GAME 7: Texas A&M (5-1) at Texas Tech (5-1)

October 09, 2007

Game notes for Saturday's Big 12 contest at Texas Tech (PDF link to the right)...

GAME 7:
Texas A&M AGGIES (5-1, 2-0 Big 12)
at
Texas Tech RED RAIDERS (5-1, 1-1 Big 12)

GAME INFORMATION

GAME INFO

Saturday, Oct. 13, 2:30 p.m. (CDT) Jones AT&T Stadium (52,882), Lubbock, Texas

RECORDS

Texas A&M: 5-1, 2-0 Big 12 Texas Tech: 5-1, 1-1 Big 12

RANKINGS

Both teams are receiving votes in both polls.

TELEVISION

ABC (Regional) Ron Franklin, play-by-play Ed Cunningham, commentary Jack Arute, sidelines

RADIO

WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary Tom Turbiville, sidelines (broadcast time 1:30 p.m. CDT)

INTERNET

Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (texastech.com)

SERIES

A&M leads, 34-30-1 Last Meeting: (9/30/06)

UP NEXT

A&M at Nebraska Saturday, Oct. 20, Time TBA Memorial Stadium TV: TBA

The Aggies hold a small advantage in the long series between the schools, 34-30-1, which dates back to the first meeting in 1927 ... Since the formation of the Big 12 Conference, the Red Raiders hold an 8-3 advantage, including the past two encounters ... Aggie head coach Dennis Franchione is 1-3 against Tech since taking the reins at A&M and has a 1-5 career mark against the Red Raiders (two other losses came while at New Mexico in 1994 and 1995 ... The Aggies have not won in Lubbock since 1993 (31-6), a span of six games and 13 seasons.

IN THE RANKINGS

The Aggies are unranked, but receiving votes in both the USA Today/ESPN head coaches poll and the Associated Press media poll. The Aggies received 79 votes from the media, and 52 from the coaches. A&M is the top vote-getter among teams not ranked in the AP poll, and third in the "others receiving votes" in the coaches poll. Like A&M, Texas Tech is unranked, but receiving votes (27 in the AP and 44 in the coaches poll).

OFFENSE UNDER FRAN

Whether it is via the run or the pass, the Aggies' offense under head coach Dennis Franchione consistently produces 400 yards of offense per game.

 Run or Pass = 400 Yards Year Total Rushing Passing 2003 389.8 177.2 212.6 2004 428.4 167.2 261.2 2005 442.3 234.9 207.4 2006 397.4 206.8 190.5 2007 415.7 248.2 167.5 Total 413.8 201.7 215.3 

SINCE 2006

Since the beginning of the 2006 season, the Aggies have posted a 14-5 record while winning over 73 percent of their games.

 Big 12 Teams Since 2006 Team Record Pct. Oklahoma 16-4 .800 Texas A&M 14-5 .737 Texas 14-5 .737 Missouri 13-5 .722 Texas Tech 13-6 .684 Nebraska 13-7 .650 Kansas 11-6 .647 Kansas St. 10-8 .555 Oklahoma St. 10-9 .526 Baylor 7-11 .389 Colorado 6-12 .333 Iowa State 5-13 .277 

THUNDER, LIGHTNING & MCGEE

Texas A&M is the nation's only team with three rushers ranked among the national top 100 in rushing yards per game. The Aggies' trio of quarterback Stephen mcgee (No. 68, 75.8 yards/G) and running backs Jorvorskie Lane (No. 87, 66.2/G) and Mike Goodson (No. 99, 60.5/G) combine to rush for 202.5 yards per game. There are 17 schools with two or more rushers in the top 100 in rushing yards.

 One of a Kind Rk Player, School, Pos. Yds/G #68 Stephen mcgee, Texas A&M, QB 75.8 #87 Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M, RB 66.2 #99 Mike Goodson, Texas A&M, RB 60.5 

AGGIES CAN!

The Texas A&M Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Aggie Athletes Involved (AAI) received $12,000 and 4,300 cans of food to benefit the Brazos Valley Food Bank at the eighth annual "Aggies CAN" food drive last Saturday. Over 150 student-athletes from every sport on campus participated.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Aggie Football historian Tim Stanfield (formerly of the Huntsville Item and Bryan Eagle) e-mailed to note that the 17-point comeback against Oklahoma State matched the second-biggest rally in school history behind a 20-pointer against Baylor in 1958. The Bears had a 27-7 second-half lead, but A&M scored 26 unanswered points for a 33-27 victory in Jim Myers' first season.

 Big Comebacks Deficit Score Opp., Year Final -20 7-27 Baylor, 1958 W, 33-27 -17 0-17 Oklahoma St., 2007 W, 24-24 -17 0-17 Baylor, 1986 W, 31-30 -15 12-27 Kansas St., 1998 W, 36-33 ot -15 7-22 Oklahoma St., 1997 W, 28-25 ot 

PLAYING KEEP AWAY

The Aggies have lost the time of possession battle in four of six games, but still rank No. 2 in the Big 12 with a 31:25 T.O.P. average due to a pair of huge possession games (+8:16 vs. Fresno State and +26:36 vs. Baylor).

Since 1985, the Aggies have controlled the football for 35 minutes or more in 39 games and have compiled a 37-2 record in those games.

 35-Minute Possession Games Since '85 T.O.P. Opponent Year Result 43:18 Baylor 2007 W, 34-10 35:58 Texas 2006 W, 12-7 36:52 Baylor 2006 W, 31-21 35:22 Oklahoma State 2006 W, 34-33 ot 41:30 Missouri 2006 W, 25-19 37:18 Texas Tech 2006 L, 27-31 35:17 Texas 2005 L, 29-40 38:35 Kansas State 2005 W, 30-28 37:09 Oklahoma State 2005 W, 62-23 35:01 Baylor 2002 W, 41-0 35:36 UL-Lafayette 2002 W, 31-7 38:09 Wyoming 2001 W, 28-20 38:16 Kansas State 2000 W, 26-10 35:41 Southern Miss 1999 W, 23-6 35:33 Louisiana Tech 1998 W, 28-7 36:13 Kansas 1998 W, 24-21 35:50 Texas Tech 1998 W, 17-10 35:54 North Texas 1996 W, 55-0 35:52 Houston 1993 W, 34-10 37:33 Houston 1992 W, 38-30 36:33 SMU 1992 W, 41-7 37:23 Texas Tech 1992 W, 19-17 36:16 LSU 1992 W, 31-22 37:31 SMU 1991 W, 65-6 35:07 Arkansas 1991 W, 13-3 36:52 TCU 1991 W, 44-7 38:34 Texas Tech 1991 W, 37-14 36:06 LSU 1991 W, 45-7 35:36 Rice 1989 W, 45-7 37:22 TCU 1989 W, 44-7 38:00 Louisiana Tech 1988 W, 56-17 40:27 Baylor 1987 W, 34-10 37:21 Houston 1987 W, 22-17 36:00 Washington 1987 W, 29-12 36:10 Texas 1986 W, 16-3 39:20 TCU 1986 W, 74-10 36:23 Texas Tech 1986 W, 45-8 36:19 Texas Tech 1985 W, 28-27 36:51 UL-Monroe 1985 W, 31-17 

IN THE "RED" ZONE

The Aggies are 31-of-33 in scoring opportunites when reaching the opponent's 20-yard line. The Aggies have scored 22 red zone touchdowns, which is the second-most in the Big 12. A&M's 18 rushing red zone tds far-and-away lead the Big 12.

 2007 Big 12 Red Zone Offense Leaders Rk Team Red Zone Pct. Tds R/P 1. Kansas State 20-21 .952 13 9/4 2. Texas A&M 31-33 .939 22 18/4 3. Missouri 21-23 .913 15 7/8 4. Kansas 22-25 .880 16 10/6 Nebraska 22-25 .880 17 9/8 

TURNOVER MARGIN

Texas A&M leads the Big 12 with a +1.2/game turnover margin. The Aggies have gained a Big 12-high 13 takeaways, while giving up seven turnovers.

 2007 Big 12 Turnover Margin Leaders Rk Team Take Turn Margin Avg/G 1. Texas A&M +14 -7 +7 +1.2 2. Missouri +12 -7 +5 +1.0 3. Kansas +13 -9 +4 +0.8 4. Oklahoma +14 -10 +4 +0.7 5. Kansas State +10 -9 +1 +0.2 

RUNAWAY TRAIN

Big back Jorvorskie Lane continued his chase of the school's career touchdowns lists with a trio of touchdowns. Lane rushed for a pair of touchdowns and tallied his first-ever touchdown reception against Oklahoma State.

 Career Rushing tds List Rk Player, Years tds 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 44 2. Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 41 3. Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 38 4. George Woodard, 1975-77, 79 35 5. Curtis Dickey, 1976-79 34 Career Rushing/Receiving tds List Rk Player, Years tds 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 45 Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 45 3. Leeland mcelroy, 1993-95 40 4. Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 39 5. Greg Hill, 1991-93 36 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Texas A&M has a history of big backs with colorful nicknames and the ability to get into the endzone.

 Nose for the Endzone Player, Years Wt. Notable Ja'Mar Toombs, 1998-2000 275 28 career tds; 14 in 2000 Nickname: Tooooooooombs Jorvorskie Lane, 2005- 268 Record 19 tds in '06; 36 for career Nickname: J-Train, Lane Train, Round Mound of Touchdown George Woodard, 1975-79 255 Double digit tds in '76, '77 Nickname: Big Woo Robert Wilson, 1988-90 245 20 career rushing TDS Nickname: Bull D'Andre Hardeman, 1995-99 232 17 tds in '96; Record 95-yard run Nickname: Touchdown Tiki John Kimbrough, 1938-40 220 10 tds for 1939 National Champs Nickname: Jarrin' Jawn, Haskell Hurricane, Big John 

NET (PUNTING) GAINS

With Ray Guy Award watch lister Justin Brantly leading the way, the Aggies lead the Big 12 in net punting with a 37.7 average. Brantly averages 44.1 yards and has just two touchbacks on 19 boots, and the coverage unit has allowed only 46 punt return yards on 12 returns (3.8 average).

BRANTLY'S QUEST

Punter Justin Brantly, averaging 44.1 yards per boot on 19 punts in 2007, continues his chase for Shane Lechler's school records for season and career punt average.

 Season Punt Average List RK Player, Year Punt Avg. 1. Shane Lechler, 1997 47.0 2. Shane Lechler, 1999 46.5 3. Justin Brantly, 2006 44.3 4. Justin Brantly, 2007 44.1 5. David Davis, 1992 43.8 Career Punt Average List RK Player, Years Punt Avg. 1. Shane Lechler, 1996-99 44.7 2. Justin Brantly, 2005- 43.8 3. Todd Tschantz, 1984-86 42.4 4. Phil Scoggin, 1964-65 41.9 5. David Davis, 1991-92 41.8 

DOUBLE-DIGIT DODGE

Since regaining a spot in the starting lineup for last year's Nebraska game, senior linebacker Mark Dodge has been a tackling machine for the Aggies.

In his last nine starts, Dodge is averaging 9.7 tackles per game and has led the team in tackles five times.

 Back in the Starting Lineup Opponent Year Tackles Nebraska 2006 17 * At Texas 2006 5 California (Holiday Bowl) 2006 8 * Montana State 2007 14 * Fresno State 2007 16 * La.-Monroe 2007 2 At Miami (Fla.) 2007 9 Baylor 2007 5 * Oklahoma State 2007 11 * - Led team in tackles. 

OLD SCHOOL TIGHT END

For some tight ends, their value can be measured simply by looking at their receptions total at the end of a game. But that's not the case with the Aggies' Martellus Bennett, who might be the nation's best block/catch tight end.

When asked what defines him as a tight end, Bennett says, "My knuckles are dirty. If you want to be called a tight end, show me some dirty hands."

Bennett has always impressed with his blocking skills, both at the point of attack and down the field. The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder has over 50 knockdown blocks this season and is also the Aggies' receptions leader with 20 catches for 241 yards.

Adds A&M tight end coach Mark Tommerdahl: "In Martellus we have a tight end who is presently our leading receiver and he likes to block. He's a true tight end who wants to be in the game every play, and he understands the importance of his blocking ability to our team and his future. As he matures, he is focusing on improving his practice habits and finishing. When you define the position tight end in its truest sense, he certainly can become the complete package."

 Bennett's Knockdowns/Catches Opponent Knockdowns Rec./Yards Montana State 9 3/33 Fresno State 17 5/35 Louisiana-Monroe 8 6/98 Miami (Fla.) 4 3/49 Baylor 9 1/3 Oklahoma State 4 2/23 Total 51 20/241 

SPECIAL "K"

The insertion of senior cornerback Marquis "K" Carpenter has been a boon for the Aggie defense. For the season, Carpenter has contributed a team-high three interceptions and three other passes broken up.

 Big 12 Interceptions List RK Player, School Interceptions 1. Marquis Carpenter, Texas A&M 3 Aqib Talib, Kansas 3 3. Many players 2 

ACTIVE SCORERS

Running back Jorvorskie Lane is tied for No. 2 on the NCAA Bowl Subdivision list for career touchdowns with 39.

 Active Career Scoring Leaders Rk Player, School, Class tds Games 1. Steve Slaton, West Virginia, Jr. 47 29 2. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M, Jr. 39 30 Michael Hart, Michigan, Sr. 39 39 4. Kalvin mcrae, Ohio, Sr. 38 42 5. Ray Rice, Rutgers, Jr. 36 30 

1,000-YARD RUSHERS

The Aggies' Jorvorskie Lane (1,717), Stephen mcgee (1,356) and Mike Goodson (1,210) have all surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier in career rushing yards. The threesome has also rushed for 4,283 career yards and scored 54 rushing touchdowns.

In addition, the threesome has combined to rush for 1,215 yards on 235 carries (5.2 yards per carry) in 2007.

NOSE FOR THE ENDZONE

Placekicker Matt Szymanski has routinely put his kickoffs into the opponent's endzone despite the new NCAA kickoff rule. The sophomore from College Station has posted 14 touchbacks on 35 kickoffs and is averaging 66.9 yards on his boots. The opponents' average starting spot is the 21-yard line.

Szymanski has also connected on 10-of-16 field goals and 24-of-24 extra points.

 Going Deep Player, School No. Avg. TB Opp. Start Matt Szymanski, Texas A&M 35 66.9 14 21 

MONEY MEN

Stephen mcgee, Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson have been nearly automatic on third- and fourth-down rushes. The trio have produced a "money play" on 33 of 43 rushing attempts on third and fourth down. Lane is 17-for-18, mcgee is 14-for-20 and Goodson is 4-of-6.

 Mcgee/Lane/Goodson Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 3rd down rush 25 7 29 38 4th down rush 3 1 4 5 Total 28 8 33 43 $ - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown 

MCKING OF THE ROAD

Quarterback Stephen mcgee has a career 5-2 record 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.

For his career, mcgee is 4-0 in starts in Big 12 road games.

CLIMBING THE CHARTS

Senior Kerry Franks, the Big 12's top kick returner in 2006, leap-frogged Terrence Murphy to No. 4 after last week's game vs. OSU.

 Career Kickoff Return Yards List Rk Player, Years No.- Yards 1. Rod Harris, 1985-88 59- 1,209 2. Leeland mcelroy, 1993-95 30- 1,099 3. Carl Roaches, 1972-75 43- 1,087 4. Kerry Franks, 2003- 31- 791 5. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 31- 761 6. Dant? Hall, 1996-99 32- 716 7. Larry Stegent, 1967-69 39- 714 8. Dave Elmendorf, 1968-70 35- 689 9. Billy Mitchell, 1992-94 25- 678 10. Don Ellis, 1952-53 26- 591 Career Kickoff Return Average List Rk Player, Years KO Return Avg. 1. Leeland mcelroy, 1993-95 36.6 2. Billy Mitchell, 1992-94 27.1 3. Kerry Franks, 2003- 25.5 4. Carl Roaches, 1972-75 25.3 5. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 24.5 

JOIN THE CLUB ...

Stephen mcgee became the 37th member, and just the fifth QB, of A&M's 1,000-yard club in career rushing yards earlier this season.

 Career Rushing Yards by a QB Rk Player, Years Rush Yds 1. Bucky Richardson, 1987-88, 90-91 2,095 2. Reggie mcneal, 2002-05 1,889 3. Stephen mcgee, 2004- 1,356 4. Mike Mosley, 1977-80 1,206 5. Roddy Osborne, 1955-57 1,188 

TURNOVER ADVANTAGE

During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 23-3 in games with a turnover margin advantage. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-21.

 Games with Turnover Advantage 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 Colorado 2004 0 +2 +2 W, 29-26 (ot) Texas Tech 2004 0 +3 +3 W, 32-25 (ot) SMU 2005 -1 +4 +3 W, 66- 8 Texas State 2005 -2 +3 +1 W, 44-31 Oklahoma State 2005 -2 +7 +5 W, 62-23 Kansas State 2005 -1 +3 +2 W, 30-28 At Oklahoma 2005 -1 +3 +2 L, 30-36 La.-Lafayette 2006 0 +2 +2 W, 51-7 Army 2006 -1 +3 +2 W, 28-24 Missouri 2006 0 +3 +3 W, 25-19 At Baylor 2006 0 +1 +1 W, 31-21 Oklahoma 2006 -1 +2 +1 L, 16-17 Nebraska 2006 0 +1 +1 L, 27-28 At Texas 2006 -1 +4 +4 W, 12-7 Montana State 2007 -1 +2 +1 W, 38-7 Fresno State 2007 -1 +3 +2 W, 47-45 3ot La.-Monroe 2007 -1 +2 +1 W, 54-14 Baylor 2007 -1 +3 +2 W, 34-10 Oklahoma State 2007 0 +1 +1 W, 24-23 

AGGIE STORY LINES

• Big back Jorvorskie Lane credits the reading program READ180 and Lufkin High School teacher Betty Lewing for his academic success in high school and subsequent improvement on his SAT score. The SAT score improvement allowed him to utilize his scholarship to Texas A&M and become one of the nation's most feared short-yardage backs. After Lane scored a school-record 19 touchdowns last season, Lewing attended the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl as his guest.
• Most people can't envision the 268-pound Lane as ever being small, but he was actually born premature and weighed just four pounds at birth. The J-Train's grandmother says she could hold him in one hand.
• Coach Fran and defensive coordinator Gary Darnell have started calling the linebacker tandem of Mark Dodge, 26, and Misi Tupe, 25, the "Geritol Gang". The tandem's combined 51 years of age make them the oldest pair of starting linebackers in the nation. Dodge served in the military before enrolling in college, while Tupe served a Mormon mission before arriving in Aggieland.
• Speaking of Geritol, noted geriatric linebacker Mike Flynt served as Texas A&M's head strength coach in 1979-80. At the age of 59, Flynt has made the football roster at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas.
• Forty-five of the Aggies' 64 multi-year scholarship players had the benefit of a redshirt season (69 percent). Every scholarship offensive and defensive lineman redshirted.
• The Aggies' safeties coach, Bill Clay, is in his 40th season as a football coach. Clay's first coaching job was at Ganby High School in Norfolk, Va., in 1965.
• Quarterback Stephen mcgee, a junior in football eligibility, graduated with a degree in marketing earlier this summer -- just three and one-half years after arriving on campus as an early enrollee in January 2004.
• mcgee and tight end Joey Thomas were two of 14 current or past Aggie gridders to receive their diplomas at the August commencement ceremonies.
• Wide receiver Howard Morrow and linebacker Matt Featherston were the football winners of the 2007 "Off-Season Warrior" competition implemented by A&M director of performance nutrition Amy Bragg. Morrow added seven pounds of muscle while dropping 6.8 percent of body fat. Featherston shaved 15 pounds of body fat while adding eight pounds of muscle.
• There are a pair of brother tandems on the 2007 roster: Michael and Martellus Bennett (Alief, Texas) and Jamie and Terrence mccoy (Midland, Texas).
• Other Aggie bloodlines include: Chris Harrington (Uncle Dave Elmendorf was an All-American in 1970 and currently serves as the analyst for Aggies' radio network); Jerrod Johnson (father Larry Johnson was a wide receiver/defensive back for the Aggies); Nick lamantia (brother Michael was a walkon linebacker in the early 2000's); Earvin Taylor (brother Jamaar grabbed 108 catches from 2001-03); Spencer Robnett (grandfather Ed Robnett and great uncle Marshall Robnett played on 1939 National Championship team. Marshall was first-team All-American and finished No.9 in the 1940 Heisman voting).
• Offensive center Kevin Matthews' father, Bruce, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame last summer. Matthews was a 14-time Pro Bowl selection as an offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans.
• Coach Fran's son, Brad Franchione, is the head coach at Blinn College, which is located in nearby Brenham, Texas. Last season, Brad Franchione's Buccaneers won the NJCAA Championship and he was named NJCAA Coach of the Year.

ROSTER UPDATES

• Nick lamantia, the Aggies' main 12th Man in 2006, has shifted from linebacker to fullback, and saw his first-ever action at fullback against Fresno State. He switched his jersey number from #55 to #44.
• Wide receiver E.J. Shankle and quarterback Jeff Wood switched jersey numbers. Shankle now wears #10, while Wood wears #9.
• Former linebacker Jodie Richardson also made the move to fullback during the 2006 season and is listed as Chris Alexander's backup.
• David Tufuga, a defensive lineman from West Jordan, Utah, was a late addition to the Aggies' 2007 signing class. Tufuga transferred from Snow College in Utah.
• Jordan Pugh, a backup cornerback in 2006, shifted to the "Whip" during the spring and is listed as the starter going into the 2007 season.
• Johnathan Batson,who was a safety in 2006, has shifted to cornerback for 2007. Because of depth at the position and his late position change, Batson is a candidate to redshirt this season.
• Chris Smith moved from defensive end to defensive tackle during the spring and is pushing for playing time at the position this fall.

BAND OF BROTHERS

The Aggies' "Band of Brothers" offensive line has paved the way for the Big 12's top rushing attack.

Four of the Aggies' five offensive line starters - Cody Wallace, Kirk Elder, Corey Clark and Chris Yoder - were members of Coach Fran's initial signing class. The fifth-year senior foursome has combined to start 119 career games. Add in junior starter Travis Schneider and the starting five has 130 career starts.

DISRUPTIVE DE

Senior defensive end Chris Harrington continues to be the Aggies' most disruptive player on the defense.

Harrington, a member of a variety of watch lists for national awards, is among team leaders in tackles for losses, sacks and forced fumbles.

It is more of the same for the second-most famous graduate of Houston St. Pius High School (behind Houston Texans head coach and former A&M leading passer Gary Kubiak). Harrington led the team in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles in 2006 and was among the leaders in pbus.

TOTAL QUARTERBACKS

Three of Texas A&M's four top season total offense outputs have been produced by quarterbacks during the Dennis Franchione era, including Stephen mcgee's 2,961-yard effort in 2006. Mcgee's output ranked No. 2 in school history behind only Reggie mcneal's 2004 total of 3,509 yards.

 Building Quarterbacks (A&M's Top Single Season Total Offense Leaders) Rk Player, Year Yards 1. *Reggie mcneal, 2004 3,509 2. *Stephen mcgee, 2006 2,961 3. Mark Farris, 2000 2,667 4. *Reggie mcneal, 2005 2,627 5. Dustin Long, 2002 2,522 *Fran era quarterbacks 

CONCENTRATING THEIR EFFORTS

Tight end Martellus Bennett and quarterback Jerrod Johnson both gave up Aggie basketball last spring, so they could concentrate on football.

Bennett, one of the favorites for the John Mackey Tight End Award, played in four basketball games last season, while Johnson saw action in three contests. As a freshman in 2005-06, Bennett was the first Aggie to letter in football and basketball since Billy Bob Barnett in 1969.

ACTIVE TACKLERS

The Aggies have 11 defenders with more than 50 career tackles, including six who have surpassed the century mark in career tackles.

 A&M Active Career Tackles Leaders RK Player Pos. Yr Tackles 1. Devin Gregg DB Jr. 127 2. Chris Harrington DE Sr 125 3. Danny Gorrer DB Jr. 109 4. Red Bryant DL Sr. 107 5. Mark Dodge LB Sr. 108 6. Misi Tupe LB Sr. 102 7. Michael Bennett DL Jr. 75 8. Cyril Obiozor DL Jr. 74 9. Alton Dixon DB Jr. 77 10. Marquis Carpenter DB Sr. 66 11. Arkeith Brown DB Jr. 54 

STARTING POINT

The Aggies have 33 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 18 with double-digit starts. Leading the way is four-year starter Kirk Elder, who has made 41-straight starts at offensive guard.

 Active Career Starts Leaders Player Pos. Year Starts Kirk Elder OL 2004- 41 Red Bryant DL 2004-. 37 Chris Harrington DL 2004- 30 Corey Clark OL 2004- 30 Cody Wallace OL 2004- 30 Earvin Taylor WR 2004- 26 Danny Gorrer DB 2005- 25 Martellus Bennett TE 2005- 23 Devin Gregg DB 2005- 22 Stephen mcgee QB 2005- 20 Jorvorskie Lane RB 2005- 19 Yemi Babalola OL 2004- 19 Chris Yoder OL 2004- 18 Misi Tupe LB 2004- 14 Jordan Peterson DB 2005- 13 Travis Schneider OL 2005- 11 Mark Dodge LB 2006- 11 Marquis Carpenter DB 2005-. 10 Cyril Obiozor DL 2005- 9 Kerry Franks WR 2005- 8 Pierre Brown WR 2005- . 8 Joey Thomas TE 2004- 7 Chris Alexander FB 2004- 6 Michael Bennett DE 2005- 6 Alton Dixon DB 2005- 6 Henry Smith DL 2006- 6 Jordan Pugh DB 2006- 6 Mike Goodson RB 2006- 5 Howard Morrow WR 2005- 4 Arkeith Brown DB 2005- 2 Amos Gbunblee TE/DE 2005- 1 Matt Featherston LB 2006- 1 Johnathan Batson DB 2006- 1 Keondra Smith RB 2006- 1 

AGGIES IN THE NFL

There are 23 former A&M players currently on NFL rosters, and eight more Aggies on NFL coaching staffs.

AGGIES IN THE NFL

• #95 Sam Adams, DL, Denver Broncos
• #99 Rocky Bernard, DL, Seattle Seahawks
• #33 Melvin Bullitt, DB, Indianapolis Colts
• #89 Dan Campbell, TE, Detroit Lions -- IR
• #11 Jason Carter, WR, Carolina Panthers -- PS
• #22 Sammy Davis, DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• #95 Ron Edwards, DL, Kansas City Chiefs
• #89 Robert Ferguson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
• #31 Aaron Glenn, DB, Jacksonville Jaguars
• #82 Dante Hall, WR, St. Louis Rams
• #63 Geoff Hangartner, OL, Carolina Panthers
• #56 Warrick Holdman, LB, Denver Broncos -- IR
• #97 Johnny Jolly, DL, Green Bay Packers
• #9 Shane Lechler, P, Oakland Raiders
• #68 Seth mckinney, OL, Cleveland Browns
• #76 Steve mckinney, OL, Houston Texans -- IR
• #96 Mike Montgomery, DL, Green Bay Packers
• #48 Don Muhlbach, DS, Detroit Lions
• #47 Boone Stutz, TE/DS, Atlanta Falcons
• #94 Ty Warren, DL, New England Patriots
• #21 Jason Webster, DB, Buffalo Bills -- IR
• #94 Pat Williams, DL, Minnesota Vikings
• #74 Billy Yates, OL, New England Patriots
  
  AGGIES ON NFL COACHING STAFFS:
  
• Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints (Assistant DL)
• Jerry Fontenot, Green Bay Packers (Assistant OL)
• Johnny Holland, Houston Texans (Linebackers)
• Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (Head Coach)
• Dat Nguyen, Dallas Cowboys (Assistant lbs/Defensive Quality Control)
• Gary Reynolds, Seattle Seahawks (Quality Control/Offense)
• Zerick Rollins, Seattle Seahawks (Linebackers)
• Shawn Slocum, Green Bay Packers (Assistant Special Teams/Linebackers)

COACH FRAN RANKS AMONG THE WINNINGEST COACHES

The 26th head football coach in Texas A&M history, Dennis Franchione is in his fifth season in Aggieland and his 25th season as a collegiate head coach. Franchione has compiled a 30-24 record at Texas A&M.

With a career record of 185-97-2 as a head coach, Coach Fran is tied for 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. He 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. 370 2. Joe Paterno, Penn St. 367 3. Frank Beamer, Va. Tech 203 Jim Tressel, Ohio State 203 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 187 6. Dennis Franchione, A&M 185 7. Mack Brown, Texas 183 8. Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 173 9. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 164 10. Mike Price, UTEP 154 Coach fran's Career Conference Crowns (by current Big 12 Coaches) Head Coach, School Yrs. Titles Dennis Franchione, A&M 24 8 Dan Hawkins, Colorado 11 5 Bob Stoops, Oklahoma 8 4 Gary Pinkel, Missouri 16 1 Mack Brown, Texas 23 1 Gene Chizik, Iowa State 1st none Ron Prince, Kansas State 1 none Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State 2 none Bill Callahan, Nebraska 3 none Mark Mangino, Kansas 5 none Guy Morriss, Baylor 6 none Mike Leach, Texas Tech 7 none Franchione's Coaching Career 1973-74 Head Coach Miller (Mo.) High School 1975 Asst. Coach Mulvane (Kan.) High School 1976-77 Head Coach Peabody (Kan.) High School 1978-80 Asst. Coach Kansas State 1981-82 Head Coach Southwestern (Kan.) College 1983-84 Off. Coord. Tennessee Tech 1985-89 Head Coach Pittsburg (Kan.) State 1990-91 Head Coach Southwest Texas State 1992-97 Head Coach University of New Mexico 1998-00 Head Coach TCU 2001-02 Head Coach University of Alabama 2003- Head Coach Texas A&M