It couldn’t have gotten much worse.

Texas A&M slumped to a dismal record of 5-7 last season, its lowest win total since 2008 and 1st losing campaign since 2009. To say it was a disappointment would be an understatement, considering the expectations and talent level.

There seems to be nowhere to go but up from that debacle.

Here are 5 areas in which the Aggies will be improved over last season and 5 areas in which they will still be worse:

5 areas the Aggies will be better

1. Offensive approach

Bringing in Bobby Petrino to run the offense will give the Aggies a much-needed boost. Ranked 11th and 12th, respectively, over the past 2 seasons in the SEC, the Texas A&M offense has become stale and relatively ineffective. That all changes with the addition of Petrino, 1 of the more respected offensive minds in college football.

2. Quarterback play

Conner Weigman steps into a more prominent role in his progression as the Aggies’ QB of the future. The 5-star prize recruit began to make a name for himself within the program after throwing for 896 yards and 8 touchdowns in just 5 games last season. He has yet to throw an interception in 132 passing attempts.

3. Receiving corps

This is a talented group that was woefully underutilized last season. But that all changes with Petrino’s arrival and the continued maturity of Weigman. Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart and Moose Muhammad III comprise a trio of receivers ready to become household names in 2023. Look for all 3 to have breakout seasons as the Aggies move the ball consistently through the air.

4. Run defense

It can’t get any worse. There’s really nowhere to go but up for Texas A&M against the run. Last in the SEC, the Aggies allowed an average of 209 rushing yards per game in 2022. That won’t happen again this season. There’s just too much talent up front, and linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Chris Russell Jr. have a year of experience under their belts. As a group, they’ll be much better against the run.

5. Offensive line

Over the past few seasons, the Aggies have had the potential for 1 of the better offensive lines in the conference. But things just haven’t worked out. Injuries and inconsistent play have derailed the Aggies over the past couple of years. But if they can stay healthy, this veteran group has the experience and skill to be among the best around.

5 areas the Aggies will be worse

1. Running game

How do you replace a talent like Devan Achane? That’s a major question mark that the Aggies must answer in order to take some of the pressure off Weigman as he continues to develop at quarterback. But who steps in for Achane to pick up the slack? Is it Amari Daniels? Is it Le’Veon Moss? A combination of the 2? Or maybe 5-star recruit Reuben Owens captures the spotlight? It’s a big question mark that may take some time to answer.

2. Pass defense

Only because it led the SEC last season, there’s nowhere to go but down for the Aggies’ pass defense. That’s not to say it won’t be excellent. It should be. Maybe not tops in the league again in 2023, but the secondary should be among the best in the conference. Transfers Tony Grimes (North Carolina) and Josh DeBerry (Boston College) are the new faces in the secondary and should fit in nicely with this talented and experienced returning group.

3. Brutal 3-game stretch

The schedule isn’t going to do Texas A&M any favors. A 3-game stretch has all the makings of derailing what could start out to be a promising season. After opening the 2023 schedule with winnable games against New Mexico, Miami, Louisiana-Monroe and Auburn, the Aggies run into a trio of games that could make or break the season.

The annual Southwest Classic, vs. Arkansas, gets things kicked off at Jerry World before the Aggies host Alabama. Then a daunting visit to Tennessee completes the trifecta of killer games.

4. Revenge factor

Don’t expect LSU to look past the Aggies again this season. The Tigers will be licking their chops when they host the Aggies in Death Valley at the end of the 2023 schedule, seeking revenge for the 38-23 whipping that ended the 2022 regular season.

The same could be said for Arkansas, which will rely on standout QB KJ Jefferson to get payback for last year’s 23-21 heartbreaker.

5. Dissension

It reared its ugly head last season and could become a very real concern again this year, especially early if the Aggies can’t break their road losing streak in Miami. The Aggies have lost their past 6 true road games, and another setback in South Florida could send the team and the locker room reeling.