GAME 5: Baylor (3-1) at Texas A&M (3-1)
Sep 24, 2007 | Football
September 24, 2007
Game notes for Saturday's nationally-televised Big 12 opener against Baylor at Kyle Field (PDF link to the right)...
GAME 5:
Baylor BEARS (3-1, 0-0 Big 12)
at
Texas A&M AGGIES (3-1, 0-0 Big 12)
GAME INFORMATION
| GAME INFO |
| Saturday, Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m. (CDT) Kyle Field (82,600), College Station |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 3-1, 0-0 Big 12 Baylor: 3-1, 0-0 Big 12 |
| RANKINGS |
| A&M is receiving votes in both polls. |
| TELEVISION |
| Ron Thulin, play-by-play Kelly Stouffer, commentary Lewis Johnson, sidelines |
| RADIO |
| WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary Tom Turbiville, sidelines (broadcast time 10:30 a.m. CDT) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (aggieathletics.com) Live Postgame Press Conference Video (Free): (Aggies All-Access) |
| SERIES |
| A&M leads, 64-30-9 Last Meeting: (10/28/06) |
| UP NEXT |
| A&M hosts Oklahoma State Saturday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Kyle Field TV: FSN (National) |
The Aggies lead the long series with the Bears, 64-30-9, dating back to the first meeting in 1899 ... The Aggies have more wins against Baylor than any other opponent ... Since the formation of the Big 12, the Aggies are 10-1 against the Bears ... Aggie head coach Dennis Franchione is 3-1 against Baylor ... The Aggies have not lost to Baylor at Kyle Field since a 20-16 decision in 1984 -- a span of 22 years and 10 games (A&M played at Baylor in 1995 and 1996) ... The lone blemish for the Aggies at Kyle Field since the 1984 loss was a 20-20 tie in 1990 ... Baylor is Texas A&M's closest geographic rival with just 90 miles separating the two campuses.
IN THE RANKINGS
The Aggies dropped out of both national top 25 polls after falling to the Miami Hurricanes last Thursday at the Orange Bowl. The Aggies were ranked No. 16 prior to the Miami game, which matched the highest ranking of the Dennis Franchione era. The Aggies are still receiving votes in both the USA Today/ESPN head coaches poll and the Associated Press media poll. Baylor is unranked.
LEGENDS OF THE FALL
Serving as honorary captains at Saturday's game against Baylor will be the six living former Texas A&M head coaches. The group will also sign autographs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Aggie Fan Zone.
Nose for the Endzone Coach, Years Notable Jim Myers, 1958-61 Succeeded Paul "Bear" Bryant Gene Stallings, 1965-71 Current A&M Board of Regents Emory Bellard, 1972-78 Led Aggies to four bowl games Tom Wilson, 1978-81 Engineered last AP top 10 road win Jackie Sherrill, 1982-88 5-2 with five straight wins vs. Texas R.C. Slocum, 1989-2002 Wins leader led Aggies to four titles
IN THE "RED" ZONE
The Aggies are a perfect and Big 12-best 22-of-22 in scoring opportunites when reaching the opponent's 20-yard line. The Aggies have scored 16 red zone touchdowns, which is the second-most in the Big 12. A&M's 13 rushing red zone TDs lead the Big 12.
2007 Big 12 Red Zone Offense Leaders Rk Team Red Zone Pct. TDs R/P 1. Texas A&M 22-22 100.0 16 13/3 2. Nebraska 17-18 94.4 14 9/5 3. Kansas State 14-15 93.3 ?9 7/2 4. Texas Tech 22-24 91.7 21 8/13 Iowa State 11-12 91.7 ?8 5/3
TURNOVER MARGIN
Texas A&M is tied for the Big 12 lead with a +1/game turnover margin with Missouri and Kansas. The Aggies have gained 10 takeaways, while giving up a Big 12-low six turnovers.
2007 Big 12 Turnover Margin Leaders Rk Team Take Turn Margin Avg. 1. Texas A&M +10 -6 +4 +1.0 Missouri +11 -7 +4 +1.0 Kansas +10 -6 +4 +1.0 4. Oklahoma +10 -7 +3 +0.8 5. Texas +10 -8 +2 +0.5
TIME OF POSSESSION
Last season's NCAA leader in time of possession, Texas A&M is currently ranked No. 8 in the Big 12 with an average time of possession of 28:58 after four games. Last season, the Aggies operated at a time of possession deficit through the first three games before developing into the nation's top clock-munching offense.
RUNAWAY TRAIN
Lane moved into a tie for No. 3 on A&M's all-time career rushing touchdowns list with the Aggies' original big back George "Big Woo" Woodard, whose highest recorded weight was 255 pounds (although his weight did not change from 1977-79).
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 Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-Present 35 4. Curtis Dickey, 1976-79 34 5. Greg Hill, 1991-93 33 7. Courtney Lewis, 2003-06 30 Joel Hunt, 1925-27 30 Bucky Richardson, 1987-91 30 10. Leeland McElroy, 1993-95 29
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; 35 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 10 TDs as freshman in '88 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
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 seven starts, Dodge is averaging 10.1 tackles per game. During the seven-game span, Dodge has led the team in tackles four times. In four games in 2007, Dodge is averaging a team-high 10.2 tackles, which is No. 3 in the Big 12.
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 * - Led team in tackles. 2007 Big 12 Tackle Leaders Rk Player, School Pos. Tackles 1. Jordon Dizon, ColoradoLB 13.8 2. Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma LB 10.5 3. Mark dodge, Texas A&M LB 10.2 4. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri LB 9.5 5. Joe Mortensen, Kansas LB 9.0
SAFE PASSAGE
Quarterback Stephen McGee had his career best streak of 150 pass attempts without an interception snapped on his 28th pass against Louisiana-Monroe. It was the second triple-digit INT-free streak for McGee, who also had 110 attempts from 2005-06 without a pickoff.
The school and Big 12 record is 213 by A&M's Reggie McNeal, who did it from the end of 2003 through the eighth game of 2004.
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 38 knockdown blocks after four games and is also the Aggies' far-and-away receptions leader with 17 catches for 215 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 Total 38 17/215
PASSING MILESTONES
McGee's 237 passing yards and 255 total offensive yards against Louisiana-Monroe pushed his career totals past the 3,000- and 4,000-yard levels, respectively. Early in his second season as a starter, McGee became the 12th quarterback in school history to surpass 3,000 passing yards (3,115) and the 11th player to reach 4,000 yards in total offense (4,318).
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 eight touchbacks on 23 kickoffs and is averaging 67.8 yards on his boots. The opponents' average starting spot is the 22-yard line.
Szymanski has also connected on 7-of-10 field goals and 17-of-17 extra points.
Going Deep Player, School No. Avg. TB Opp. Start Matt Szymanski, Texas A&M 23 67.8 8 22
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 20 of 25 rushing attempts on third and fourth down. Lane is a perfect 7-for-7, McGee is 9-for-12 and Goodson is 4-of-6.
McGee/Lane/Goodson Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 3rd down rush 14 6 17 21 4th down rush 2 1 3 4 Total 16 7 20 25 $ - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown
KING 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.
NEW RULE, BETTER RESULTS
Senior Kerry Franks, the Big 12's top kick returner in 2006, has continued to enhance his reputation as the league's most dangerous return man. With most teams kicking away from him, Franks is still averaging 32.6 yards on five returns this season.
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. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 31- 761 5. Dant? Hall, 1996-99 32- 716 6. Larry Stegent, 1967-69 39- 714 7. Dave Elmendorf, 1968-70 35- 689 8. Kerry Franks, 2003- 25- 688 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- 26.5 4. Carl Roaches, 1972-75 25.3 5. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 24.5
1,000-YARD RUSHERS
The Aggies' Jorvorskie Lane (1,515), Stephen McGee (1,164) and Mike Goodson (1,094) have all surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier in career rushing yards.
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. Mike Mosley, 1977-80 1,206 4. Stephen McGee, 2004- 1,203 5. Roddy Osborne, 1955-57 1,188
TURNOVER ADVANTAGE
During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 21-3 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 Colorado2004 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
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).
- 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 nation's No. 8 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 111 career games. Add in three-year starter Yemi Babalola and the Aggies' offensive front combined for a whopping 130 starts.
THUNDER & LIGHTNING
Texas A&M was one of seven schools with a pair of running backs ranked among the NCAA's top 100 rushers in 2006. Four of those running back duos, including the Aggies' Thunder & Lightning duo of Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson, return to action in 2007.
NCAA's Top Returning RB duos Player School '06 Yards / RK TD Mike Goodson Texas A&M 847 / #69 4 Jorvorskie Lane Texas A&M 725 / #95 19 Darren McFadden Arkansas 1,647 / #10 14 Felix Jones Arkansas 1,168 / #34 6 James Davis Clemson 1,187 / #28 17 C.J. Spiller Clemson 938 / #52 10 Lance Ball Maryland 815 / #79 8 Keon Lattimore Maryland 743 / #93 3
DISRUPTIVE DE
Senior defensive end Chris Harrington continues to be the Aggies' most disruptive player on the d-line.
Harrington, a member of a variety of watch lists for national awards, is the team leader 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.
BRANTLY'S QUEST
Punter Justin Brantly, averaging 42.7 yards per boot on nine 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- 43.7 3. Todd Tschantz, 1984-86 42.4 4. Phil Scoggin, 1964-65 41.9 5. David Davis, 1991-92 41.8
ACTIVE TACKLERS
The Aggies have 11 defenders with more than 50 career tackles, including Chris Harrington, Devin Gregg and Danny Gorrer, who have surpassed the century mark in career tackles.
A&M Active Career Tackles Leaders RK Player Pos. Yr Tackles 1. Chris Harrington DE Sr 118 2. Devin Gregg DB Jr. 117 3. Danny Gorrer DB Jr. 100 4. Red Bryant DL Sr. 97 5. Mark Dodge LB Sr. 92 6. Misi Tupe LB Sr. 89 7. Michael Bennett DL Jr. 70 Cyril Obiozor DL Jr. 70 9. Marquis Carpenter DB Sr. 62 10. Alton Dixon DB Jr. 61 11. Arkeith Brown DB Jr. 52
STARTING POINT
The Aggies have 33 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 15 with double-digit starts. Leading the way is four-year starter Kirk Elder, who has made 38-straight starts at offensive guard.
Active Career Starts Leaders Player Pos. Year Starts Kirk Elder OL 2004- 39 Red Bryant DL 2004-. 35 Chris Harrington DL 2004- 28 Corey Clark OL 2004- 28 Cody Wallace OL 2004- 28 Earvin Taylor WR 2004- 24 Danny Gorrer DB 2005- 22 Martellus Bennett TE 2005- 21 Devin Gregg DB 2005- 20 Yemi Babalola OL 2004- 19 Stephen McGee QB 2005- 18 Jorvorskie Lane RB 2005- 17 Chris Yoder OL 2004- 16 Jordan Peterson DB 2005- 13 Misi Tupe LB 2004- 12 Travis Schneider OL 2005- 9 Mark Dodge LB 2006- 9 Pierre Brown WR 2005- . 8 Marquis Carpenter DB 2005-. 8 Cyril Obiozor DL 2005- 7 Joey Thomas TE 2004- 7 Chris Alexander FB 2004- 6 Michael Bennett DE 2005- 6 Kerry Franks WR 2005- 6 Howard Morrow WR 2005- 4 Alton Dixon DB 2005- 4 Henry Smith DL 2006- 4 Jordan Pugh DB 2006- 4 Mike Goodson RB 2006- 4 Arkeith Brown DB 2005- 2 Amos Gbunblee TE/DE 2005- 1 Matt Featherston LB 2006- 1 Johnathan Batson DB 2006- 1
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
# Name Pronunciation 88 BEYER, Cody BUYER 30 Bryson, Chevar shuh-VAR 71 Babalola, Yemi babb-uh-LO-lah, YEM-ee 10 Billy CHAVIS CHAY-vis 87 CAFLISCH, Chris CAFF-lish 13 MARQUIS Carpenter mar-KEYS (or "K") 22 LATRAEL Cooper lah-TRELL 65 Evan EIKE IKE 86 Gbunblee, Amos GUN-blee (the b is silent) 52 GIBAS, Corey GEE (as in knee)-bus 4 Gorrer, Danny GORE 1 JERROD Johnson jah-ROD 44 LAMANTIA, Nick (12th Man) Lah-mon-TEE-ah 49 Obiozor, Cyril OH-bah-zore, CY-rill 6 SZYMANSKI, Matt zah-MAN-ski 99 David TUFUGA tah-FOO-ah 37 TUPE, MISI too-pay, mee-see 51 Yoder, Chris YOH-dur Dennis Franchione fran-CHO-nee Les Koenning cane-ing Stan Eggen EGG-in
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL '07
Every spring after spring drills, the Aggies vote on the Leadership Council, which head coach Dennis Franchione brought to Texas A&M in 2003. The Leadership Council, which Franchione first established as head coach at New Mexico, consists of players who serve in an advisory role.
"These players are selected by their teammates and they are an input group, not a policy-making group," Coach Fran said. "Input from our players is very important in determining the way we operate."
Leadership Council Player, Class, Pos., Hometown Chris Alexander, Sr., RB, Humble, Texas Red Bryant, Sr., DL, Jasper, Texas Mark Dodge, Sr., LB, Yerington, Nevada Kirk Elder, Sr., OL, Klein, Texas Kerry Franks, Sr., WR, Orange, Texas Devin Gregg, Jr., DB, Spring, Texas Chris Harrington, Sr., DL, Houston, Texas Nick LaMantia, Jr., 12th Man, Mission, Texas Stephen McGee, Jr., QB, Burnet, Texas Jordan Peterson, So., DB, Lexington, Texas Earvin Taylor, Sr., WR, Mission, Texas Joey Thomas, Sr., TE, Austin, Texas Misi Tupe, Sr., LB, St. George, Utah Cody Wallace, Sr., OL, Cuero, Texas
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 28-24 record at Texas A&M.
With a career record of 183-97-2 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. 368 2. Joe Paterno, Penn St. 366 3. Frank Beamer, Va. Tech 201 Jim Tressel, Ohio State 201 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 186 6. Dennis Franchione, A&M 183 Mack Brown, Texas 183 8. Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 171 9. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 162 10. Mike Price, UTEP 152
