October 23, 2007
Game notes for Saturday's Big 12 contest against 9th-ranked Kansas (PDF link to the right)...
GAME 9:
Kansas JAYHAWKS (7-0, 3-0 Big 12)
at
Texas A&M AGGIES (6-2, 3-1 Big 12)
GAME INFORMATION
| GAME INFO |
| Saturday, Oct. 27, 6 p.m. (CDT) Kyle Field (82,600), College Station |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 6-2, 3-1 Big 12 Kansas: 7-0, 3-0 Big 12 |
| RANKINGS |
| KU is ranked 9th in the BCS, 10th by USA Today/ESPN and 12th by the AP. A&M is receiving votes in both polls. |
| TELEVISION |
| ESPN2 (in HD where available) Gary Thorne, play-by-play Bob Davie, commentary Stacey Dales, sidelines |
| RADIO |
| WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary Tom Turbiville, sidelines (broadcast time 5 p.m. CDT) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (aggieathletics.com) Live Postgame Press Conference (Free): (Aggies All-Access) |
| SERIES |
| A&M leads, 7-1 Last Meeting: (10/7/06) |
| UP NEXT |
| A&M at Oklahoma Saturday, Nov. 3, Time TBA Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla. TV: TBD |
The Aggies lead the all-time series with Kansas, 7-1, dating back to the first meeting in 1974 ... The first meeting was a 28-10 Jayhawk victory and remains the only win in the series between the schools ... The Aggies have won seven straight ... The Aggies are 5-0 against Kansas since the formation of the Big 12 Conference ... In last year's meeting, the Aggies never led until they scored a game-winning touchdown with 34 seconds remaining.
BATTLE OF DIVISION LEADERS
Saturday's nationally-televised matchup between Texas A&M and Kansas features the leaders from the Big 12's North and South divisions. The Jayhawks, ranked No. 9 in the latest BCS standings, are alone atop the Big 12 North, while the Aggies share the South lead with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
Since the formation of the Big 12 Conference, Kansas is the lone conference foe that the Aggies are undefeated against.
TOP 10 TEAM COMES TO KYLE
When Kansas (No. 9 BCS / No. 10 USA Today/ESPN / No. 12 Associated Press) visits Aggieland on Saturday, it will be the first top 10 team not named Texas or Oklahoma to come to Kyle Field since 2002. History has shown that Kyle Field is not kind to those teams in recent years.
Non-Texas/Oklahoma Top 10's at Kyle Year AP Rk. Opponent Result 2002 No. 7 Virginia Tech L,? 3-13 2000 No. 10 Kansas State W, 26-10 1998 No. 2 Nebraska W, 28-21 1989 No. 10 Arkansas L, 22-23 1989 No. 8 Houston W, 17-13 1989 No. 7 LSU W, 28-16 1987 No. 10 Washington W, 29-12 1987 No. 6 LSU L, ?3-17 1985 No. 9 Arkansas W, 10-?6
PROGRAM ON THE RISE
Since the beginning of the 2006 season, the Aggies have posted a 15-6 record while winning over 70 percent of their games.
Big 12 Teams Since 2006 Team Record Pct. Oklahoma 18-4 .818 Texas 16-5 .762 Texas A&M 15-6 .714 Missouri 14-6 .700 Kansas 13-6 .684 Texas Tech 14-7 .667 Nebraska 13-9 .591 Oklahoma St. 12-9 .571 Kansas St. 11-9 .550 Baylor 7-13 .350 Colorado 6-14 .300 Iowa State 5-15 .250
BIG 12 HONORS MCGEE
The Big 12 Conference honored quarterback Stephen McGee as its Offensive Player of the Week for leading the Aggies to their first win over Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., in 52 years.
McGee, a junior from Burnet, Texas, paced the Big 12's top rushing attack to 359 yards by picking 167 yards on 35 carries -- both career highs -- in the Aggies' 36-14 win over the Cornhuskers. McGee's 35 carries were easily a school record for a quarterback, eclipsing David Walker's 27 carries against SMU in 1977.
The Aggies' 359 rushing yards against the Cornhuskers were the most road rushing yards by A&M since 1996 -- the first year of the Big 12 -- when the Aggies rushed for 369 against Baylor in Waco.
SCORING AT HOME
With just one touchdown against Kansas on Saturday, big back Jorvorskie Lane would become the school's all-time leading scorer among non-placekickers and become the first Aggie -- placekickers included -- to score 100 points in a single season twice.
The J-Train currently has 266 career points, which is just off the 270 points scored by running backs Darren Lewis (1987-90) and Rodney Thomas (1991-94).
This season, Lane has scored 98 points on 16 touchdowns and a two-point conversion (game-winner vs. Fresno State). Eight players, including Lane, have hit the 100-point barrier in a single season, but no Aggie has ever done it twice.
Career Points by Non-Placekickers Rk Player, Years Pts. 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 270 Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 270 3. Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 266 4. Leeland McElroy, 1993-95 240 5. Joel Hunt, 1925-27 224 Single Season 100-Point Scorers Rk Player, Years Pts. 1. Joel Hunt, 1925-27 128 2. Jorvorskie Lane, 2006 114 Darren Lewis, 1990 114 4. D'Andre Hardeman, 1996 108 5. Kyle Bryant, 1997 (PK) 102 George Woodard, 1976 102 Greg Hill, 1992 102 8. Scott Slater, 1986 (PK) 100
TOUGH ROAD AHEAD
The Aggies' finishing schedule, which features four teams currently ranked among the nation's top 20, is rated the toughest in the nation, according to the NCAA.
The Aggies' final four opponents have a cumulative winning percentage of 85.7, which easily outdistances the team with the second-hardest finishing schedule (USC's future opponents have a 76.5 winning percentage).
A&M's cumulative schedule is rated the nation's second-toughest with opponents winning at a 67.6 percent clip. Only Oklahoma State's schedule is rated tougher with a 68.6 winning percentage.
Nation's Toughest Finishing Schedules Rk Team Opp. Rec. Pct. 1. Texas A&M 24-4 .857 2. Southern California 26-8 .765 3. Miami (Fla.) 19-7 .731 4. Ohio State 21-8 .724 Oklahoma State 21-8 .724 Nation's Toughest Overall Schedules Rk Team Opp. Rec. Pct. 1. Oklahoma State 48-22 .686 2. Texas A&M 48-23 .676 3. Washington 52-29 .642 4. Nebraska 48-27 .640 5. Notre Dame 49-28 .636 Source: NCAAsports.com
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 42-of-59 (71.2 percent) rushing attempts on third and fourth down. Lane is 21-for-22, McGee is 17-for-27 and Goodson is 4-of-10.
McGee/Lane/Goodson Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 3rd down rush 31 8 36 52 4th down rush 5 1 6 7 Total 36 9 42 59 $ - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown
THIRD-&-SHORT REPORT
Texas A&M and Jorvorskie Lane lead the nation in first downs and touchdowns in third-and-short (1-3 yards to go) situations, according to Football Writers Association member Marty Couvillon at cfbstats.com.
As a team, the Aggies have produced 26 first downs and eight touchdowns in 34 third-and-short situations.
Not coincidently, Lane leads the nation with 14 first downs and five touchdowns on 17 third-and-short tries.
BENNETT CHASES T-MURPH
Tight end Martellus Bennett, who missed the Nebraska game due to injury, has made at least one catch in 25-straight games, and is just one short of matching A&M all-time leading receiver Terrence Murphy's school-record streak of 26 games with a catch. Bennett has at least one catch in 29-of-31 career games, and has a catch in every game he's started in his career. Bennett's current streak began in the eighth game of his freshman season in 2005.
Bennett is Money Rk Player, Years Streak w/ at least one catch 1. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 26 2. Martellus Bennett, 2005-Present 25 3. Bethel Johnson, 1999-2002 25 4. Barney Harris, 1967-69 24 5. Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03 20
THUNDER, LIGHTNING & McGEE
For the first time since early in the season, all three of the Aggies' rushing trio aren't ranked among the nation's top 100 rushers. With Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane combining for 297 of the Aggies' 359 rushing yards against Nebraska, Mike Goodson fell out of the NCAA's stats. The trio's combined rushing average, however, increased to 218.9 per game.
One of a Kind Rk Player, School, Pos. Yds/G #49 Stephen McGee, Texas A&M, QB 88.9 #77 Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M, RB 71.9 -- Mike Goodson, Texas A&M, RB 58.1
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 414.9 260.1 154.8
IN THE "RED" ZONE
The Aggies are 38-of-42 (90.5 percent) in scoring opportunites when reaching the opponent's 20-yard line. The Aggies have scored 28 red zone touchdowns, which ranks No. 2 in the Big 12. A&M's 23 rushing red zone TDs far-and-away lead the Big 12.
LIMITING TURNOVERS
Texas A&M has given up the fewest turnovers in the Big 12 with only eight giveaways for the season, and the Aggies rank No. 2 in the Big 12 with a +1.3 turnover margin per game.
2007 Big 12 Turnover Margin Leaders Rk Team Take Turn Margin Avg/G 1. Kansas +21 -11 +10 +1.4 2. Texas A&M +18 -8 +10 +1.3 3. Missouri +18 -13 +5 +0.7 4. Oklahoma +19 -15 +4 +0.5 5. Kansas State +15 -12 +3 +0.4
RUNAWAY TRAIN
With just one touchdown against Kansas, big back Jorvorskie Lane would match the school records for total and rushing career touchdowns.
Career Rushing TDs List Rk Player, Years TDs 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 44 2. Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 43 3. Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 41 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. Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 44 Leeland McElroy, 1993-95 40 5. Greg Hill, 1991-93 36
ACTIVE SCORERS
Running back Jorvorskie Lane is No. 3 on the NCAA Bowl Subdivision list for career touchdowns with 40.
Active Career Scoring Leaders Rk Player, School, Class TDs Games 1. Steve Slaton, West Virginia, Jr. 48 30 2. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M, Jr. 44 32 3. Kalvin McRae, Ohio, Sr. 43 44 4. Michael Hart, Michigan, Sr. 41 40 5. Ray Rice, Rutgers, Jr. 39 32
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; 44 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 rank No. 2 in the Big 12 in net punting with a 37.6 average. Brantly averages 42.6 yards and has just two touchbacks on 29 boots, and the coverage unit has allowed only 71 punt return yards on 16 returns (4.4 average).
BRANTLY'S QUEST
Punter Justin Brantly, averaging 42.6 yards per boot on 29 punts in 2007, continues his chase for Shane Lechler's school record for career punt average.
Career Punt Average List RK Player, Years Punt Avg. 1. Shane Lechler, 1996-99 44.7 2. Justin Brantly, 2005- 43.5 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 11 starts, Dodge is averaging 9.7 tackles per game and has led the team in tackles seven 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 at Texas Tech 2007 9 * at Nebraska 2007 11 * * - Led team in tackles.
COVERING KICKOFFS
Texas A&M's kickoff coverage unit has emerged as the Big 12's best. Led by the long kickoffs from strong-legged sophomore placekicker Matt Szymanski, A&M's opponents have an average starting spot of the 22-yard line despite the new NCAA rule that moved kickoffs back five yards. Szymanski averages 66.9 yards on his kickoffs and A&M's net kickoff average is 47.9, which leads the conference by more than a yard.
Going Deep Rk School No. Avg. TB Net 1. Texas A&M 46 66.8 19 47.9 2. Nebraska 40 66.2 22 46.3 3. Oklahoma 62 66.6 16 45.6 4. Kansas 59 66.7 19 45.4 5. Texas Tech 61 65.8 23 45.2
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 24 catches for 276 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 Texas Tech 4 4/35 Nebraska DNP Total 55 24/276
1,000-YARD RUSHERS
The Aggies' Jorvorskie Lane (1,895), Stephen McGee (1,612) and Mike Goodson (1,312) have all surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier in career rushing yards. The threesome has also rushed for 4,819 career yards and scored 59 rushing touchdowns.
In addition, the threesome has combined to rush for 1,751 yards on 333 carries (5.3 yards per carry) in 2007.
McKING OF THE ROAD
Quarterback Stephen McGee has a career 6-3 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 5-1 in starts in Big 12 road games.
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Senior Kerry Franks, the Big 12's top kick returner in 2006, continues his climb up the Aggies' kickoff return charts.
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- 32- 816 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- 1,612 4. Mike Mosley, 1977-80 1,206 5. Roddy Osborne, 1955-57 1,188
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. At McGee's current pace, he will produce another 2,700-yard total offense output in 2007.
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
TURNOVER ADVANTAGE
During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 24-3 in games with a turnover margin advantage. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-22.
In 2007, the Aggies are 6-0 with the turnover advantage and 0-2 when even or minus in turnover margin.
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 Colorad2004 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 at Nebraska 2007 0 +3 +3 W, 36-17
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 126 career games. Add in junior starter Travis Schneider and the starting five has 139 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.
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.
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
- Danny Gorrer suffered a torn left ACL against Texas Tech, and is lost for the rest of the season.
- 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.
ACTIVE TACKLERS
The Aggies have 12 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. 138 2. Chris Harrington DE Sr 133 3. Mark Dodge LB Sr. 128 4. Danny Gorrer DB Jr. 112 5. Misi Tupe LB Sr. 114 6. Red Bryant DL Sr. 109 7. .Alton Dixon DB Jr. 88 8. Michael Bennett DL Jr. 78 9. Cyril Obiozor DL Jr. 76 10. Marquis Carpenter DB Sr. 74 11. Arkeith Brown DB Jr. 59 12. Jordan Pugh DB So. 51
16 TDS AND COUNTING
With 16 touchdowns (15 rush, 1 catch) already in the bank and four games to go, Jorvorskie Lane is in position to make the Aggies' school records for career total and rushing touchdowns all his own.
Last year, Lane produced 19 touchdowns (all rushing), which matched the second-oldest school records in the A&M annals -- single season touchdowns (19 by Joel Hunt, 1927 and Darren Lewis, 1990) and single season rushing touchdowns (19 by Joel Hunt, 1927).
Season Rushing Touchdowns Rk Player, Year Rushing TDs 1. Joel Hunt, 1927 19 Jorvorskie Lane, 2006 19 3. Darren Lewis, 1990 18 4. D'Andre Hardeman, 1996 17 George Woodard, 1976 17 Season Total Touchdowns Rk Player, Year Total TDs 1. Joel Hunt, 1927 19 Jorvorskie Lane, 2006 19 Darren Lewis, 1990 19 4. D'Andre Hardeman, 1996 18 5. Two players 17
LEFTOVER LANES
- Jorvorskie Lane has scored at least one touchdown in 24 of 32 games
- Lane has scored at least two touchdowns in 11 games
- Lane has scored at least three touchdowns in five games (school record)
- Lane has scored four touchdowns in three games (school record).
- For his career, Lane averages 8.3 points per game.
- With 43 touchdowns on 402 career carries, Lane scores a TD every 9.3 carries.
- Lane is one of the few players in school history to score a touchdown via rush, reception and pass.