Just when ya start feeling good about something …

The angst over a prediction for today’s game between Tennessee and Texas A&M is palpable — at least for me.

This game should be a no-brainer.

Tennessee has a great future within its grasp. With a 7-2 record, the Volunteers are well on their way to a spot in the College Football Playoff. Three very winnable games — the Aggies, LSU at home and at Vanderbilt — are left on the schedule.

Let’s look at the Aggies first.

They have five losses. They have what used to be a “stud” quarterback (Marcel Reed) suddenly completely flushed down the tubes with two touchdown passes and seven interceptions in six Southeastern Conference games.

Logic says A&M has absolutely nothing to play for. Any good, young A&M player has to be considering his transfer portal/NIL options and can’t have the end of the season come too soon.

However, this is a team that came into the season with a roster that cost in the range of $40 million. That’s right up there with the big boys.

Either someone has made some bad decisions or there have been a lot of flops this season.

This is a chance to see what kind of a coach Mike Elko is. Can the Aggies boss keep the locker room from splintering, or will it be an all-out mutiny in College Station?

No matter the case, the Aggies fan base has to be pretty upset. This was a program that was on the verge of going through last season without a loss. Now, all of a sudden, A&M is miserable.

How does a team fall off a cliff so quickly — especially with a quarterback returning that, at times last season, had Heisman consideration?

Hard to fathom.

Today’s game could be dangerous — just like Kentucky nearly was.

The Vols let the Wildcats hang around through three quarters — leading just 13-6 — before pouring it on in the fourth quarter.

Fortunately for Tennessee, it was at Neyland Stadium, where the fans wouldn’t allow their heroes to falter.

If the Aggies are able to hang around for a while, no telling what could happen. What the Vols have to do is produce a couple early scores and some turnovers. They have to either turn the A&M fans against the Aggies or to the gates to leave by halftime.

I’ve got an idea that could happen.

Tennessee 38, Texas A&M 17

JACK GLENNON: Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 10

This game will not be close. A Tennessee blowout from start to finish, the Volunteers will force Marcel Reed into at least two turnovers, and will capitalize on both. Expect the Volunteers to dominate defensively once again.

CALEB JARREAU: Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 17

The Aggies are searching for any sign of life this season. Tennessee shouldn't be their source.

TREVOR McGEE: Tennessee 24, Texas A&M 13

Marcel Reed's struggle to command the Texas A&M offense won't magically fix itself this week. The Aggies had 460 yards of offense a week ago and still couldn't find the end zone. Jim Knowles' unit should feast on the opportunity.

THEO COLLI: Tennessee 26, Texas A&M 20

The Vols control their own destiny. Win out and they are in the playoffs, but first a trip to a tough environment of College Station against a very up and down Texas A&M team. The defense, while banged up, isn’t a concern to me. Jim Knowles has had those guys revved up all season and I don’t think it’ll be much different this weekend, but can George MacIntyre and co. step up when it counts? I think so, but it’s not going to be pretty. Aggies give a fight but I think Tennessee pulls away, especially after a big game once again from the running game and DeSean Bishop.

Source: Yahoo Sports