The Tennessee Vols head to College Station this weekend for a showdown with the Texas A&M Aggies. Despite being 4-5, A&M isn’t playing terrible football, competing with both Alabama and South Carolina in recent weeks on the road.

Tennessee comes in at No. 8 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and they control their own path to almost certainly a home playoff game if they can take care of business.

Will they start on the right foot at Kyle Field on Saturday? Our college football writers weighed in with their predictions.

Tennessee 23, Texas A&M 16

This has been a game that, from an upset perspective, is more of a concern to me than the Kentucky game was. Tennessee is a different animal on the road in SEC play than they are at home under Josh Heupel. Pre-snap mistakes and head-scratching moments seem to happen more away from home, and despite Texas A&M being 4-5, Kyle Field will likely still be loud and rocking on Saturday.

I still think Tennessee is in good position to win here based on their line play on both sides of the ball, although the loss of Tyree Weathersby stings. But Tennessee’s ground game and physical defense proves to be enough to get out of town with a tough win and set up a de facto playoff game for them against LSU next week.

Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 10

This Tennessee defense is playing lights-out. One of the best in the country. And after putting up 450 yards of total offense last week, A&M still managed just nine total points vs. South Carolina. Their offense has been bad, and the defense hasn’t been great, either. Tennessee will use this game to find a bit of a spark in the passing game and continue running the ball well.

Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Tennessee 30, Texas A&M 17

There are no down weeks in the SEC, even if Texas A&M is having a down year. For the Vols, this is a bit of a trap game. The Aggies are not what many predicted based on preseason rankings, and the matchup with LSU next week could very well be for a CFP spot when all is said and done. But it won’t matter if Tennessee doesn’t take care of business this week.

The Vols have the two things that travel and make a good football team however: a run game and good trench play. I expect Tennessee to overpower the Aggies and get out with a victory ahead of a monumental matchup next week.

Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Tennessee 31, Texas A&M 14

Tennessee has its top-10 spot and will cruise into the College Football Playoff if it can avoid another loss. Texas A&M has been reeling badly, losing three of its last four games, and will fall to 4-6 following Week 11. The Vols are going to get the job done on the road, avoiding a potential upset ahead of a big game against LSU next weekend. This Tennessee defense is bad news for the Aggies’ offense, and it could be a long day as a result.

Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Tennessee 28, Texas A&M 17

I expect Tennessee to have a tougher time early than some might anticipate. The Vols could come out a little sluggish offensively, allowing Texas A&M to hang around and potentially control portions of the first half. However, Tennessee has enough talent and offensive firepower to eventually find its rhythm. I like the Vols to make some adjustments at halftime, get the running game going, and put more pressure on the Aggies defense as the game progresses.

The biggest difference comes down to quarterback play. Marcel Reed continues to have issues taking care of the football, and those mistakes are particularly costly against a Tennessee team that can turn turnovers into points quickly. The Aggies make a few plays to stay competitive, but they give Tennessee too many extra opportunities. The Vols take control in the second half, pull away late, and come away with an important SEC victory.

Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 13

This has a chance to be really ugly. The Volunteers are in a good spot inside the top-10 of the College Football Playoff rankings with a fantastic run game. The only thing that will keep the Aggies in the game is their run defense and Marcel Reed scrambling BS. I don’t think the Volunteers defense will let him gash them. Things feel like they are spiraling for the Aggies, and this will further that.

Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida