The reigning Heisman Trophy winner will welcome SMU to Kyle Field with open arms after losing to Alabama this past weekend. Manziel wasn’t the reason why the Aggies lost though, throwing for a career-best 464 yards and five TDs. With Manziel running the show for the Aggies, it’s going to be a long day for SMU. It starts with Manziel on offense for Texas A&M; and except nothing less of a great performance from him.

WR Mike Evans

The former basketball player starred last week against Alabama, catching seven balls for a school-record 279 yards and a touchdown. Evans made the Alabama secondary look terrible and with SMU’s secondary struggling this season, Evans will be poised for a big day against the Mustangs. The 6-5, 225 pound sophomore has a great combination of size and speed and is a big reason why he’s developing into one of the top receivers in college football.

RB Ben Malena

While Texas A&M;’s running game is highlighted by Manziel’s ability to scramble, Malena leads a stable of running backs that are all capable of making plays. The 5-9, 195 pound senior had a rough time getting anything going against Alabama, but SMU’s defense is not as intimidating as Alabama’s is. Malena will be a good option for A&M; to go to so SMU isn’t focused on Manziel dropping back to pass on every play. The only problem for SMU is that even if SMU contains Malena, the defense still has to stop Manziel.

OT Jake Matthews

Texas A&M; had to replace first-round pick Luke Joeckel at left tackle this season, but is doing so with another future first-round pick, Jake Matthews. At 6-5, 305 pounds, Matthews is going to have little problem containing SMU’s pass rushers. Matthews does a great job at keeping defenders away from Manziel and with SMU not having an elite pass rusher, it should be an easy day for Matthews. He’s also extremely good in A&M;’s zone blocking scheme and will be able to open holes for Malena and company.

DB Howard Matthews

Texas A&M;’s leading tackler on defense is junior Howard Matthews. Matthews is a big safety who is good in run support for the Aggies at 6-2, 200 pounds. After starting five games last season, Matthews is now fully entrenched as the starter in the secondary and is someone that SMU will have to account for in the running game. Matthews is a player that isn’t great in pass coverage so if SMU can catch him up near the line of scrimmage, maybe Garrett Gilbert can take advantage of his aggressive play in the passing game.