The Texas A&M Aggies enter this game with high expectations. They were one of the best teams in college football for most of last year. Then, they ran into Miami and struggled mightily. Now they are set to try and finish what they started last year.

As for Kentucky, they are in somewhat of a rebuild. Sure, it’s a rebuild because it’s a new era. No more Coach Stoops; now it’s Will Klein. Still, his team is already playing well. Well, at least in the first half. They just recently played the first half against Alabama last week, and it was an extremely fun one. Although that came to a screeching halt. So, who’s going to win this one?

Final score predictions for Texas A&M vs. Kentucky

Justin Churchill, A to Z Oklahoma: Texas A&M 27, Kentucky 21

Texas A&M has scored 98 points in two games while allowing just 10 per game and 76 rushing yards. Quarterback Marcel Reed is dangerous as a passer and runner, but the Aggies have struggled on the ground, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry and allowing four sacks. Kentucky’s defensive line will look to exploit that, especially after the Wildcats’ own 45–17 loss to Alabama.

But Kentucky made things extremely fun in that first half, where they exploited Alabama a bit. Texas A&M’s defense already has six takeaways. This matchup could come down to trench play and turnovers: if A&M runs the ball and pressures Kentucky’s offensive line and QB, the Aggies should control the game. If Kentucky protects well and slows down Reed, it could stay close.

Rob Gregson, A to Z Alabama: Texas A&M 35, Kentucky 20

I know that plenty of people aren’t as bullish on the Aggies this season after the way things ended against Miami last year, but this is still a very good team, led by an experienced head coach and quarterback duo, and a program that employs the kind of defense to make life hard on Kentucky.

After getting a good look at the Wildcats last week against Alabama, I think that while it’s safe to say that the program is trending in the right direction, they don’t have the horses to compete with the top of the conference yet. Kenny Minchey is still learning on the fly, and trying to do that in College Station, in one of the most hostile environments in the sport, won’t be easy. I expect Texas A&M to handle business here.

Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida: Texas A&M 31, Kentucky 20

The Aggies are coming off of an impressive win over Arizona State, where they pulled away in the second half for a 28-point win. The Sun Devils. Within that, I have concerns about how functional the passing game will be once they face a well-coached defense, which Kentucky certainly has.

Marcel Reed sprays the ball everywhere, skipping one pass then airmailing the next. Going into conference play, this could be a huge factor moving forward. Kentucky will put up a good fight, but won’t be able to keep it within single digits at the end of the day.

Craig Smith, A to Z Miami: Texas A&M 42, Kentucky 20

Man, that was an exciting first half from Kentucky against Alabama, wasn’t it? Leading 17-13, it felt like maybe the Wildcats were different. But then they reverted to old Kentucky in the second half, getting outscored 32-0.

Now, Will Stein’s team heads to College Station to face a Texas A&M team that finished in a huge way against Arizona State last weekend, outscoring the Sun Devils 24-0 in the fourth quarter to win going away 48-20. Uh oh. That’s a bad combination. The Wildcats are still learning to play good football across four quarters. Mike Elko’s Aggies know how to do that. UK hangs around in the first half, with Kenny Minchey engineering a couple of scoring drives. But Marcel Reed and A&M’s offense put this one away in the third quarter.

Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame: Texas A&M 35, Kentucky 28

I’m taking Texas A&M 35, Kentucky 28 in what I expect to be one of the more competitive games on the SEC schedule. The Aggies should have enough offensive firepower to consistently move the football led by WR Mario Craver, particularly if they can establish the run and create opportunities off play-action for QB Marcel Reed. Kentucky can make this uncomfortable, though, and I expect the Wildcats to succeed in attacking A&M’s defense and finding explosive plays behind QB Kenny Minchey. This feels like a game where both offenses can put together multiple scoring drives.

Ultimately, I expect Texas A&M to make just enough plays when the game is on the line. Kentucky should keep the pressure on throughout the second half, but the Aggies’ ability to finish drives and capitalize on a couple of key opportunities will be the difference. I predict Texas A&M 35, Kentucky 28, with A&M pulling away late in a game that stays within one score for most of the day.