington last year, so I'm not dismissing his chances of competing for an SEC or even national title.