How many games does Texas A&M need to win in order to show 'true progress'?

Ben Baby, Texas A&M football beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered questions about the team and SEC during a live chat Thursday. Below are highlights, edited for clarity:

If A&M finishes the season 7-5 or 8-4 did they even make any true progress?

Baby: At the beginning of the year, I thought an 8-4 regular season indicated a strong first year under Jimbo Fisher. That's still the case. A&M's realistic ceiling was likely 9-3. Given the amount of young players still on the roster and the major areas of concern (offensive line, defensive backs), an eight-win season seemed more likely. And if the Aggies go 8-4, that means they'll have a win over Auburn or LSU,…