HOLIDAY BOWL: Texas A&M (9-3) vs California (9-3)
Dec 18, 2006 | Football
December 18, 2006
Texas A&M's game notes for the 2006 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl in San Diego (PDF link to the right)...
2006 PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL:
Texas A&M AGGIES (9-3, 5-3 Big 12)
vs.
California GOLDEN BEARS (9-3, 7-2 Pac-10)
| GAME INFO |
| Thursday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m. (PST) Qualcomm Stadium (71,500), San Diego, California |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 9-3, 5-3 Big 12 California: 9-3, 7-2 Pac-10 |
| RANKINGS |
| A&M is ranked 21st in both polls, while Cal is ranked 19th by USA Today and 20th by the Associated Press. |
| TELEVISION |
| ESPN/ESPNHD (National) Chris Fowler, play-by-play Kirk Herbstreit, commentary Erin Andrews, sidelines |
| RADIO |
| ESPN Radio (National) Dan Fouts, play-by-play Tim Brant, commentary Jack Arute, commentary (broadcast time 6:45 p.m. CST) WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary (broadcast time 6 p.m. CST) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio: (ESPNRadio.com) Live Stats: Link TBA |
| SERIES |
| Tied, 1-1 Last Meeting: CAL 19, A&M 17 (9/3/83) First Meeting: A&M 29, CAL 28 (9/5/81) |
LAST TIME IN HOLIDAY
In the 13th edition of the Holiday Bowl, quarterback Bucky Richardson led the Aggies to a record-setting 65-14 victory over No. 13 BYU before a Jack Murphy Stadium crowd of 61,441 on Dec. 29, 1990.
The Aggies' 65 points were an NCAA bowl record until Nebraska scored 66 points in the 2000 Alamo Bowl.
Richardson compiled 322 yards of total offense (119 rush/203 pass) and accounted for four touchdowns on his way to Offensive MVP honors. With the score tied 7-7 late in the first quarter, A&M's all-time leading rusher Darren Lewis scored from six yards out and the Aggies never looked back.
The Wrecking Crew battered BYU quarterback Ty Detmer, limiting the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner to 11-of-23 passing and 120 yards before forcing him out with two separated shoulders.
The Aggies outgained the Cougars, 680 to 185, with a balanced attack that featured 356 rushing yards and 324 passing yards.
BOWL HISTORY (13-15)
Year Bowl Score 1922 Dixie A&M 22, Centre Coll. 14 1940 Sugar A&M 14, Tulane 13 1941 Cotton A&M 13, Fordham 12 1942 Cotton Alabama 29, A&M 21 1944 Orange LSU 19, A&M 14 1950 Presidential A&M 40, Georgia 20 1957 Gator Tennessee 3, A&M 0 1968 Cotton A&M 20, Alabama 16 1975 Liberty USC 20, A&M 0 1977 Sun A&M 37, Florida 14 1977 Bluebonnet USC 47, A&M 28 1978 Hall of Fame A&M 28, Iowa State 12 1981 Independence A&M 33, Okla. St. 16 1986 Cotton A&M 36, Auburn 16 1987 Cotton Ohio State 28, A&M 12 1988 Cotton A&M 35, Notre Dame 10 1989 John Hancock Pittsburgh 31, A&M 28 1990 Holiday A&M 65, BYU 14 1992 Cotton Florida State 10, A&M 2 1993 Cotton Notre Dame 28, A&M 3 1994 Cotton Notre Dame 24, A&M 21 1995 Alamo A&M 22, Michigan 20 1998 Cotton UCLA 29, A&M 23 1999 Sugar Ohio State 24, A&M 14 1999 Alamo Penn State 24, A&M 0 2000 Independence Miss. St. 43, A&M 41 (ot) 2001 Galleryfurniture.com A&M 28, TCU 9 2005 Cotton Tennessee 38, A&M 7 2006 Holiday Cal vs. Texas A&M
ROAD WARRIORS
Texas A&M will be attempting to become the first Aggie squad since the 1939 National Champions to post an unblemished record away from Kyle Field when A&M faces Cal in the Holiday Bowl. The Aggies are 5-0 away from Kyle Field with four road wins and one neutral site victory this season.
In 2006, the Aggies are one of five teams nationally with undefeated road records.
At Home on the Road Team Road Record Conference Texas A&M 5-0 Big 12 Auburn 4-0 Southeastern Boise State 6-0 Mountain West Ohio State 5-0 Big 10 Wake Forest 6-0 Atlantic Coast
FRAN IN THE BOWLS
Aggie head coach Dennis Franchione has coached four Div. I-A programs to five bowl games and has compiled a 3-2 record.
Going Bowling Team Bowl Score Texas A&M 2006 Holiday ??? 2005 Cotton Tenn. 38, A&M 7 Alabama 2001 Independence Alabama 14, ISU 13 TCU 1999 Mobile Alabama TCU 28, E. Carolina 14 1998 Sun Bowl TCU 28, USC 19 New Mexico 1997 Insight Arizona 20, UNM 14
LAST MINUTE AGGIES
Eight of the Aggies' 11 games have been in doubt until the final minutes, including seven of eight Big 12 contests.
Cardiac Kids Opponent Deciding play (time remaining) Army M. Tupe tackle at A&M 2 (0:00) Texas Tech R. Johnson 37-yard TD catch (0:26) Kansas J. Lane 2-yard TD run (0:30) Oklahoma St. R. Bryant PAT block (overtime) Baylor M. Goodson 64-yard TD run (2:15) Oklahoma Thompson 4th down conversion (1:29) Nebraska M. Purify 9-yard TD catch (0:21) Texas J. Brown INT (0:33)
BIG 12 LEADERS
The Aggies led the Big 12 Conference in a variety of offensive and defensive categories in 2006:
Top of the Big 12 Heap Team Stat Statistic Turnover Margin +0.75 Rushing Offense 210.5 Red Zone Defense 72.7 percent 3rd Down Conversions 51.2 percent 3rd Down Defense 28.6 percent Time of Possession 33:28 Passes Had Intercepted 3 total +Kickoff Returns 27.3 +Turnover Margin +1.0 +Rushing Offense 212.8 +3rd Down Conversions 52.1 percent +3rd Down Defense 27.1 percent +Time of Possession 34:51 Individual Stat Stat Scoring 9.5 pts/G by Jorvorskie Lane Scoring/TDs 19 by Jorvorskie Lane +Scoring/TDs 19 by Jorvorskie Lane + - Big 12 games only.
180 DEGREE TURNAROUND
The Aggies' 12-7 victory over Texas in the regular season finale was the 180th of Aggie head coach Dennis Franchione's career.
AGGIES ON ESPN
Since A&M's first appearance on ESPN in 1984, Texas A&M has compiled a 23-8 record on the network. The Aggies' most recent appearance on ESPN proper was 2004 season opener at Utah (lost 21-41). This season A&M beat Army on ESPN2. In bowl games televised by ESPN, Texas A&M is 3-2. A&M has lost two straight regular season games on ESPN (2004 season opener at Utah and the 2003 Thursday night contest at Virginia Tech by a score of 35-19. A&M's most recent win was a 14-12 decision over Pittsburgh in 2002. Texas A&M had a streak of 13 straight wins on ESPN snapped by Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions in the 1999 Alamo Bowl.
Bowl Games on ESPN 2001 Galleryfurniture.com Bowl vs. TCU (W, 28-9) 2000 Independence Bowl vs. Mississippi St. (L, 41-43 OT) 1999 Alamo Bowl vs. Penn State (Lost, 0-24) 1995 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan (Won, 22-20) 1990 Holiday Bowl vs. BYU (Won, 65-14)
DOMINATING THE CLOCK
After operating at a time of possession deficit through the first three games of the season, Texas A&M became one of the nation's top clock-chewing teams over the past nine contests. During that span, the Aggies have posted five games with a plus-10-minute bulge in time of possession, including a whopping 23-minute advantage in the win over Missouri.
For the season, the Aggies have averaged a plus-6:57 time of possession advantage. Over the past nine games, the Aggies have enjoyed over 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 33:29 4. Arkansas State 33:03 5. Nebraska 33:29 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 at Texas 35:58 / 24:02 +11:56 Total 33:29 / 26:31 +6:57
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 51.2 success rate on third-down tries (85-166), 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 28.6 percent success rate on third-down tries (42/147) in 2006. Last year, opponents converted 47.9 percent of their third-down situations against the A&M defense.
In the NCAA rankings, the Aggies rank No. 5 in third down efficiency and No. 6 in third down defense.
Aggies Stay On/Getting Off the Field 2006 (Big 12) Third Downs 2005 (Big 12) 51.2% (#1) 3rd Down Offense 35.4% (#6) 28.6% (#1) 3rd Down Defense 47.9% (#12)
DIVERSE RUSHING ATTACK
The Aggies, which leads the Big 12 in rushing and ranks No. 7 nationally, have had five different players lead the team in rushing during the 12-game regular season. The Aggies had the same leading rusher in consecutive games just three times.
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 Texas Stephen McGee 18-95
McKING OF THE ROAD
Sophomore quarterback Stephen McGee has a 9-4 overall record as starter, including a 5-0 mark 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.
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. Going into the bowl game, McGee is one of just three 2,000/500 quarterbacks in the nation.
McGee joins Reggie McNeal as the only 2,000/500 quarterbacks in school history. McNeal did it in 2004 when he threw for 2,791 yards and rushed for 718 yards.
Nation's 2,000 / 500 QBs Player, School Passing Rushing Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 2,118 635 Matt Grothe, South Florida 2,495 607 Chris Nickson, Vanderbilt 2,085 694
TRENDY AGGIES
- The Aggies' average score in conference play was 24.1 - 21.8 in favor of A&M. A&M outscored the opposition by just 19 points (193-174). Seven of the eight Big 12 games were decided by a touchdown or less.
- Three of seven conference games have been decided by a single point.
- In conference play, the Aggies ran an average of 67.9 plays per game, while the opponents ran an average of 57.9 plays.
- McGee's favorite targets, Chad Schroeder and Martellus Bennett, have produced 44 "money plays" (first downs or touchdowns) on 74 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 scored a Big 12-best 25 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 26 times on 29 carries on third or fourth down.
In all, Lane has pounded his way to 42 first downs and 19 touchdowns on his 159 carries in 2006. His 19 rushing touchdowns match A&M's second oldest school record - Joel Hunt's 19 rushing TDs in 1927.
"$Money Plays" for Lane Train Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 1st down rush 13 6 19 93 2nd down rush 8 6 13 37 3rd down rush 18 7 23 25 4th down rush 3 0 3 4 Total 42 19 58 159 $ - "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 five 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 (Top passers among 40-yard/G rushers) Rk. QB, School Rush/G Pass/G 1. Matt Grothe, South Florida 50.6 207.9 2. Kellen Lewis, Indiana 40.1 201.9 3. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 52.9 176.5 4. Chris Nickson, Vanderbilt 57.8 173.9 5. Julian Edelman, Kent State Rk. QB, School Rush/G Pass Eff. 1. Matt Grothe, South Florida 50.6 138.0 2. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 52.9 134.9 3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State 40.5 124.7 4. Julian Edelman, Kent State 59.8 124.4 5. Chris Nickson, Vanderbilt 57.8 122.8
COMPLETION PACE
Quarterback Stephen McGee is on pace to smash A&M's 20-year old record for season completion percentage. McGee is completing 61.7 percent of his passes on 177-of-287 passing.
Texas A&M Season Completion % List Rk Player, Year Cmp. % 1. Stephen Mcgee, 2006 61.7 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 two pickoffs among 287 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. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech 561 / 10 1.78 3. Zac Taylor, Nebraska 365 / 7 1.92 4. Chase Daniel, Missouri 423 / 10 2.36 5. Colt McCoy, Texas 278 / 7 2.52 NCAA Fewest INTs/Attempt Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 287 / 2 0.70 .2. Kevin Kolb, Houston 393 / 3 0.76 3. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 432 / 5 1.16 4. Perry Patterson, Syracuse 300 / 4 1.33 5. Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State 566 / 9 1.59
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) 102 / 1,354 4 Tight Ends (2) 46/624 5 Running Backs (5) 36/301 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 40 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. 40 A-P yards/G) Rk. Player, School Yds/Touch 1. Kerry Franks, Texas A&M 26.2 2. Marcus Herford, Kansas 24.2 3. Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State 19.5 4. Mikail Baker, Baylor 19.1 5. Maurice Purify, Nebraska 18.3
BRANTLY'S BEST
Sophomore punter Justin Brantly averages an impressive 45.3 per punt, which ranks No. 3 in the Big 12 and No. 5 nationally. Brantly has boomed a whopping 21 punts of 50 yards or more and put 14 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
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 at Texas 6-250 1 2 2 41.7 35.2 Total 47-2,131 5 21 14 45.3 38.1 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 45.3 4. David Davis 1992 43.8 5. Cody Scates 2002 43.7
SECOND-HALF CLAMPS
The Aggie defense has allowed only nine touchdowns and 75 total points (6.3 average) in the second half by the opposing offense. This was a key to the Aggies' 9-3 regular season since A&M was tied or behind halftime in six of 11 games this season, and faced second half deficits in four eventual Aggie victories (vs. Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Texas).
Tied or Down at Halftime Opponent Score Result Texas Tech 14-24 L, 27-31* Kansas ?7-10 W, 21-18 Missouri 17-17 W, 25-19 Oklahoma 10-14 L, 16-17 Nebraska 10-21 L, 27-28* * - Took lead in fourth quarter, but lost on last second TD passes.
BIG RED OUT
Junior defensive tackle Red Bryant had season-ending knee surgery on Nov. 17.
FEWEST PICKOFFS
The Aggies have thrown just three interceptions in 2006, which is the fewest in the NCAA.
Few Freebies from Aggie Passers Rk. School Att. INT 1. Texas A&M 301 3 2. Houston 405 4 Navy 104 4 Air Force 146 4 5. Four teams
PAYDIRT FOR J-TRAIN
Touchdown machine Jorvorskie Lane has pounded his way to 19 touchdowns in 2006 (No. 4 nationally) and is averaging 9.5 points per game (tNo. 6 nationally).
NCAA Touchdowns Leaders Rk Player, Team TD 1. Ian Johnson, Boise State 24 2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Marshall 21 3. Jarett Dillard, Rice 20 4. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 19 Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois 19 Ray Rice, Rutgers 19
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
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 46 catches for 624 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 1983 Rich Siler 43 3.9 2006 M. Bennett, J. Thomas 46 3.8 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
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 four 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.
SOPHOMORE SCORERS
With 28 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 33 2. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 28 Ian Johnson, Boise State 28 4. James Davis, Clemson 26
TURNOVER ADVANTAGE
During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 18-3 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
WRECKING CREW RETURN
With 12 games in the books, it is clear the Aggie defense made significant strides from 2005 to 2006:
The Year After 2006 (NCAA Rk.) Category 2005 (NCAA Rk.) 309.8 (#37) Total Defense 443.8 (#107) 123.0 (#46) Rush Defense 139.2 (#44) 186.8 (#48) Pass Defense 304.6 (#117) 114.89 (#44) Pass Eff. Defense 142.66 (#104) 18.5 (#32) Scoring Defense 31.2 (#94) 53.5% Completion % 60.6% *72.7% Red Zone Defense 79.2% * - Led the Big 12
GOING BOWLING
With nine victories, 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.
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).
MR. TOUCHDOWN
In a strong return to the lineup, senior wide receiver Chad Schroeder has grabbed a team-high 37 catches for 576 yards and produced first downs on 25 of his 37 catches. Schroeder missed the final three games of 2005 after suffering a broken leg against Iowa State.
Schroeder has 11 receiving touchdowns on just 69 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- 69 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
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) 12/104/0 ?Senior HS Stats: 1,734 total offense, 23 TDs Michael Corey Delta, Utah (DHS) 1/6/0 ?Senior HS: Two-time Utah all-state selection L'Tydrick Riley Crockett (CHS) 19/186/0 ?Senior HS Stats: 1,717 total offense, 24 TDs Chad Schroeder Austin (Westlake) 37/576/3 ?Senior HS Stats: 3,436 total offense, 37 TDs
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.
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. 275 2. Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 177 3. Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 123 4. Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 97 5. Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 96 6. Chris Harrington, DE, Jr. 94 7. Devin Gregg, DB, So. 88 8. Red Bryant, DL, 2004, Jr. 81 9. Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 79 10. Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 71 11. Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 65 12. Marques Thornton, DL, Sr. 59 13. Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 54 Misi Tupe, LB, Jr. 54 15. Michael Bennett, DL, So. 51
STARTING POINT
The Aggies have 44 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 23 with double digit starts. Leading the way is last year's conference tackle leader Justin Warren with 37 career starts.
A&M Active Career Starts Leaders Player Starts Justin Warren, LB, Sr. 37 Kirk Elder, OL, Jr. 34 Red Bryant, DL, Jr. 31 Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 28 Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 24 Chris Harrington, DL, Jr. 23 Corey Clark, OL, Jr. 23 Cody Wallace, OL, Jr. 23 Earvin Taylor, WR, Jr. 20 Chad Schroeder, WR, Sr. 19 Courtney Lewis, RB, Sr. 18 Martellus Bennett, TE, So. 17 Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 17 Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 16 Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 16 Devin Gregg, DB, So. 15 Jorvorskie Lane, RB, So. 14 Yemi Babalola, OL, Jr. 14 Stephen McGee, QB, So. 13 Alex Kotzur, OL, Sr. 12 Chris Yoder, OL, Jr. 12 Grant Dickey, OL, Sr. 12 Jordan Peterson, Fr. 10 Travis Schneider, So. 9 Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 8 Misi Tupe, LB, Jr. 8 Joey Thomas, TE, Jr. 7 Marques Thornton, Sr. 7 Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 6 Chris Alexander, FB, Jr. 5 L'Tydrick Riley, Sr. 5 Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 4 Michael Bennett, DE, So. 4 Pierre Brown, WR, So. 4 Howard Morrow, WR, So. 4 Mark Dodge, Jr. 4 Cyril Obiozor, So. 2 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
#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)
O-LINE CONTINUITY
One reason for the Aggies' Big 12-best rushing attack has been continuity on the A&M offensive front. Four of the five positions had the same starter in every game in 2006.
The only uncertainty came at the quick tackle where incumbent Yemi Babalola missed time with an injury. Babalola started the season-opener and the final two games, and Travis Schneider started the other nine games.
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Aggie head coach Dennis Franchione announced two position changes that are being explored during bowl practices. Redshirt freshman Jamie McCoy, who has played quarterback exclusively since coming to A&M, will get a look at wide receiver and could see action in the Holiday Bowl at the position, Franchione said. Also, true freshman wide receiver Kenny Brown is getting a long look on defense at safety.
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.
2006 TEAM CAPTAINS
The 2006 Permanent Team Captains, from a vote of the their teammates, are: sophomore Stephen McGee, senior Justin Warren, senior Ty Branyon, junior Cody Wallace, junior Red Bryant and junior Chris Harrington.
TEAM HONORS
Receiving honors at the Team Banquet on Dec. 9 were:
- HEART AWARD: Ty Branyon, Sr., QB, Austin, Texas
- OFFENSIVE MVP: Stephen McGee, Soph., QB, Burnet, Texas
- OFFENSIVE LINE MVP: Cody Wallace, Jr., Center, Cuero, Texas
- DEFENSIVE MVP: Justin Warren, Sr., LB, Tyler, Texas
- DEFENSIVE LINE MVP: Chris Harrington, Jr., DE, Houston, Texas
- SPECIAL TEAMS MVP: Alton Dixon, Soph., DB, Lufkin, Texas
- OFFENSIVE WORK TEAM MVP: Kenny Brown, Fr., WR, Oklahoma City, OK, Jerrod Johnson, Fr., QB, Humble, Texas, Cornell Tarrant, Fr., RB, Dallas, Texas
- DEFENSIVE WORK TEAM MVP: Ben Bitner, Jr., DB, Round Rock, Texas, Paul Freeney, Fr., DL, Houston, Texas, Leslie Ray, Fr., DL, Midland, Texas
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 25-22 record at Texas A&M.
With a career record of 180-95-2 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 198 4. Jim Tressel, Ohio State 197 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 185 6. Dennis Franchione, A&M 180 7. Mack Brown, Texas 178 8. Fisher DeBerry, Air Force 169 Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 169 10. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 156
