We're about to reach the most hopeful part of the college football season. That player who showed promise on last year's team has spent the whole offseason in the weight room and watching extra film. That upperclassman who has had a disappointing career up to this point is in the best shape of his life and the word around the program is he's ready for a breakout year. Your true freshman quarterback looked great, and you can ignore the fact that he was playing against the scout team defense. No injuries or early season upsets have derailed your team's season. Oh, your most hated rival's fans are saying the exact same thing? Those idiots are delusional, and they have no idea how bad their team is. It's a truly wonderful time, so let's watch this video, put on our maroon-tinted glasses, grab another cup of Kool-Aid and talk about why A&M could win 10 games this year.

First of all, this is the most stable the Texas A&M football program has been in a long time. That's weird to say when head coach Kevin Sumlin is legitimately on the hot seat, but hear me out. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital often appeared overwhelmed when going up against the best defenses on A&M's schedule. His play calling was predictable, and alternated between being far too aggressive and not nearly aggressive enough. It didn't help that Spavital and offensive line coach Dave Christensen butted heads throughout the 2015 season. Christensen's unit was also poor in pass protection, and even worse in run blocking, failing multiple times to generate the push needed to convert short yardage situations. Spavital was replaced with Noel Mazzone, a very experienced offensive coordinator who last coached at UCLA. Mazzone runs a spread system focused on establishing a power running game. Recruiting ace and Aggie legend Jim Turner replaced Christensen. The new offensive line coach's influence can already be seen on the recruiting trail. Sumlin also brought in David Turner to coach the defensive tackles, and his experience should greatly improve the development of several young defensive lineman.

By now I'm sure you've heard that five-star quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray transferred to Houston and Oklahoma respectively this offseason. A&M replaced those two when Trevor Knight transferred from Oklahoma. Knight is the prototypical big and mobile quarterback that fits perfectly in Mazzone's system. He won't be asked to do too much, since running backs Keith Ford and James White will get plenty of carries. Instead, Knight will be tasked with completing short passes, and if those routes aren't open, he can scramble to pick up yards. Mazzone's offense gets the ball to his playmakers as quickly as possible, and A&M has several players who are dangerous with the ball in their hands. Wide receivers Rickey Seals-Jones, Christian Kirk, and Josh Reynolds are all elite weapons for Knight, and freshman Traveon Williams provides an interesting option as a pass catching threat out of the backfield.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis took A&M's defense from dead last in the SEC to the middle of the conference, and the unit should improve considerably in year two. It all starts with returning All-American and potential number one draft pick Myles Garret. The defensive end is the best pass rusher in the nation, and one of its top overall defenders. There is simply no overstating his impact on the game as offenses need to plan their attack around him. Safeties Armani Watts, Justin Evans and Donovan Wilson also return. Watts led the team in tackles, Evans provided several highlight-worthy hits, and Wilson was a turnover machine. The linebacking corp, which has struggled the past few years, gets a shot of life in the arm with the return of Otaro Alaka who missed last season with an injury. With Richard Moore, Sean Washington and Claude George returning, the unit should eliminate the mental mistakes that plagued them last year. Considering the returning star power and Chavis' expertise, it is reasonable to expect A&M to have a top 30 defense in 2016.

Now let's take a quick look at the schedule and try to make some predictions.

Sept. 3, 2016 -- UCLA (W).

UCLA loses Miles Jack on defense and starts three new offensive lineman. We remember what happened the last time a Pac-12 opponent tried to break in a new offensive line against Myles Garrett and friends.

Sept. 10, 2016 -- Prairie View A&M (W).

A&M has to take care of business home. Hopefully, no one gets hurt and we get to see what the back ups can do in the second half.

Sept. 17. 2016 -- @ Auburn (W).

Auburn's offense is a mess, as they're replacing both starting tackles and have to figure out what to do at quarterback. Their defense is frightening, but if A&M can run the ball to slow down the pass rush, the Aggies should walk out of Auburn with a win.

Sept 24, 2016 -- Arkansas (W) AT&T Stadium.

Kevin Sumlin has yet to lose to Bret Bielema, and it doesn't look like he will this year either. Arkansas offense lost its quarterback, three offensive lineman, starting running back, and all-star tight end. While most of the defense returns, the unit wasn't very good at stopping the run, and abysmal when trying to defend the pass.

Oct. 1, 2016 - @ South Carolina (W).

No SEC road game is easy, and this is starting to look like a classic trap game for the Aggies. Will Muschamp is still an intriguing coach, but A&M is much more talented than the Gamecocks.

Oct. 8, 2016 -- Tennessee (W).

On paper, Tennessee is the best team in the SEC East. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd form a formidable rushing attack, but Dobbs struggles to throw the ball. If A&M can jump out to an early lead and force the Volunteers to air it out, the Aggies should improve to 6-0.

Oct. 22, 2016 -- @ Alabama (L).

Alabama is simply too good, especially in Tuscaloosa. It doesn't matter who they lost to graduation or the NFL because their recruiting success has made this team an unkillable monster. There are some questions on offense, most notably at quarterback, but that hasn't stopped the tide in the past. Hail Saban.

Oct. 29, 2016 -- New Mexico State Aggies (W).

A&M gets back on track at home and wins easily. This is another game where you hope to see the backups get significant playing time.

Nov. 5, 2016 -- @ Mississippi State (W).

Dak Prescott was the engine that made Mississippi State go, and the Bulldogs will be lost without him. A&M should win easily.

Nov. 11, 2016 - Ole Miss (W).

I think Ole Miss is in the conversation for most overrated preseason teams. Bo Wallace certainly put up the stats of an elite quarterback, but how will he fare without first round picks wide receiver Laquon Treadwell or left tackle Laremy Tunsil? The defense desperately needs young players to step up to fill holes at defensive tackle, middle linebacker, and safety.

Nov. 19, 2016 -- UTSA (W).

UTSA is a dangerous team and shouldn't be overlooked, but the Aggies should easily protect Kyle Field.

Nov. 24, 2016 -- LSU (L).

Last time Leonard Fournette played at Kyle Field this happened. Leonard Fournette still plays for LSU.