Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher inherited a tough, early schedule in his first season.
The Aggies host Clemson, the national champion two seasons ago, in their second game and visit defending national champion Alabama in their fourth.
Fisher said Monday during SEC Media Days, "I think when you have those kinds of games in the early part of the season, it makes the summer that much better ... it gets your attention."
Handed a 10-year, $75 million contract, Fisher isn't under immediate pressure to win big. He will have some time to adapt and implement a plan to help Texas A&M become a perennial SEC and national contender.
The Aggies haven't won an outright conference title since coach R.C. Slocum led the team to the 1998 Big 12 title.