LSU & Florida Are Calling

Sports Illustrated predicts Texas A&M will win six games in first year of KevinSumlin: What SEC schedule worries?

Kevin Sumlin
Aggieland is set to get some extremely high-profile visitors.

Mike Sherman won six games at Texas A&M this season and got fired. Kevin Sumlin could win six games as the Aggies new coach next season and meet every expectation.

At least Sports Illustrated's.

The sports bible predicts the 2012 record of the 10 BCS programs that changed coaches in its latest issue and Sumlin and Texas A&M come out pretty well in the analysis. Despite moving into the punishing SEC, and losing plenty of firepower from an underachieving 2011 team, SI sees six wins for Sumlin. That's more than the magazine expects Mike Leach to win at Washington State (five), Charlie Weis to win at Kansas (three) and Jim Mora to win at UCLA (five).

There are not a lot of easy wins on Texas A&M's schedule, but Sports Illustrated clearly believes in Sumlin. And based on his track record at UH, why wouldn't you?

Of the 10 first-year coaches looked at, only Urban Meyer at Ohio State (nine), Larry Fedora at North Carolina (eight) and Rich Rodriguez at Arizona (seven) are projected to win more than Sumlin in year one.

Sumlin's always maintained that he's not afraid of no SEC schedule.

Now that schedule's come out and it's equal parts thrilling and terrifying for Aggie fans. For LSU (Oct. 20) and Florida (Sept. 8) are heading to Kyle Field, bringing those college football mega powers within a two-hour drive of Houston. Of course, there's also a three-game road trip from hell, sandwiched by games at Auburn and Alabama — and no Texas.

There are not a lot of easy wins on Texas A&M's 2012 schedule — outside of McNeese State and SMU — but Sports Illustrated clearly believes in Sumlin. And based on his track record at the University of Houston, why wouldn't you?

"He's got the charm and charisma to galvanize the fan base and attract top in-state talent as the Aggies move to the SEC," SI writes of Sumlin.

Sumlin, who's already recruiting Houston heavily, will be watching his new team try to close 2011 at 7-6 in the Meineke Car Care Bowl at Reliant Stadium on Saturday. Of course, the Aggies do not have to worry about the SEC aura then — Northwestern, a 6-6 team from the Big Ten is the obstacle.

Just two days later in Dallas, Sumlin's old team will try to finish 13-1 without him in Dallas.

UH's new coach, Tony Levine, didn't make Sports Illustrated's list of new BCS coaches. No one's predicting his win total without Case Keenum.

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Legendary F1 driver takes to the streets of Houston at free Red Bull event

Courtesy of Red Bull

F1 legend David Coulthard will be in Houston for the Red Bull Showrun.

We all know Red Bull gives you wings. But, this September, the energy drink will also give you the need – for SPEED!

For the first time in the U.S., participation of both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB Formula One cars will co-headline the Red Bull Showrun in Houston, taking place on Saturday, September 7. The pop-up, single-day exhibition will see a dual appearance of two championship-winning F1 cars as the teams run liveries on the RB7 and RB8, respectively, up and down the streets around downtown’s Discovery Green.

First announced in June, Red Bull has revealed that the event will be led by legendary F1 driver David Coulthard and current Red Bull Junior Driver Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad, an up-and-coming driver, is a multi-race winner in F3. The event marks Lindblad’s debut driving an F1 car publicly as he gets behind the wheel to drive the Visa Cash App RB liveried RB8. Coulthard is a storied British racing legend who previously competed in F1 for 15 seasons and gave Red Bull Racing its first podium finish.

Red Bull Arvid Lindblad Arvid Lindblad will make his public debut in a F1 car.Courtesy of Red Bull

The high-octane Showrun is accompanied by two other world-class drivers. ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett will take to the streets in his recently unveiled and highly anticipated MadMac drifting McLaren P1 Hypercar. Off-road racing champion Andrew Carlson will pilot his Pro 4 Off-Road short-course truck racer. The pair will entertain the crowds alongside the F1 cars during the individual two-hour events, reaching maximum speeds with donuts, burnouts, wheelies, and more high-octane action.

While at the event, attendees can also explore an expansive Red Bull Fan Zone that features local food vendors and free activities for racing fans of all ages. Food trucks including Lupe Tortilla, Crust Pizza, Abu Omar Halal, and Bad Chx will also be onsite selling food to attendees.

Aspiring drivers can test their skills on racing simulators, courtesy of Oracle Red Bull Racing, while stopping by the pop-up apparel shop featuring gear from team drivers Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, and more.

Musical entertainment at that day will help reflect the diverse culture of Houston, including a special intermission showcase of Red Bull Turn It Up that will feature a high-intensity DJ battlebetween Bayou City-based DJ Mr. Rogersand LA’s very ownDJ Hed. This mid-race music performance will serve as a preview to the Red Bull Turn It Up event taking place later that night at Houston nightclub NOTO, with tickets on sale now to the high-intensity, dance-filled DJ battle.

NBC Sports reporter Georgia Henneberryhas been invited to emcee this Red Bull Showrun alongside Texas racing expert and Rally Ready founder Dave Carapetyan, while local rap icon Paul Wall will host the Red Bull Turn It Up intermission performance at 1 pm.

Doors open to the Red Bull Fan Zone at 10 am, although the Red Bull Showrun racing action will take place from noon to 2 pm, with the Red Bull Fan Zone then closing at 3 pm. More information about Red Bull Showrun Houston, including the full event schedule that will be announced soon, can be found here

red bull showrun downtown f1 racing parks

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Sports Illustrated predicts Texas A&M will win six games in first year of KevinSumlin: What SEC schedule worries?

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Legendary F1 driver takes to the streets of Houston at free Red Bull event