A&M shocked a lot of people last year by going to the SWAC Championship. The Bulldogs rode the coat tails of their defense all season. This year will be different.

The defense lost, “The Beast,” Robert Mathis to graduation and will miss his strong presence during the passing downs.  

It’s now 2003 and the Bulldogs have more questions than they had last year at this time. How will the offense improve? Will the defense be the same? Will coach Anthony Jones handle the pressure of expecting to win instead of hoping to win? 

The solutions to the questions will be answered in August when the players report for camp. The success of the Bulldogs resides in the attitude of the players. If complacent A&M will get a rude awaking when they meet Grambling.  The defense will get tested during this game and the attitude of the season will reside in the outcome of this game.

The other thing working against A&M is the schedule. Nine weeks without a bye. It will be a miracle if the Bulldogs make that far without injuries to key people. The stretch includes Grambling, Southern, and Alabama State. 

With all that said, the Bulldogs will most likely be in the hunt with MVSU to go to the SWAC Championship. Running back Jeremiah Bonds is the key for the Bulldogs to go back to the SCG. Bond’s a speedster with the ability to take to the house every time he touches it.  If the offense gets balanced, the quarterbacks will have time to settle in their roles as team leaders. 

Prediction 9-3
Losses: Grambling, MVSU, Southern