GAME 12: Texas (9-2) at Texas A&M (6-5)
Nov 19, 2007 | Football
November 19, 2007
Game notes for Friday's regular season finale against 11th-ranked Texas (PDF link to the right)...
GAME 12:
Texas LONGHORNS (9-2, 5-2 Big 12)
at
Texas A&M AGGIES (6-5, 3-4 Big 12)
GAME INFORMATION
| GAME INFO |
| Friday, Nov. 23, 2:37 p.m. (CST) Kyle Field (82,600), College Station |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 6-5, 3-4 Big 12 Texas: 9-2, 5-2 Big 12 |
| RANKINGS |
| Texas is ranked 11th by USA Today and 13th by the AP and BCS. |
| TELEVISION |
| ABC, National (in HD where available) 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. CST) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (aggieathletics.com) Live Postgame Press Conference (Free): (Aggies All-Access) |
| SERIES |
| Texas leads, 73-35-5 Last Meeting: (11/24/06) |
| UP NEXT |
| Bowl Game TBA |
Friday's game will be the fourth football installment of the State Farm Lone Star Showdown,which started in 2004. Currently, A&M and Texas are tied 2-2 in the year-long competition. ... The game will be the 114th renewal of the rivalry, which is tied for the third most-played game in college football behind Minnesota-Wisconsin (116 games) and Kansas-Missouri (115) ... 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 college football ... Texas leads Texas A&M, 73-35-5, in the all-time series, but Texas A&M has a 13-12 advantage over the last 25 years ... The last time the Aggies defeated the Longhorns in College Station was the "Bonfire Game" in 1999 ... Last season the Aggies upset the No. 10 Longhorns, 12-7, at Royal Memorial Stadium.
AGGIES & LONGHORNS
Texas A&M and Texas, who will be playing for the 114th time in 2007, have combined for 1,473 victories, which is the most by any pair of in-state rivals in the country.
Lone Star Showdown Rk In-State Rivals Combined Wins 1. Texas vs. Texas A&M 1,473 2. Michigan vs. Michigan State 1,468 3. Alabama vs. Auburn 1,460 4. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech 1,362 5. Southern Cal vs. California 1,355
SENIOR CLASS OF '07
Nineteen seniors, including 15 scholarship players and 10 members of Coach Fran's initial signing class, will play their final game at Kyle Field on Friday. Over the past four years, the group has compiled a 27-20 record, played in two bowl games and are bowl-eligible this season.
WATCHING THE CHARTS
Several school standards could fall when the Aggies meet the Longhorns on Friday:
- Receiver Kerry Franks needs just 66 kickoff return yards to break the single season record for KO return yardage.
- Tight end Martellus Bennett would have to have a career catches day to match Rod Bernstine's career record for receptions by a TE (needs nine), but Richard Osborne's career TE receiving yards mark is just 29 yards away.
- Running back Jorvorskie Lane would take sole possession of A&M's career touchdowns record with a TD against the Horns. With three, he would break the single season school record.
RARELY A NEGATIVE
History has shown that quarterback Stephen McGee and running back Jorvorskie Lane rarely turn in negative plays:
- McGee has thrown just eight interceptions in 663 career pass attempts or one pickoff in every 83 attempts.
- Lane has lost only 30 yards on 426 career rushing attempts.
500-YARD TRIO
The Aggies' backfield trio of quarterback Stephen McGee and running backs Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson make Texas A&M one of only four schools in the nation with at least three rushers with more than 500 rushing yards each.
Joining the Aggies are Navy (with four 500-yard rushers), Oklahoma State and Florida (with QB, RB, WR 500-yard rushers).
Thunder, Lightning & McGee Player, School, Pos. Yards Yds/G Stephen McGee, Texas A&M, QB 828 75.3 Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M, RB 677 61.5 Mike Goodson, Texas A&M, RB 574 52.2
LANE SEEKS SOLE POSSESSION
Against Missouri, big back Jorvorskie Lane scored one touchdown to become the school's all-time leading scorer among non-placekickers and the first Aggie -- placekickers included -- to score 100 points in a single season twice.
The six-pointer raised Lane's career point total to 272, which passed the old record of 270 points scored by running backs Darren Lewis (1987-90) and Rodney Thomas (1991-94). It also raised his season total to 104 points on 17 touchdowns and a two-point conversion (game-winner vs. Fresno State).
Next up for the record-breaking Lane is sole possession of the career rushing and total touchdowns school record. Lane is tied with Lewis with 44 rushing touchdowns and Lewis and Thomas with 45 total touchdowns.
Career Points by Non-Placekickers Rk Player, Years Pts. 1. Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 272 2. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 270 Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 270 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. Jorvorskie Lane, 2007 104 5. Kyle Bryant, 1997 (PK) 102 George Woodard, 1976 102 Greg Hill, 1992 102 8. Scott Slater, 1986 (PK) 100 Career Rushing TDs List Rk Player, Years TDs 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 44 Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 44 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 Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 45 Leeland McElroy, 1993-95 40 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; 45 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
TOUGH SCHEDULE
The Aggies' 2007 overall schedule is rated the fourth-toughest in the nation by the NCAA, and that's without taking into account a road schedule that included trips to Miami, Lubbock, Lincoln, Norman and Columbia. Interestingly, eight of the 10 teams with the toughest schedules come from the Big 12 and Southeastern Conferences (four from each conference).
Nation's Toughest Overall Schedules Rk Team Opp. Rec. Pct. 1. Oklahoma State 63-36 .636 2. Florida 62-38 .620 3. Washington 70-43 .619 4. Texas A&M 60-37 .618 5. Nebraska 64-41 .610 Source: NCAAsports.com
PROGRAM ON THE RISE
Since the beginning of the 2006 season, the Aggies have posted a 15-9 record, which ranks among the best records in the Big 12 during that span.
Big 12 Teams Since 2006 Team Record Pct. Oklahoma 21-4 .840 Texas 19-5 .792 Missouri 17-6 .739 Kansas 16-6 .727 Texas A&M 15-9 .625 Texas Tech 15-9 .625 Nebraska 14-11 .560 Oklahoma St. 12-11 .522 Kansas St. 12-11 .522 Baylor 7-16 .304 Colorado 7-16 .304 Iowa State 7-16 .304
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 50-of-78 rushing attempts on third and fourth down. Lane is 24-for-28, McGee is 22-for-36 and Goodson is 4-of-14.
McGee/Lane/Goodson Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 3rd down rush 36 9 42 68 4th down rush 7 1 8 10 Total 43 10 50 78 $ - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown
BENNETT PASSES MURPHY
Tight end Martellus Bennett continues to extend A&M's record for consecutive games with at least one catch. Bennett has made at least one catch in 28-straight games dating back to 2005, to pass the 26-game streak originally set by all-time leading receiver Terrence Murphy from 2003-05. Bennett has at least one catch in 31-of-33 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. Martellus Bennett, 2005-Present 28 2. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 26 3. Bethel Johnson, 1999-2002 25 4. Barney Harris, 1967-69 24 5. Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03 20
A&M-TEXAS CONNECTIONS
There are a variety of connections between the Aggies and the Longhorns:
- Offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. played WR for the Longhorns in the early 1980s.
- Defensive coordinator Gary Darnell served in the same capacity at Texas from 1992-96 and helped Texas to a pair of conference titles.
- Cornerbacks coach Van Malone was an all-conference defensive back for Texas and helped the Horns to the 1990 SWC crown.
- Running back Jorvorskie Lane and Texas TE Jeremichael Finley are half-brothers and grew up within five miles of each other in Lufkin and Diboll, respectively.
- A&M QB Stephen McGee and Texas WR Jordan Shipley were a record-setting pass/catch combination at Burnet High School.
- Texas OC Greg Davis coached the Aggie QBs from 1978-84.
- Texas RB coach Ken Rucker coached the Aggie RBs from 1994-97 and 2001-02.
Offense under fran 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 390.9 219.6 171.3
IN THE "RED" ZONE
The Aggies are 43-of-49 in scoring opportunites when reaching the opponent's 20-yard line. The Aggies have scored 31 red zone touchdowns, which ranks No. 2 in the Big 12. A&M's 25 rushing red zone TDs far-and-away lead the Big 12.
LIMITING TURNOVERS
Texas A&M has given up the second-fewest turnovers in the Big 12 with only 12 giveaways (behind Kansas' 11) for the season, and the Aggies are No. 4 in the Big 12 with a +0.6 turnover margin per game.
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 37.9 average. Brantly averages 42.3 yards and has just five touchbacks on 47 boots, and the coverage unit has allowed only 72 punt return yards on 22 returns (3.1 average).
BRANTLY'S QUEST
Punter Justin Brantly, averaging 42.3 yards per boot on 47 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- 43.3 3. Todd Tschantz, 1984-86 42.4 4. Phil Scoggin, 1964-65 41.9 5. David Davis, 1991-92 41.8
MIGHTY MARTELLUS
Junior tight end Martellus Bennett is within range of Texas A&M's school records for career catches and yards by a tight end. Rod Bernstine holds the TE record for catches with 105, while Richard Osborne owns the receiving yards mark with 1,181.
Career Catches by a TE List Rk Player, Years No.- Yards 1. Rod Bernstine, 1983-86 105- 1,075 2. Martellus Bennett, 2005-Present 96- 1,152 3. Richard Osborne, 1972-75 86- 1,181 4. Greg Porter, 1999-02 84- 1,045 5. Derrick Spiller, 1995-98 60- 919
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 Kansas 3 8/91 Oklahoma 5 4/63 Missouri 2 4/63 Total 65 40/493
ACTIVE SCORERS
Running back Jorvorskie Lane is No. 3 on the NCAA Bowl Subdivision list for career touchdowns with 45.
NCAA Active Career Scoring Leaders Rk Player, School, Class TDs Games 1. Steve Slaton, West Virginia, Jr. 52 32 2. Kalvin McRae, Ohio, Sr. 48 47 3. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M, Jr. 45 34 4. Ray Rice, Rutgers 42 35 Ian Johnson, Boise State 42 34
FRANKS SEEKS KO RECORD
Senior Kerry Franks, the Big 12's top kick returner in 2006, is one big return away from breaking Terrence Murphy's school record for season kickoff return yards. Franks needs just 65 yards to match Murphy's mark.
Season Kickoff Return Yards List Rk Player, Years No.- Yards 1. Terrence Murphy, 2003 23- 626 2. Leeland McElroy, 1993 15- 590 3. Kerry Franks, 2006 22- 561 4. Dave Elmendorf, 1970 23- 457 5. Hugh McElroy, 1971 17- 439 -- Kerry Franks, 2007 16- 423 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- 43- 1,086 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- 25.3 Carl Roaches, 1972-75 25.3 5. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 24.5
17 TDS AND COUNTING
With 17 touchdowns (16 rush, 1 catch) already in the bank, 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 6. Jorvorskie Lane, 2007 16 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. Jorvorskie Lane, 2007 17 George Woodard, 1976 17 Greg Hill, 1992 17
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 7-25.
In 2007, the Aggies are 6-0 with the turnover advantage and 0-5 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 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 +3 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
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- 1,729 4. Mike Mosley, 1977-80 1,206 5. Roddy Osborne, 1955-57 1,188
LEFTOVER LANES
- Jorvorskie Lane has scored at least one touchdown in 25 of 34 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 8.0 points per game.
- With 44 touchdowns on 426 career carries, Lane scores a TD every 9.7 carries.
- Lane is one of the few players in school history to score a touchdown via rush, reception and pass.
TOTAL QUARTERBACKS
Four of Texas A&M's five top season total offense individual outputs have been produced by quarterbacks during the Dennis Franchione era, including Stephen McGee's 2,961-yard effort in 2006 and 2,613 output this year. .
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. Stephen McGee, 2007* 2,613 * Fran era quarterbacks
BAND OF BROTHERS
The Aggies' "Band of Brothers" offensive line has paved the way for the Big 12's No. 2 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 135 career games
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.
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 13 starts, Dodge is averaging 9.5 tackles per game and has led the team in tackles eight 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 * Kansas 2007 10 Oklahoma 2007 7 * Missouri DNP * - Led team in tackles.
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)
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 24-yard line despite the new NCAA rule that moved kickoffs back five yards. Szymanski averages 64.1 yards on his kickoffs and A&M's net kickoff average is 45.8, which leads the conference.
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 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 redshirting 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 15 defenders with more than 50 career tackles, including seven 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. 162 2. Mark Dodge LB Sr. 145 Chris Harrington DE Sr 145 4. Misi Tupe LB Sr. 138 5. Red Bryant DL Sr. 123 6. Danny Gorrer DB Jr. 112 7. .Alton Dixon DB Jr. 102 8. Michael Bennett DL Jr. 94 9. Cyril Obiozor DL Jr. 85 10. Jordan Pugh DB So. 81 11. Marquis Carpenter DB Sr. 80 12. Arkeith Brown DB Jr. 79 13. Matt Featherston LB So. 57 14. Henry Smith DL Sr. 51 Stephen Hodge DB Sr. 50
STARTING POINT
The Aggies have 34 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 25 with double-digit starts. Leading the way is four-year starter Kirk Elder, who has made 46-straight starts at offensive guard.
Active Career Starts Leaders Player Pos. Year Starts Kirk Elder OL 2004- 46 Red Bryant DL 2004-. 42 Chris Harrington DL 2004- 35 Corey Clark OL 2004- 35 Cody Wallace OL 2004- 35 Earvin Taylor WR 2004- 31 Devin Gregg DB 2005- 27 Danny Gorrer DB 2005- 26 Stephen McGee QB 2005- 25 Jorvorskie Lane RB 2005- 24 Martellus Bennett TE 2005- 24 Yemi Babalola OL 2004- 20 Chris Yoder OL 2004- 19 Misi Tupe LB 2004- 19 Travis Schneider OL 2005- 15 Mark Dodge LB 2006- 15 Marquis Carpenter DB 2005-. 15 Cyril Obiozor DL 2005- 14 Kerry Franks WR 2005- 13 Pierre Brown WR 2005- . 13 Jordan Peterson DB 2005- 13 Jordan Pugh DB 2006- 11 Alton Dixon DB 2005- 11 Henry Smith DL 2006- 10 Joey Thomas TE 2004- 10 Chris Alexander FB 2004- 6 Michael Bennett DE 2005- 6 Mike Goodson RB 2006- 6 Howard Morrow WR 2005- 4 Arkeith Brown DB 2005- 5 Matt Featherston LB 2006- 2 Amos Gbunblee TE/DE 2005- 1 Anthony Lewis LB 2006- 1 Johnathan Batson DB 2006- 1 Keondra Smith RB 2006- 1
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 31-28 record at Texas A&M.
With a career record of 186-101-2 as a head coach, Coach Fran is the seventh-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. 372 2. Joe Paterno, Penn St. 370 3. Jim Tressel, Ohio State 207 Frank Beamer, Va. Tech 207 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 191 6. Mack Brown, Texas 188 Dennis Franchione, A&M 186 8. Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 174 9. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 165 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, Colorad11 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
