September 15, 2003
Game notes for Thursday's nationally-televised contest at Virginia Tech...
GAME 3:
Texas A&M AGGIES (2-0, 0-0 Big 12)
at
Virginia Tech HOKIES (2-0, 0-0 Big East)
KICKOFF --- 6:30 p.m. (CDT), Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003
SITE (CAPACITY) --- Lane Stadium (65,115)
RADIO INFORMATION --- The game will be broadcast by the 60-plus station Texas A&M Radio Network. For a complete list of stations, go to: AggieAthletics.com. Calling the game on the A&M Radio Network are Dave South (play-by-play), Tim Cassidy (commentary) and Chris Valletta (sideline reports).
TV INFORMATION --- The game will be televised nationally by ESPN. Calling the game will be Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analysis), Lee Corso (analysis) and Dr. Jerry Punch (sideline). In 28 games on ESPN, Texas A&M has compiled a 23-5 record. In Thursday night games on ESPN, the Aggies are 11-1 with the only loss coming at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the famed "Hurricane Bowl" in 1988.
GAME INFORMATION --- Texas A&M and Virginia Tech have met three times with the Aggies holding a 2-1 advantage in the series ... The Hokies took a 13-3 decision at Kyle Field in 2002, while Emory Bellard's Aggies tallied 19-0 and 27-6 victories in 1976 and 1977, respectively ... It will be the Aggies' first trip to VT's Lane Stadium since 1977 ... The Aggies return 41 players who saw action against Virginia Tech in 2002, including 11 starters.
FIRST A&M ROAD TRIP FOR FRANCHIONE --- Over the past three seasons, Coach Fran's teams at Alabama and TCU compiled an 11-4 record on the road.
LEWIS PUTS UP SOLID RUSHING NUMBERS OFF THE BENCH --- Courtney Lewis' two-game rushing yards are the most by an A&M runner since 1997.
MURPHY MAKING HIS MARK IN KO RETURNS --- Through two games in 2003, Terrence Murphy has gained 220 yards on four kickoff returns for a NCAA-leading 55.0 average.
MLB MORRIS LOST FOR THE SEASON --- Senior middle linebacker Jared Morris had surgery to repair a torn patella tendon in left knee and will be lost for the season.
RETURNING THE FAVOR IN BLACKSBURG --- The Aggies will be trying to become the first non-conference opponent to win at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in five seasons. The Hokies have won 14 straight non-conference games at home.
AGGIES SEEKING FIRST TOP 10 ROAD WIN SINCE 1979--- Texas A&M will be shooting for its first road victory against a top 10 opponent in 24 seasons. The last time an Aggie squad notched a road victory against a top 10 foe was 1979 when Tom Wilson's Aggies defeated No. 6 Penn State 27-14 in State College.