Robert Cessna discusses the reasons why Texas A&M should feel good about it's New Year's Eve bowl victory over Northwestern while not taking anything away from it for next year.
↵He's right on a lot of points. Practicing for that extra month will help a bit, but with a new coaching staff coming in, it won't give them much of an advantage next season. Plus, the main players involved were seniors like Jeff Fuller and Ryan Tannehill, who won't benefit the Aggies next season.
↵Oh, and playing in a second or third-tier bowl also won't necessarily help prepare them for the rigors of the SEC next year.
↵What's more, the Aggies could be staring down the barrel of a true freshman starting at quarterback and running back, with Bralon Addison also possibly starting at wide receiver. Three freshmen in key positions isn't a great sign for near-term success.
↵Still, ending with a victory and avoiding another late-game collapse was encouraging. It gives new coach Kevin Sumlin something to build on and breaks a string of bowl losses. If the Aggies can make a bowl next season, that could take a little pressure off, which is another small benefit.
↵With what the Aggies will be going through next season, those small victories may be all they can appreciate.
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