October 24, 2006
Game notes for Saturday's Big 12 game at Baylor (PDF link to the right)...
GAME 9:
Texas A&M AGGIES (7-1, 3-1 Big 12)
at
Baylor BEARS (4-4, 3-1 Big 12)
| GAME INFO |
| Saturday, Oct. 21, 6:05 p.m. (CDT) Floyd Casey Stadium (50,000), Waco, Texas Ticket Info: |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 7-1, 3-1 Big 12 Baylor: 4-4, 3-1 Big 12 |
| RANKINGS |
| A&M is ranked 22nd by both USA Today and The Associated Press. |
| TELEVISION |
| None |
| RADIO |
| WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary Tom Turbiville, sidelines (broadcast time 5:05 p.m. CDT) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (baylorbears.com) |
| SERIES |
| A&M leads, 63-30-9 Last Meeting: (10/1/05) Last in Waco: (10/30/04) |
| UP NEXT |
| A&M hosts (#19) Oklahoma Saturday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. OR 7 p.m. Kyle Field, College Station TV: ABC Tickets: |
SERIES INFORMATION
The Aggies lead the long series with the Bears, 63-30-9, dating back to the first meeting in 1899 ... The Aggies have more wins against Baylor than any other opponent ... Since the formation of the Big 12, the Aggies are 9-1 against the Bears ... Aggie head coach Dennis Franchione is 2-1 against Baylor ... The Aggies are 9-1 in their last 10 trips to Waco with the lone loss coming in 2004, 35-34 in overtime.
AGGIES DEBUT IN BCS
After logging another second-half comeback victory over Oklahoma State last Saturday, the Aggies (7-1, 3-1 vs. Big 12) made their 2006 debut in the BCS Standings at No. 21.
The Aggies, who are also ranked No. 22 by the Associated Press and USA Today, will head to Waco for a 6:05 clash with the Baylor Bears (4-4, 3-1) on Saturday.
The Aggies moved up one spot in the AP poll and jumped three slots in the coaches poll.
MAKING A COMEBACK
The Aggies have faced second-half deficits before rallying for the victory in each of their last three games, including a Franchione era-high 11-point comeback against Kansas.
In fact, A&M has trailed at some point in six straight games and rallied for victory five times. In the one loss, the Aggies rallied from 10 points down at halftime against Texas Tech to grab a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter.
Adding to the degree of difficulty, the last three comeback wins have required at least one 80-yard touchdown drive.
Second Half Rallies Opponent Deficit Time/Qtr Result Oklahoma State -7 3:24/4th W, 34-33 OT Missouri -2 13:43/3rd W, 25-19 Kansas -11 3:34/3rd W, 21-18
GOING BOWLING
With seven victories, the Aggies are already guaranteed of a bowl trip and have surpassed last year's win total by two. The Aggies are bowl-eligible for the 19th time in the last 22 seasons. It is the second time the Aggies have achieved bowl eligibility in Franchione's four seasons at A&M.
Since 1985, the Aggies have played in 15 bowl games, including nine New Year's Day bowls.
TRENDY AGGIES
- The Aggies have limited their last five opponents to a 22.8 percent success ratio on third-down tries (13-of-57).
- The last five games have seen the Aggies dominate the time of possession battle by an average of over 12 minutes per game. In the first three games of the season the Aggies operated at a slight TOP deficit.
- A&M has converted over 54 percent of third down tries against four conference opponents. In the four-game non-conference schedule, the Aggies converted at a 49 percent clip.
- Quarterback Stephen McGee has thrown 113 straight passes without an interception.
- McGee's favorite target, Chad Schroeder, has produced 21 first downs on 30 catches in 2006.
- Punter Justin Brantly, who broke Shane Lechler's freshman punting record last year, is on pace to break Lechler's school season punt record in 2006.
- The Aggies have posted a Big 12-best 27 red zone touchdowns, including a Big 12-best 21 rushing TDs in the red zone.
200 / 200 OFFENSE
Texas A&M is one of four teams nationally passing and rushing for over 200 yards per game in 2006. Those five teams have combined for a 23-7 record.
200 Rushing / 200 Passing Team Rush Pass Rec. Louisville 216.0 289.1 7-0 Northern Illinois 201.4 210.9 5-3 Oklahoma State 202.3 218.4 4-3 Texas A&M 203.9 208.4 7-1
TAKING WHAT IS GIVEN
The Aggies' path to the 200/200 offense is notable because A&M has posted 200 or more yards of rushing and passing offense in the same game just once in 2006.
Rush or Pass? Team Rush Pass Citadel 184 200 UL-Lafayette 225 271 Army 262 102 Louisiana Tech 153 336 Texas Tech 250 103 Kansas 146 240 Missouri 180 223 Oklahoma State 231 192 Season 203.9 208.4
SPREADING THE WEALTH
The Aggies have had the same leading rusher in back-to-back weeks just once this year (Jorvorskie Lane posted game-high rushing totals against Louisiana Tech and Texas Tech on Sept. 23 and Sept. 30, respectively).
Five different runners have led the team in rushing.
Different Rushing Leaders Player Leading Rusher Jorvorskie Lane La. Tech (tie), Texas Tech, Missouri Stephen McGee Army, Oklahoma State Mike Goodson UL-Lafayette, Kansas Courtney Lewis The Citadel Jamie McCoy La. Tech (tie)
SECOND-HALF CLAMPS
The Aggie defense has allowed only six touchdowns and 51 total points in the second half by the opposing offense. This has been key to the Aggies' 7-1 start since A&M has been tied or behind at halftime in four of eight games this season.
Tied or Down at Halftime Opponent Half Result Army 14-14 W, 28-24 Texas Tech 14-24 L, 27-31 Kansas 7-10 W, 21-18 Missouri 17-17 W, 25-19
FEWEST PICKOFFS
The Aggies have thrown just two interceptions in 2006, which is tied with four other teams for fewest in the NCAA (Auburn, Ohio State, Air Force and Wake Forest). The five teams are a combined 31-6.
COUNT ON THE J-TRAIN
When the game is on the line, sophomore Jorvorskie Lane has proven that he can be counted on to get the tough yard.
Through eight games, Lane has produced either a first down or a touchdown 20 times on 23 carries on third or fourth down.
In all, Lane has pounded his way to 32 first downs and 16 touchdowns on his 112 carries in 2006. At his current pace, Lane would score 24 touchdowns in the Aggies' 12-game regular season. The Aggies' school record for touchdowns in a season is 19 by Joel Hunt in 1927 (all rushing) and Darren Lewis in 1990 (18 rush, 1 receiving).
Lane has rushed or passed for a touchdown in 10 straight games.
"$Money Plays" for Lane Train Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 1st down rush 10 5 15 64 2nd down rush 6 5 10 25 3rd down rush 13 6 17 19 4th down rush 3 0 3 4 Total 32 16 45 112 $ - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown.
COMPLETION PACE
Quarterback Stephen McGee is on pace to smash A&M's 20-year old record for season completion percentage. McGee is completing over 64 percent of his passes on 132-of-204 passing.
Texas A&M Season Completion % List Rk Player, Year Cmp. % 1. Stephen Mcgee, 2006 64.7 2. Kevin Murray, 1986 60.7 3. Dustin Long, 2003 60.6 4. Mark Farris, 2000 59.9 5. Corey Pullig, 1994 59.9
McGEE STINGY WITH INTs
With just one pickoff among 204 pass attempts, redshirt sophomore Stephen McGee ranks No. 1 in the Big 12 and NCAA in interception percentage.
McGee has thrown 113 straight passes without a pickoff. The Texas A&M and Big 12 record for consecutive attempts without interception is 213 by Reggie McNeal from 2003 to 2004. McNeal's streak was stopped when Baylor's Braelon Davis picked off a McNeal offering on Oct. 30, 2004 in Waco.
Big 12 Fewest INTs/Attempt Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 204 / 1 .49 2. Zac Taylor, Nebraska 192 / 3 1.56 3. Colt McCoy, Texas 186 / 3 1.61 4. Chase Daniel, Missouri 259 / 5 1.93 5. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech 356 / 7 1.97 NCAA Fewest INTs/Attempt (180 att. or more) Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 204 / 1 .49 2. Kevin Kolb, Houston 262 / 2 .76 3. Troy Smith, Ohio State 193 / 2 1.04 4. Perry Patterson, Syracuse 208 / 3 1.44 Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 278 / 4 1.44
DUAL THREAT McGEE
Sophomore quarterback Stephen McGee is the nation's No. 2 passer among quarterbacks that average 40 or more rushing yards per game.
Pass / Rush Threat Rk. QB, School Rush/G Pass/G 1. Matt Grothe, South Florida 65.7 198.3 2. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 45.6 192.2 3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State 41.6 191.8 4. Isaiah Stanback, Washington 50.0 189.3 5. Chase Clement, Rice 56.7 180.5
USING HIS WEAPONS
Led by first-year quarterback Stephen McGee, the Aggies have done a good job of using a variety of receiving targets in 2006. The Aggies have used 11 different receivers, a school record, in two games this season. A total of 16 receivers have at least one catch in 2006, which ties a school record.
Spreading It Around Position Catches-Yards TD Wide Receivers (8) 81/1,059 4 Tight Ends (2) 32/408 3 Running Backs (5) 24/188 3 Quarterback (1) 1/ 12 0
EXPLOSIVE FRANKS
Junior Kerry Franks averages 29.2 yard per touch of the football, which is tops in the Big 12 among players averaging more than 60 all-purpose yards per game.
Franks has five of the Aggies' 10 longest plays in 2006 and a team-best 11 plays of 20 yards in length.
Taking to the House (min. 40 A-P yards/G) Rk. Player, School Yds/Touch 1. Kerry Franks, Texas A&M 29.2 2. Maurice Purify, Nebraska 24.5 3. Marcus Herford, Kansas 23.8 4. Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State 21.4 5. Mikail Baker, Baylor 21.0
KO RETURN IMPROVEMENT
Led by junior Kerry Franks, the Aggies have improved from one of the nation's worst kickoff return units in 2005 into one of the nation's best in 2006.
In 2005, the Aggies ranked No. 109 of 117 teams nationally with a 17.5 kickoff return average. After eight games in 2006, the Aggies are averaging a lofty 30.3 yards per return.
The speedy Franks tallied the Aggies first kickoff return touchdown since 2003 against Texas Tech with a spectacular 99-yard jaunt. Franks' 31.4 kickoff return average is tied for No. 1 in the Big 12 Conference and No. 6 nationally.
Starting Point 2006 Kickoff Returns 2005 30.3 Kickoff Return Average 17.5 No. 2 Big 12 Rank No. 12 No. 2 NCAA Rank No. 109
BRANTLY'S BEST
Sophomore punter Justin Brantly, who is .1 of a punt from entering the NCAA ranking, is averaging an impressive 47.1, which is on pace to break NFL All-Pro Shane Lechler's school record.
Because of A&M's productive offense, Brantly's season punts project to just 42 which would be the lowest by A&M's main punter since Sean Wilson had only 36 punts in 1989 (Wilson split time with Kevin Ellis).
Brantly 2006 Game by Game Opponent No.-Yds. TB 50+ I20 Avg. Net The Citadel 3-170 0 3 2 56.7 47.3 UL-Lafayette 1-?58 0 1 1 58.0 52.0 Army 3-121 1 2 0 40.3 28.3 La. Tech 5-239 1 2 1 47.8 40.2 Texas Tech 3-155 0 1 0 51.7 42.3 at Kansas 6-232 1 1 1 38.7 26.3 Missouri 4-193 0 2 1 48.3 45.8 at Okla. State 3-152 0 2 1 50.7 46.0 Total 28-1320 3 14 7 47.1 38.8 Chasing an All-Pro Rk Player Year Punt Avg. 1. Justin Brantly 2006 47.1 2. Shane Lechler 1997 47.0 3. Shane Lechler 1999 46.5 4. David Davis 1992 43.8 5. Cody Scates 2002 43.7
TOUGH SCHEDULE
Texas A&M's finishing schedule is toughest in the Big 12 and its overall schedule ranks as the second-toughest in the conference, according to the NCAA.
Big 12 Toughest Finishing Schedules Rk Team Opponents Record Pct. 1. Texas A&M 19-9 .679 2. Baylor 18-9 .667 3. Oklahoma State 23-12 .657 4. Oklahoma 22-12 .647 5. Texas Tech 17-10 .630 Big 12 Toughest Overall Schedules Rk Team Opponents Record Pct. 1. Texas 43-28 .606 2. Texas A&M 39-27 .591 3. Oklahoma State 41-29 .586 4. Texas Tech 39-28 .582 5. Oklahoma 44-33 .571 Source: NCAA
DEFENDING THE PASS
With eight games in the books, it is clear the Aggie defense has made significant strides against the pass from 2005 to 2006:
The Year After 2006 (NCAA Rk.) Category 2005 (NCAA Rk.) 52.9% Completion % 60.6% 189.5 (#49) Yards/Game 304.6 (#117) 115.30 (#46) Pass Efficiency 142.66 (#104)
PAYDIRT FOR J-TRAIN
Touchdown machine Jorvorskie Lane has pounded his way to 16 touchdowns in 2006 and is averaging 12.0 points per game, which is tied for No. 2 nationally.
NCAA Touchdowns Leaders Rk Player, Team TD 1. Ian Johnson, Boise State 18 2. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 16 James Davis, Clemson 16 4. Garrett Wolfe, N. Illinois 14 P.J. Hill, Wisconsin 14
BACK IN 1927
Jorvorskie Lane is within three touchdowns of matching the second-oldest school record in Aggie record book -- 19 rushing touchdowns by Joel Hunt in 1927. Ricky Williams set the Big 12 record with 27 rushing touchdowns in 1998.
SOPHOMORE SCORERS
With 25 career touchdowns to his credit, Jorvorskie Lane is the nation's No. 2 sophomore touchdown producer.
Super Sophs Rk Player, Team Career TDs 1. Steve Slaton, West Virginia 26 2. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 25 James Davis, Clemson 25 4. Ian Johnson, Boise State 22
A&M'S LEGION OF DOOM
The Aggies are using their tight ends more in 2006 than at any time in recent memory. The duo of sophomore Martellus Bennett and junior Joey Thomas, deemed the "Legion of Doom" by Bennett, have combined for 32 catches for 408 yards or an average of 4.0 catches per game, despite Thomas missing the Louisiana Tech and part of the Army game with an injury.
The most that A&M has ever utilized its tight end was in 1986 when Rod Bernstine led the Southwest Conference with 65 catches (5.9 catches per game) for 710 yards. Bernstine was the only tight end to catch a pass that year.
Utilizing the Tight End Year Top TE Pass Catchers Total Avg./G 1986 Rod Bernstine 65 5.9 2002 Greg Porter 50 4.2 2006 M. Bennett, J. Thomas 32 4.0 1983 Rich Siler 43 3.9 1989 Mike Jones 40 3.6
GRID / HOOPS BENNETT
A&M sophomore Martellus Bennett is one of a handful of Div. I-A athletes to play football and basketball. Last year, Bennett became the first Aggie to letter in football and basketball since Billy Bob Barnett in 1969.
Div. 1-A Football-Basketball Stars Player Position School Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M Rodney Hannah TE Houston Avery Holley WR Florida Atlantic Jordan Kent WR Oregon Travis Lewis WR Eastern Michigan Carl Sims WR Baylor Matt Trannon WR Michigan State Source: University of Houston
MR. TOUCHDOWN
In a strong return to the lineup, senior wide receiver Chad Schroeder has grabbed a team-high 30 catches for 451 yards and produced first downs on 21 of his 30 catches.
Schroeder missed the final three games of 2005 after suffering a broken leg in game 8 against Iowa State.
Schroeder now has 11 receiving touchdowns on just 62 career catches, which is tied for fourth-most in school history.
The average length of his touchdown catches is 31.9 yards. Adding to his touchdown legacy, Schroeder has also thrown a TD pass (vs. Oklahoma, 2004) and had a TD rush (vs. Texas State, 2005) as a holder on field goal placements.
Quick Strike TD Length Opp. Year 46 Army 2006 15 La.-Lafayette 2006 27 The Citadel 2006 5 Kansas State 2005 44 Texas State 2005 32 SMU 2005 15 SMU 2005 31 Clemson 2005 45 Oklahoma 2004 49 Baylor 2004 42 Baylor 2003 31.9-yard average on TD catches Up the Charts Rk Player, Years Rec. TDs 1. Bob Long, 1966-68 79 19 2. Tony Harrison, 1990-93 89 14 3. Albert Connell, 1995-96 98 13 4. Chad Schroeder, 2002- 62 11 Bethel Johnson, 1999-2002 117 11 Jeff Nelson, 1982-85 92 11 Don Jones, 1980-83 56 11 7. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 172 10 Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03 108 10
DODGE DEBUT
Twenty-five year old junior college tranfer Mark Dodge, who served in the U.S. Army for four years after high school, has made two starts and been a strong defender off the bench.
- Dodge's Background
- Joins former quarterback Mike Jay (1973-75) as the only scholarship Aggie players with a military background since the war years.
- Weighed 170 pounds as a receiver/safety at Yerington High School in Nevada, but gained 35 pounds of muscle while in the Army. Currently weighs in at 222 pounds.
- Dodge was in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, traditionally known as "The Old Guard" -- the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the President. The oldest active-duty infantry regiment in the Army, having served the country since 1784, participates in more than 6,000 ceremonies a year.
- Dodge, who earned the rank of sergeant in two years, attended state dinners, a Daytona 500 and an NCAA women's basketball Final Four. He has chatted more than once with President Bush and has met Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Hanks, Mariah Carey, John Travolta and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, among others.
- Was in the Pentagon filling out paperwork on his top-secret security clearance on Sept. 11, 2001 when the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. He was called to assist in search-and-recovery efforts.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Three of Dennis Franchione's assistant coaches have been head coaches at some point in their careers: Gary Darnell at Western Michigan (1997-2004) and Tennessee Tech (1983-85); Bob DeBesse at Texas State (1997-2002); and Jim Bob Helduser at Texas State (1992-96).
Six of the nine assistants have coordinated offenses or defense prior to coming to Texas A&M: Darnell (DC at Texas, Notre Dame, Florida, Wake Forest and Kansas State); Les Koenning (OC at Alabama, Houston and Duke); Bill Clay (DC at Oklahoma State, UAB, UTEP, Mississippi State, Temple, SMU and Southern Miss); DeBesse (OC at Minnesota and TCU); Stan Eggen (DC at UNLV); and Mark Tommerdahl (OC at Wyoming).
NEWCOMER IMPACT
Ten members of the Aggies' 2006 signing class, including seven true freshmen, have seen action so far this season.
Junior college transfers Mark Dodge, Misi Tupe and Johnathan Batson have combined to make 64 tackles on defense.
True freshman that have seen action include running back Mike Goodson, placekicker Matt Szymanski, cornerback Jordan Pugh, wide receiver Cody Beyer, deep snapper Corey Gibas, wide receiver E.J. Shankle and linebacker Anthony Lewis.
LEWIS MOVES INTO TOP 10
Senior running back Courtney Lewis ranks in the top 10 in career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
A&M's Career Rushing Yards List Rk Player, Years Yards 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 5,012 2. Curtis Dickey, 1976-79 3,703 3. Greg Hill, 1991-93 3,262 4. Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 3,014 5. George Woodard, 1975-77, 79 2,911 6. Bubba Bean, 1972-75 2,846 7. Dant? Hall, 1996-99 2,818 8. Courtney Lewis, 2003- 2,694 9. Johnny Hector, 1979-82 2,587 10. Roger Vick, 1983-86 2,471 A&M's Career Rushing TDs List Rk Player, Years TDs 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 44 2. Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 41 3. George Woodard, 1975-77, 79 35 4. Curtis Dickey, 1976-79 34 5. Greg Hill, 1991-93 33 6. Courtney Lewis, 2003- 30 Joel Hunt, 1925-27 30 Bucky Richardson, 1987-91 30 9. Leeland McElroy, 1993-95 29 10. D'Andre Hardeman, 1995-99 28
WATCH LIST WATCH
Five Aggies have been mentioned on "watch lists" for various national awards:
Preseason Accolades Player Award (s) Justin Brantly Ray Guy Red Bryant Bednarik Chad Schroeder Draddy Scholar-Athlete Cody Wallace Rimington Justin Warren Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski, Lott
TURNOVER ADVANTAGE
During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 16-1 in games with a turnover margin advantage. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-19.
Games with Turnover Advantage, Fran Era Opponent Year Turn Take +/- Result Baylor 2003 -2 +4 +2 W, 73-10 Kansas 2003 -1 +3 +2 W, 45-33 Wyoming 2004 0 +3 +3 W, 31-?0 Clemson 2004 0 +4 +4 W, 27-?6 Kansas St. 2004 -1 +4 +3 W, 42-30 at Iowa St. 2004 0 +2 +2 W, 34-?3 at Oklahoma St. 2004 0 +2 +2 W, 36-20 Colorad
PREP QBs AT WR
Texas A&M has several former prep quarterbacks excelling at wide receiver.
HS QBs Making Difference at WR 2006 Player Hometown (HS) Rec./Yds/TD Pierre Brown Duncanville (DHS) 10/86/0 Senior HS Stats: 1,734 total offense, 23 TDs Michael Corey Delta, Utah (DHS) 1/6/0 Senior HS Stats: L'Tydrick Riley Crockett (CHS) 16/148/0 Senior HS Stats: 1,717 total offense, 24 TDs Chad Schroeder Austin (Westlake) 30/451/3 Senior HS Stats: 3,436 total offense, 37 TDs
AGGIE ADDITIONS
Franchione added three more scholarship players to his teams over the summer: placekicker Matt Szymanski from College Station; deep snapper Corey Gibas from Covina, Calif., and defensive back Will Harris from Lakewood, Ohio via Solano JC in California.
ACTIVE TACKLERS
The Aggies have 12 defenders with more than 50 career tackles, including Justin Warren, Melvin Bullitt and Brock Newton who have 100 or more.
A&M Active Career Tackles Leaders Rk Player Tackles 1. Justin Warren, LB, Sr. 246 2. Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 148 3. Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 107 4. Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 94 5. Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 93 6. Red Bryant, DL, 2004, Jr. 80 7. Chris Harrington, DE, Jr. 74 8. Devin Gregg, DB, So. 72 9. Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 71 10. Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 60 11. Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 55 12. Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 53
STARTING POINT
The Aggies have 42 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 19 with double digit starts. Leading the way is last year's conference tackle leader Justin Warren with 33 career starts.
A&M Active Career Starts Leaders Player Starts Justin Warren, LB, Sr. 33 Red Bryant, DL, Jr. 31 Kirk Elder, OL, Jr. 30 Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 26 Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 20 Chris Harrington, DL, Jr. 19 Corey Clark, OL, Jr. 19 Cody Wallace, OL, Jr. 19 Courtney Lewis, RB, Sr. 18 Earvin Taylor, WR, Jr. 17 Chad Schroeder, WR, Sr. 15 Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 14 Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 14 Martellus Bennett, TE, So. 13 Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 13 Yemi Babalola, OL, Jr. 12 Alex Kotzur, OL, Sr. 12 Chris Yoder, OL, Jr. 12 Devin Gregg, DB, So. 11 Jorvorskie Lane, RB, So. 10 Stephen McGee, QB, So. 9 Grant Dickey, OL, Sr. 8 Jordan Peterson, Fr. 7 Travis Schneider, So. 7 Joey Thomas, TE, Jr. 6 Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 6 Misi Tupe, LB, Jr. 6 Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 5 Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 4 Michael Bennett, DE, So. 4 Pierre Brown, WR, So. 4 L'Tydrick Riley, Sr. 4 Howard Morrow, WR, So. 3 Marques Thornton, Sr. 3 Chris Alexander, FB, Jr. 3 Mark Dodge, Jr. 2 Kerry Franks, WR, Jr. 2 Amos Gbunblee, TE/DE, So. 1 Samson Taylor, RB, So. 1 Brandon Leone, RB, Sr. 1 Matt Featherston, Fr. 1 Arkeith Brown, So. 1
NFL OPENING DAY ROSTERS
#95 Sam Adams, DL, Cincinnati Bengals #99 Rocky Bernard, DL, Seattle Seahawks #89 Dan Campbell, TE, Detroit Lions #11 Jason Carter, WR, Minnesota Vikings (practice squad) #31 Sammy Davis, DB, San Francisco 49ers #95 Ron Edwards, DL, Kansas City Chiefs #89 Robert Ferguson, WR, Green Bay Packers #26 Aaron Glenn, DB, Dallas Cowboys Jason Glenn, LB, Minnesota Vikings #82 Dante Hall, WR, Kansas City Chiefs #63 Geoff Hangartner, OL, Carolina Panthers #57 Warrick Holdman, LB, Washington Redskins #13 Bethel Johnson, WR, New Orleans Saints (injured reserved) #93 Johnny Jolly, DL, Green Bay Packers #33 Keith Joseph, RB, New Orleans Saints #48 Terrence Kiel, DB, San Diego Chargers #9 Shane Lechler, P, Oakland Raiders #68 Seth McKinney, OL, Miami Dolphins #76 Steve McKinney, OL, Houston Texans #10 Reggie McNeal, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (practice squad) #96 Mike Montgomery, DL, Green Bay Packers #48 Don Muhlbach, DS, Detroit Lions #47 Boone Stutz, TE/DS, Atlanta Falcons #74 Rex Tucker, OL, Detroit Lions #94 Ty Warren, DL, New England Patriots #27 Jason Webster, DB, Atlanta Falcons #94 Pat Williams, DL, Minnesota Vikings #74 Billy Yates, OL, New England Patriots Aggies on NFL Coaching Staffs: Dennis Allen, Atlanta Falcons (Defensive Assistant) Johnny Holland, Houston Texans (Defensive Assistant) Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (Head Coach) Gary Reynolds, Seattle Seahawks (Quality Control/Offense) Zerick Rollins, Seattle Seahawks (Def. Line/Quality Control)
FAMILY AFFAIR
The Aggies have a number of players with family connections to Texas A&M athletics.
Starting strong safety Melvin Bullitt's father, Jerry, lettered for the Aggies from 1980-83 and started at linebacker for three seasons. The elder Bullitt posted 222 tackles and 11 sacks during his career.
Melvin's uncle, Steve Bullitt, lettered for the Aggies from 1983-86.
Junior Chris Harrington is the nephew of former A&M two-sport All-American Dave Elmendorf. Elmendorf, who had an All-Pro career with the Los Angeles Rams, currently serves as the color analyst for the Aggie Radio Network.
Senior L'Tydrick Riley's uncle, Claude Riley ranks as one of the greatest basketball players in A&M history. The "Crockett Rocket" still ranks No. 6 in points and No. 3 in rebounds in the Aggie record book.
Junior Earvin Taylor's older brother, Jamaar, caught 108 passes for 1,705 yards from 2001-03.
Brothers Michael and Martellus Bennett are just one of a handful of brothers whose playing careers have overlapped at Texas A&M.
True freshman Jerrod Johnson's father, Larry, played split end for the Aggies in the late 1970s.
COACH FRAN RANKS AMONG THE WINNINGEST COACHES
The 26th head football coach in Texas A&M history, Dennis Franchione is in his fourth season in Aggieland and his 24th season as a collegiate head coach. Franchione has compiled a 23-20 record at Texas A&M.
With a career record of 178-93-2 as a head coach, Coach Fran is the sixth-winningest active Div. 1-A head coach in college football (by total wins).
Texas A&M is the seventh stop for Franchione as a collegiate head coach, and has coached previously at Southwestern (Kan.) College (1981-82), Pittsburg State (1985-89), Southwest Texas State (1990-91), New Mexico (1992-97), TCU (1998-2000) and Alabama (2001-02).He also served as an assistant coach at Kansas State (1978-80) and Tennessee Tech (1983-84).
Franchione has won eight conference championships and a divisional crown in his 23 seasons. In 2002, Franchione's Alabama squad had the best record in the SEC West but were ineligible for the crown.
Winningest Active Div. I-A Coaches (by Victories) Rk Coach, School Wins 1. Bobby Bowden, Florida St. 363 2. Joe Paterno, Penn St. 359 3. Frank Beamer, Va. Tech 193 Jim Tressel, Ohio State 193 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 181 6. Dennis Franchione, A&M 178 7. Mack Brown, Texas 176 8. Fisher DeBerry, Air Force 168 9. Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 165 10. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 154