Taking a position-by-position look at Saturday’s season opener between Texas A&M and No. 15 Arizona State. Here’s what to watch for when the Aggies try to knock off the Sun Devils in Houston.

QUARTERBACK — Texas A&M: This is a close one, but we gave a slight edge to the Aggies because Kyle Allen is a bit more of a proven commodity. Allen took over for most of the second half of the season last year and guiding the Aggies to a Liberty Bowl victory. Arizona State senior Mike Bercovici looked pretty darn good in three starts, but perhaps there was a reason he could never beat out a healthy Taylor Kelly for the starting job. Allen’s had the entire offseason to adjust to life as the starter. He’s got a very strong arm and completed 61.5 percent of his passes after being thrown into the mix as a freshman.

RUNNING BACK — Arizona State: DeMario Richard came on strong enough at the end of 2014, finishing with 478 rushing yards, that the Sun Devils decided to move star running back D.J. Foster to wide receiver where they had a greater need for his talents. Kalen Ballage and De’Chavon Hayes also have a shot to be quite productive after looking good in the spring and preseason. The Aggies counter with Tra Carson and James White, who are both big, strong ball carriers, but limited in speed and not necessarily huge playmakers.

WIDE RECEIVERS, TIGHT ENDS — Texas A&M: If there’s one position group on offense Texas A&M is completely comfortable with, it’s probably the wideouts. Josh Reynolds set a school record with 13 touchdown catches while Speedy Noil and Ricky Seals-Jones also come back after solid seasons. Freshman Christian Kirk has wowed everyone since his arrival in the spring and the group’s ability to gain yards after the catch makes life easier on the QB Allen. ASU has some concerns after losing All-Pac 12 receiver Jaelen Strong to the NFL and Cameron Smith to injury. Tight end Kody Kohl has potential to be a big weapon for the Sun Devils and it will be interesting to see what Foster does as a full-time receiver, but A&M has a better group of pass catchers.

OFFENSIVE LINE — Arizona State: The Sun Devils return three starters led by senior center Nick Kelly, who is a Rimington Award candidate and senior guard Christian Westerman, who is on the Outland Trophy watch list. Right guard Vi Teofilo also returns as ASU works in a couple of new starters at the tackle spots, Evan Goodman and William McGehee. Teofilo has 30 career spots and he, along with Westerman and Kelly, received All-Pac 12 honors last season. New Texas A&M offensive line coach Dave Christensen is in a similar spot with center Mike Matthews back to lead a group that also includes returning starters Joseph Cheek and Germain Ifedi. The Aggies seem high on junior college transfer Avery Gennesy, but he’s unproven at this level.

DEFENSIVE LINE — Texas A&M: The defensive line figures to be the true strength of the Aggies with sophomore defensive end Myles Garrett leading the way. He recorded 11.5 sacks a year ago and Daeshon Hall also has a knack for getting into the backfield on the other side. Julien Obioha is the most experienced player on the team and moves to defensive tackle alongside Alonzo Williams. A&M has more talent and depth across the defensive line than most teams. The Sun Devils are no slouch in that department with three starters returning — end Edmond Boateng and tackles Demetrius Cherry and Tashon Smallwood — but ASU had some trouble stopping the running game at times last year with a tendency to give up long runs at inopportune times.

LINEBACKERS — Arizona State: The Sun Devils return four starters led by Viliami Moeakiola and with a 3-4 defense ASU likes to get creative and aggressive with this group. Arizona State has finished in the top 15 in the nation in sacks per game for three straight years, thanks in large part to the ability of its linebackers to rush from the outside. Texas A&M has a solid group returning, led by Shaan Washington and A.J. Hilliard, but there’s not a lot of depth, nor a true standout player among the group.

SECONDARY — Push: Neither team was particularly good at slowing opposing passing games last year with the Sun Devils allowing 260 yards per game through the air and the Aggies giving up 235. Both teams have worked to get better during the offseason, but only time will tell. With each offense looking to air it out we could get an idea early on. Texas A&M hopes junior college transfer Justin Evans is an upgrade at safety alongside Armani Watts, who had three of A&M’s five interceptions last year. ASU hopes senior cornerback Lloyd Carrington can have a big year while safety Jordan Simone is thought to have all-conference potential.