GAME 12: Texas A&M (8-3) at Texas (9-2)
Nov 20, 2006 | Football
November 20, 2006
Game notes for Friday's regular-season finale against 10th-ranked Texas in Austin (PDF link to the right)...
GAME 12:
Texas A&M AGGIES (8-3, 4-3 Big 12)
at
Texas LONGHORNS (9-2, 6-1 Big 12)
| GAME INFO |
| Friday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m. (CST) Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (85,123), Austin, Texas |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 8-3, 4-3 Big 12 Texas: 9-2, 6-1 Big 12 |
| RANKINGS |
| A&M is receiving votes in both polls, UT is ranked 10th by USA Today and 11th by the Associated Press. |
| TELEVISION |
| ABC (National) Brad Nessler, play-by-play Bob Griese, commentary Paul McGuire, commentary Stacey Dales, sidelines |
| RADIO |
| WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary Steve Miller, sidelines (broadcast time 1:30 p.m. CST) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (texassports.com) |
| SERIES |
| Texas leads, 73-34-5 Last Meeting: (11/25/05) Last in Austin: (11/26/04) |
| UP NEXT |
| bowl game TBA |
SERIES INFORMATION
Friday's game will be the 113th renewal of the Texas A&M-Texas, which is tied for the third most-played game in college football behind Minnesota-Wisconsin (115 games) and Kansas-Missouri (114) ... The series began in 1894, which was Texas A&M's first season of football ... The Aggies and Longhorns have played every season since 1915 making it the eighth longest uninterrupted series in Div. I-A college football ... Texas leads Texas A&M, 73-34-5, in the all-time series ... A&M's last victory in the series came in 1999 at Kyle Field. A&M's most recent victory in Austin came in 1994.
A&M-TEXAS CONNECTIONS
Aggie offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was a three-year letterman and team captain at Texas (1977-80) ... A&M cornerbacks coach Van Malone was an all-conference defensive back for the Longhorns (1989-93) ... Texas OC Greg Davis was the Aggies' QB coach from 1978-84 ... Texas RB coach Ken Rucker served two stints at A&M from 1994-97 and 2001-02.
AGGIES VS. HORNS
The Aggies (8-3 overall, 4-3 in the Big 12) will take on No. 11 Texas (9-2, 6-1) at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24 at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
Both teams enter the game coming off of losses on Nov. 11. The Aggies fell to Nebraska, 28-27, in College Station, while the Longhorns dropped a 45-42 decision to Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan. Both teams were off on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Last 10 A&M-Texas Game in Austin Year Winner Score 2004 Texas 26-13 2002 Texas 46-15 2000 Texas 43-17 1998 Texas 26-24 1996 Texas 51-15 1994 Texas A&M 34-10 1992 Texas A&M 34-13 1990 Texas 28-27 1988 Texas A&M 28-24 1986 Texas A&M 16-?3
SERIES SYMMETRY
The Aggies and Longhorns have split the last 20 games 10-10 and the last 30 games 15-15.
DOMINATING THE CLOCK
After operating at a time of possession deficit through the first three games of the season, Texas A&M turned around the T.O.P. battle over the last eight games.
For the season, the Aggies have enjoyed a 6:31 time of possession advantage. Over the past eight games, the Aggies have enjoyed a 9:00-plus advantage in T.O.P.
NCAA Time of Possession Leaders Rk Team TOP 1. Wisconsin 33:46 2. Michigan 33:44 3. Texas A&M 33:15 4. Arkansas State 33:10 5. Air Force 32:59 Time Management Skills Opponent TOP A&M/Opp. Margin The Citadel 29:24 / 30:36 -1:12 UL-Lafayette 30:23 / 29:37 +0:46 Army 29:30 / 30:30 -1:00 La. Tech 33:39 / 26:21 +7:18 Texas Tech 37:18 / 22:42 +14:36 at Kansas 33:16 / 26:44 +6:32 Missouri 41:30 / 18:30 +23:00 at Okla. State 35:22 / 24:38 +10:44 at Baylor 36:52 / 23:08 +13:44 Oklahoma 31:24 / 28:36 +2:48 Nebraska 27:08 / 32:52 -5:44 Total 33:15 / 26:44 +6:31
McKING OF THE ROAD
Sophomore quarterback Stephen McGee is 4-0 in starts away from the friendly confines of Kyle Field. Prior to McGee's ascension to starting quarterback, the Aggies were 3-13 in games away from Kyle in the Dennis Franchione era.
200 / 200 OFFENSE
One of eight teams nationally to rush for more than 200 yards per game, the Aggies are the nation's only team that also averages 200 passing yards per game.
Last year, the Aggies were one of 11 teams nationally with a 200/200 offense. The 2005 and 1985 Aggie offenses are the only 200/200 offenses in school history.
One of a Kind Offense Team Rush Pass Texas A&M 207.5 203.0
3rd DOWN TURNAROUND
The Aggies have made huge strides in third-down situations from 2005 to 2006, both offensively and defensively.
On offense, the Aggies lead the Big 12 with an impressive 50.0 success rate on third-down tries (75/150), which which is a significant improvement over last year's 35.4 percent success rate.
Defensively, the Aggies also led the Big 12 while limiting their opponents to a 29.0 percent success rate on third-down tries (40/138) in 2006. Last year, opponents converted 47.9 percent of their third-down situations against the A&M defense.
Aggies Stay On/Getting Off the Field 2006 (Big 12) Third Downs 2005 (Big 12) 50.0% (#1) 3rd Down Offense 35.4% (#6) 29.0% (#1) 3rd Down Defense 47.9% (#12)
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Freshman running back Mike Goodson has led the Aggies in rushing the past three games (101.0 yards per game) while averaging 10.5 yard per carry. In the first eight games of the season, A&M had the same leading rusher in consecutive games only once.
Different Rushing Leaders Team Leader Att.-Yds Citadel Courtney Lewis 13-55 UL-Lafayette Mike Goodson 8-54 Army Stephen McGee 11-142 Louisiana Tech Jamie McCoy 3-42 Jorvorskie Lane 9-42 Texas Tech Jorvorskie Lane 12-77 Kansas Mike Goodson 8-79 Missouri Jorvorskie Lane 28-127 Oklahoma State Stephen McGee 17-86 Baylor Mike Goodson 8-96 Oklahoma Mike Goodson 10-127 Nebraska Mike Goodson 11-80
FIRST QB TO 2,000/500
With his 244 pass/58 rush day against Nebraska, Stephen McGee became the nation's first quarterback to log more than 2,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in 2006.
McGee joins Reggie McNeal as the only 2,000/500 quarterbacks in school history. McNeal did it in 2005 when he threw for 2,791 yards and rushed for 718 yards.
Joining McGee as 2,000/500 QBs during the Aggies' offweek were: South Florida's Matt Grothe and Vanderbilt's Chris Nickson.
TRENDY AGGIES
- The Aggies' average score in conference play is 25.9-23.9 in favor of A&M. A&M has outscored the opposition by just 14 points (181-167).
- Three of seven conference games have been decided by a single point.
- In conference play, the Aggies have run an average of 68.4 plays per game, while the opponents have ran an average of 58.4 plays.
- McGee's favorite targets, Chad Schroeder and Martellus Bennett, have produced 43 "money plays" (first downs or touchdowns) on 72 catches in 2006.
- Schroeder has produced a first down or touchdown on 10 of 12 catches on third and fourth down (2-of-2 on fourth down).
- The Aggies have scored a Big 12-best 24 rushing touchdowns in the red zone.
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.
The "J-Train" has produced either a first down or a touchdown 24 times on 27 carries on third or fourth down.
In all, Lane has pounded his way to 38 first downs and 19 touchdowns on his 143 carries in 2006. His 19 rushing touchdowns match A&M's second oldest school record - Joel Hunt's 19 rushing TDs in 1927.
Lane has rushed or passed for a touchdown in 13 straight games dating back to the 2005 Oklahoma game.
"$Money Plays" for Lane Train Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 1st down rush 13 6 19 86 2nd down rush 6 6 11 30 3rd down rush 16 7 21 23 4th down rush 3 0 3 4 Total 38 19 54 143 $ - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown.
DUAL THREAT McGEE
Sophomore quarterback Stephen McGee ranks in the top three nationally in passing yards and pass efficiency among quarterbacks that average 40 or more rushing yards per game.
McGee has rushed for 50 or more yards in four games, including a career-best 142 vs. Army, and passed for 200 or more yards six times, including a career-best 318 vs. Louisiana Tech.
Nation's Top Pass / Rush Threat Rk. QB, School Rush/G Pass/G 1. Kellen Lewis, Indiana 40.1 201.9 2. Matt Grothe, South Florida 50.9 201.5 3. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 49.1 187.3 4. Bobby Reid, Oklahoma State 40.6 179.3 5. Chris Nickson, Vanderbilt 57.8 173.9 Rk. QB, School Rush/G Pass Eff. 1. Bobby Reid, Oklahoma State 40.6 151.9 2. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 49.1 137.0 3. Matt Grothe, South Florida 50.9 136.8 4. Julian Edelman, Kent State 56.3 128.3 5. Drew Stanton, Michigan State 40.5 124.7
COMPLETION PACE
Quarterback Stephen McGee is on pace to smash A&M's 20-year old record for season completion percentage. McGee is completing 62 percent of his passes on 170-of-274 passing.
Texas A&M Season Completion % List Rk Player, Year Cmp. % 1. Stephen Mcgee, 2006 62.0 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 two pickoffs among 274 pass attempts, redshirt sophomore Stephen McGee ranks No. 1 in the Big 12 and NCAA in interception percentage (interceptions/pass attempts).
Big 12 Fewest INTs/Attempt Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 274 / 2 0.73 2. Zac Taylor, Nebraska 287 / 4 1.39 3. Colt McCoy, Texas 250 / 4 1.60 4. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech 561 / 10 1.78 5. Chase Daniel, Missouri 385 / 10 2.60 NCAA Fewest INTs/Attempt (250 att. or more) Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 274 / 2 0.73 2. Kevin Kolb, Houston 362 / 3 0.83 3. Perry Patterson, Syracuse 284 / 3 1.06 4. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 387 / 5 1.29 5. Zac Taylor, Nebraska 287 / 4 1.39
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) 97/1,324 4 Tight Ends (2) 45/620 5 Running Backs (5) 34/277 3 Quarterback (1) ?1/?12 0
KO RETURN IMPROVEMENT
Led by junior Kerry Franks and sophomore Pierre Brown, 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. In 2006, the Aggies are averaging a lofty 27.6 yards per return and rank No. 2 nationally.
Starting Point 2006 Kickoff Returns 2005 27.6 Kickoff Return Average 17.5 No. 2 Big 12 Rank No. 12 No. 2 NCAA Rank No. 109
EXPLOSIVE FRANKS
Junior Kerry Franks averages 27.8 yard per touch of the football, which is tops in the Big 12 among players averaging more than 50 all-purpose yards per game.
Franks has three of the Aggies' five longest plays in 2006 and a team-best 13 plays of 20 yards in length.
Taking to the House (min. 50 A-P yards/G) Rk. Player, School Yds/Touch 1. Kerry Franks, Texas A&M 27.8 2. Marcus Herford, Kansas 23.7 3. Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State 20.2 4. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State 18.1 5. Queito Teasley, Baylor 17.5
BRANTLY'S BEST
Sophomore punter Justin Brantly, who finally has enough punts to qualify for the NCAA rankings, is averaging an impressive 45.9, which ranks No. 4 nationally.
Brantly is within range of NFL All Pro Shane Lechler's school record of 47.1 in 1997.
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 at Baylor 4-178 0 2 1 44.5 36.5 Oklahoma 5-193 0 1 3 38.6 36.4 Nebraska 4-190 1 2 1 47.5 41.0 Total 41-1881 4 19 12 45.9 38.5 Chasing an All-Pro Rk Player Year Punt Avg. 1. Shane Lechler 1997 47.0 2. Shane Lechler 1999 46.5 3. Justin Brantly 2006 45.9 4. David Davis 1992 43.8 5. Cody Scates 2002 43.7
SECOND-HALF CLAMPS
The Aggie defense has allowed only eight touchdowns and 68 total points (6.2 average) in the second half by the opposing offense. This has been key to the Aggies' 8-3 start since A&M has been tied or behind at halftime in six of 11 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, 21-19 Missouri 17-17 W, 25-19 Oklahoma 10-14 L, 16-17 Nebraska 10-21 L, 27-28
BIG RED OUT
Junior defensive tackle Red Bryant had knee surgery last week and will miss the Texas game and the bowl game.
FEWEST PICKOFFS
The Aggies have thrown just three interceptions in 2006, which is tied for fewest in the NCAA.
Few Freebies from Aggie Passers Rk. School Att. INT 1. Texas A&M 288 3 Air Force 95 3 3. Houston 373 4 Nebraska 304 4 Wake Forest 216 4 Navy 98 4 Syracuse 292 4
PAYDIRT FOR J-TRAIN
Touchdown machine Jorvorskie Lane has pounded his way to 19 touchdowns in 2006 and is averaging 10.4 points per game, which ranks No. 3 nationally.
NCAA Touchdowns Leaders Rk Player, Team TD 1. Ian Johnson, Boise State 21 2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Marshall 20 3. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 19 4. Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois 18 5. Three players 17
BACK IN 1927
Jorvorskie Lane has bulled for 19 rushing touchdowns which matches the second-oldest school record in Aggie record book -- 19 by Joel Hunt in 1927. Ricky Williams set the Big 12 record with 27 rushing touchdowns in 1998.
- Time Machine Events in 1927
- Led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, the NY Yankees swept Pittsburgh in the World Series
- Helen Wills and Henri Cochet won the Wimbledon singles titles
- The Kentucky Derby Champion was Whiskery
- Football National Champions were Yale (CFRA) (7-1-0) and Illinois (NCF, HF, DS) (7-0-1).
- The U.S. President was Calvin Coolidge.
- Popular vaudevillian Al Jolson astounds audiences with his nightclub act in The Jazz Singer, the first feature-length talkie.
- Belgian astrophysicist Georges Lemaitre proposes the "big bang" theory.
- The Holland Tunnel opens (Nov. 13) to connect Manhattan and Jersey City, N.J., giving cars a route under the Hudson River and an alternative to ferry boats.
- Charles Lindbergh makes the first nonstop solo transatlantic flight.
- Gasoline cost 14.6 cents per gallon.
Source: Infoplease.com
SOPHOMORE SCORERS
With 27 career rushing touchdowns to his credit, Jorvorskie Lane has the second-most career rushing scores among sophomores.
Super Sophs Rk Player, Team Career TDs 1. Steve Slaton, West Virginia 31 2. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 28 3. James Davis, Clemson 26 4. Ian Johnson, Boise State 25
DEFENDING THE PASS
With 11 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.) 53.0% Completion % 60.6% 189.3 (#48) Yards/Game 304.6 (#117) 118.35 (#44) Pass Efficiency 142.66 (#104)
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 45 catches for 620 yards or an average of 4.1 catches per game, despite Thomas missing the Louisiana Tech and Nebraska games 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 45 4.1 1983 Rich Siler 43 3.9 1989 Mike Jones 40 3.6
MACKEY TE SEMIFINALIST
Martellus Bennett was named one of eight semifinalists for the 2006 John Mackey Award, which is given annually to the nation's top collegiate tight end, the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) announced on 11/17.
Joining Bennett are Travis Beckum (Wisconsin), John Carlson (Notre Dame), Chase Coffman (Missouri), Jonny Harline (BYU), Zach Miller (Arizona State), Joe Newton (Oregon State) and Matt Spaeth (Minnesota).
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
GOING BOWLING
With eight victories, the Aggies are already guaranteed of a bowl trip and have surpassed last year's win total by three. 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.
VETERAN'S DAY STAR
Texas A&M linebacker Mark Dodge, an Army veteran, celebrated Veteran's Day by a career-high 17 tackles against Nebraska on Nov. 11. For his effort, Dodge was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. Dodge was in the starting lineup in place of regular starter Misi Tupe, who missed the game due to injury.
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 three 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.
TURNOVER ADVANTAGE
During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 17-3 in games with a turnover margin advantage. However, the Aggies have lost two straight despite the turnover 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
MR. TOUCHDOWN
In a strong return to the lineup, senior wide receiver Chad Schroeder has grabbed a team-high 36 catches for 561 yards and produced first downs on 24 of his 36 catches.Schroeder missed the final three games of 2005 after suffering a broken leg against Iowa State.
Schroeder has 11 receiving touchdowns on just 68 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- 68 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
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- 2,705 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
Six Aggies have been mentioned on "watch lists" for various national awards:
Preseason Accolades Player Award (s) Martellus Bennett John Mackey Justin Brantly Ray Guy Red Bryant Bednarik Chad Schroeder Draddy Scholar-Athlete Cody Wallace Rimington Justin Warren Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski, Lott
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) 112/104/0 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) 18/187/0 Senior HS Stats: 1,717 total offense, 24 TDs Chad Schroeder Austin (Westlake) 36/561/3 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 15 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. 267 2. Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 170 3. Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 123 4. Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 95 5. Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 93 6. Chris Harrington, DE, Jr. 91 7. Devin Gregg, DB, So. 87 8. Red Bryant, DL, 2004, Jr. 81 9. Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 78 10. Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 71 11. Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 65 12. Marques Thornton, DL, Sr. 57 13. Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 54 14. Misi Tupe, LB, Jr. 53 15. Michael Bennett, DL, So. 51
STARTING POINT
The Aggies have 44 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 22 with double digit starts. Leading the way is last year's conference tackle leader Justin Warren with 36 career starts.
A&M Active Career Starts Leaders Player Starts Justin Warren, LB, Sr. 36 Kirk Elder, OL, Jr. 33 Red Bryant, DL, Jr. 31 Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 28 Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 23 Chris Harrington, DL, Jr. 22 Corey Clark, OL, Jr. 22 Cody Wallace, OL, Jr. 22 Earvin Taylor, WR, Jr. 20 Courtney Lewis, RB, Sr. 18 Chad Schroeder, WR, Sr. 18 Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 16 Martellus Bennett, TE, So. 16 Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 16 Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 15 Devin Gregg, DB, So. 14 Jorvorskie Lane, RB, So. 13 Yemi Babalola, OL, Jr. 13 Alex Kotzur, OL, Sr. 12 Chris Yoder, OL, Jr. 12 Stephen McGee, QB, So. 12 Grant Dickey, OL, Sr. 11 Jordan Peterson, Fr. 9 Travis Schneider, So. 9 Misi Tupe, LB, Jr. 8 Joey Thomas, TE, Jr. 7 Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 7 Marques Thornton, Sr. 6 Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 6 L'Tydrick Riley, Sr. 5 Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 4 Michael Bennett, DE, So. 4 Pierre Brown, WR, So. 4 Chris Alexander, FB, Jr. 4 Howard Morrow, WR, So. 3 Mark Dodge, Jr. 3 Arkeith Brown, So. 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 Johnathan Batson, Jr. 1 Cyril Obiozor, 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.
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 24-22 record at Texas A&M.
With a career record of 179-93-2 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. 365 2. Joe Paterno, Penn St. 362 3. Frank Beamer, Va. Tech 197 Jim Tressel, Ohio State 197 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 185 6. Dennis Franchione, A&M 179 7. Mack Brown, Texas 178 8. Fisher DeBerry, Air Force 169 9. Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 167 10. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 155
