Oct. 15, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M (3-2, 0-1) hits the road for a Big 12 battle with Kansas State (3-3, 1-1) this weekend at Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan ... kickoff is set for 6:10 p.m. (CDT) and the game will be televised nationally by FOX College Sports, with Dan McLaughlin, Yogi Roth and Samantha Steele on the call ... fans can tune in on DirecTV Channel 617 (check with local cable provider for availability) ... the game begins a stretch that will see A&M play four of its next five contests away from Kyle Field ... the Aggies have lost two straight and are coming off a tough 36-31 loss at home to No. 15 Oklahoma State last Saturday ... K-State is 1-1 in Big 12 play, defeating Iowa State 24-23 two weeks ago in Kansas City before falling 66-14 this past Saturday to Texas Tech in Lubbock ... the 12th Man will be senior Derek Dumas (Crawford, Texas).
TEXAS A&M AGGIES (3-2, 0-1)
at
KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (3-3, 1-1)
TELEVISION: FOX College Sports
Dan McLaughlin, play-by-play
Yogi Roth, commentary
Samantha Steele, sidelines
RADIO: Texas A&M Sports Network
Dave South, play-by-play
Dave Elmendorf, commentary
SATELLITE RADIO: Sirius Channel 126
LIVE AUDIO: aggieathletics.com • radioaggieland.com
LIVE STATS: kstatesports.com
RANKINGS: neither team is ranked
SERIES HISTORY: A&M leads, 8-5
A&M STREAKS: Lost 1 / Last 5 (4-1) / Last 10 (7-3)
LAST MEETING: KSU 44, A&M 30 (Oct. 11, 2008 in College Station)
FOLLOWING THE ACTION
• RADIO - The 50-station Texas A&M Sports Network will broadcast the game live from Snyder Family Stadium ... Dave South (play-by-play) and Dave Elmendorf (commentary) will call the action ... pregame show begins at 5:10 p.m. ... Sirius Satellite Radio will air the Aggie broadcast on Channel 126 ... fans attending the game can tune in on the low end of the FM dial.
• INTERNET - kstatesports.com will provide live play-by-play and statistics ... fans can listen to the broadcast free of charge on aggieathletics.com.
• MOBILE PHONE - listen to the game on your iPhone, Blackberry or PDA free of charge ... log on to radioaggieland.com for more information.
MORE ON FOX COLLEGE SPORTS
FOX College Sports is carried on digital cable outlets around the country ... please check with your local provider regarding availability ... Saturday's game will air on DirecTV Channel 617 and will NOT be available on Dish Network ... the broadcast will replay in its entirety on FS Southwest and FS Houston on Tuesday (Oct. 20) at 7 p.m. ... the Big 12 "No Huddle" condensed version of the broadcast, which is one hour long, will air on Monday (Oct. 19) at noon and Wednesday (Oct. 21) at 11:30 a.m.
A&M/K-STATE SERIES NOTABLES
Texas A&M leads the all-time series, which dates back to 1912, 8-5 ... since dropping the first two games in Big 12 play to KSU, the Aggies have won five of the last six contests between the two teams, including the 1998 Big 12 Championship game ... K-State defeated the Aggies last season, 44-30, at Kyle Field to snap a five-game win streak for A&M in the series ... Texas A&M has won a close game in each of its last two visits to Manhattan, 30-28 in 2005 and 31-24 in 2001 ... the Aggies have lost their last two games against teams from the state of Kansas at Kyle Field, but road trips to Kansas are a different story ... A&M has won five straight games on the road against Kansas State and Kansas dating back to 36-17 loss at K-State in 1997 ... Mike Sherman is 0-1 against the Wildcats, while Bill Snyder is 1-5 against A&M.
UP NEXT
Texas A&M continues its road swing with a game at Jones Stadium in Lubbock against south division rival Texas Tech ... Kansas State will host Colorado next Saturday at Snyder Family Stadium.
INJURY UPDATE
Coryell Judie - shoulder surgery (out for season) ... Jeff Fuller - broken right fibula (out indefinitely).
TURNING OVER THE ROSTER
If there are times that the 2009 Aggies look like a totally different team than last year's 4-8 edition, it's because they virtually are. Second-year head coach Mike Sherman has played a total of 73 players in 2009, including 35 or 48 percent that have made their maroon and white playing debuts this season. Ten of the 35 newbies have made at least one start. Leading the way is Sherman's stellar 2009 signing class, which has seen 18 of its members earn playing time.
Here's a closer look at where all the new blood came from:
2009 SIGNING CLASS (18)
Colton Valencia, DB
SQUADSMEN (9)
Don Bishop, TE Nick Trice, WR
Craig Raschke, OL
REDSHIRT FRESHMEN (5)
Adren Dorsey, DL Brian Thomas, OL
Jeffrey Hyde, OL
TRANSFERS (3)
#Matt Allen, OG Cole Graybill, FB
# at least one start in 2009 * JUCO transfer (injured/out for year)
BIG PLAYS ON THE RISE FOR AGGIES
One of the reasons for the Aggies' big offensive improvement in 2009 is their ability to gain yardage in big chunks. The A&M offense has produced 26 "explosives" or 20-yard plus plays (not including kick or punt returns), which nearly doubles last year's total of 15 after five games.
"EXPLOSIVE" CHANGE OF SEASON
2009: 26 20-yard plus offensive plays (5.2/game) 2008*: 15 20-yard plus offensive plays (3.0/game)
Jamie McCoy 3
Jamie McCoy 3 Mike Goodson 2
Jerrod Johnson 1
Jerrod Johnson 1
JOHNSON SETS BIG 12 RECORD, NEEDS THREE ATTEMPTS FOR ANOTHER
Junior Jerrod Johnson (Humble, Texas) has thrown a Big 12-record 228 pass attempts without an interception dating back to last year's Baylor game, and now is within three pass attempts of breaking Kansas' Todd Reesing's single season record of 213 consecutive attempts without a pickoff. Going into the KSU game, Johnson has thrown 211 passes in the first five games without an interception. The old overall record of 213 was previously shared by Reesing and former A&M quarterback Reggie McNeal (2003-04).
Johnson is one of just three quarterbacks ranked in the top 120 of the NCAA's pass efficiency rankings without an interception in 2009. The others are Cody Endres of Connecticut (83 attempts) and Tom Savage of Rutgers (85 attempts).
BALL SECURITY IS JOB SECURITY
The Aggies have done a good job of taking care of the football with just four turnovers (all fumbles) in five games in 2009, which is tied for second fewest in the nation (with six other teams). Texas A&M is the only team in the nation that hasn't thrown an interception (215 attempts).
NUMBER-CRUNCHING THE UNDERCLASSMAN IMPACT
Freshmen and sophomores are having an enormous impact for the Aggies in 2009. Underclassmen have accounted for 739 of A&M's 954 net rushing yards or 77.5 percent. Despite two of the Aggies' top three receivers being seniors, underclassmen have accounted for 1,148 of 1,609 receiving yards or 71.3 percent. Nearly 80 percent of the Aggies' 185 points were scored by freshmen or sophomores (77.3 percent). Defensively, 234 of 364 total tackles came from underclassmen (64.3).
EARLY RISERS
Category Fr./So. Total Pct.
Rushing 739 954 77.5
Receiving 1,148 1,609 71.3
Scoring 143 185 77.3
Tackles 234 364 64.3
LEFTOVERS
• The Aggies have cumulatively outscored their opponents in every quarter in 2009. Last year, the Aggies were outscored by at least 22 points in every quarter.
• The Aggies have lost their last two games against teams from the state of Kansas at Kyle Field, but road trips to Kansas are a different story. The Aggies have won five straight games on the road against Kansas State and Kansas dating back to 36-17 loss to KSU in 1997.
• Since dropping the first two games in Big 12 play to KSU, the Aggies have won five of the last six contests between the two games, including the 1998 Big 12 Championship game.
• The Aggies were held without a quarterback sack for the first time this season against Oklahoma State.
• The Aggies lost their second straight Big 12 opener, and now stand at 7-7 all-time in Big 12 openers.
• A&M doesn't have a single player on its roster that hails from the state of Kansas, although injured cornerback Coryell Judie played his junior college ball at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas.
NO HUDDLE = MORE PLAYS
Texas A&M's move to a no-huddle offense has the team riding high in the total offense ranking (No. 4 nationally this week), and it also leads to the Aggies running significantly more plays than ever before. The Aggies ran 433 plays in the first five games or 86.6 plays per game, which leads the NCAA FBS. Only three FBS teams are averaging more than 80 plays per game: A&M, Houston (85.4) and Bowling Green (80.5).
The school record for plays per game of 81.4 belongs to the Kevin Murray-led 1986 team that won the Southwest Conference Championships and played Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
2009 NCAA LEADERS - PLAYS PER GAME
Team Plays Record
1. Texas A&M 86.6 3-2
2. Houston 85.4 4-1
3. Bowling Green 80.5 2-4
4. Kansas 78.6 5-0
Middle Tennessee St. 78.6 3-2
Texas 78.6 5-0
TEXAS A&M - PLAYS PER GAME
Year Plays Record
1. 2009 86.6 3-2
2. 1986 81.4 9-3
3. 1985 77.9 10-2
1978 77.9 8-4
5. 1991 76.4 10-2
AGGIE "O" FALLS OUT OF TOP SPOT, STILL AMONG OFFENSIVE ELITE
After scoring 31 points and gaining 382 yards against Oklahoma State, Texas A&M fell to No. 4 in the NCAA total offense rankings with an average of 512.6 yards per game, and still rank among the nation's elite in all four major statistical categories.
2009 OFFENSE (AFTER FIVE GAMES) 2008 OFFENSE (FINAL)
Category NCAA Big 12 Avg. Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Total Offense 4 3 512.6 Total Offense 78 12 340.9
Rushing Offense 28 3 190.8 Rushing Offense 114 8 88.5
Passing Offense 9 3 321.8 Passing Offense 27 11 252.4
Scoring Offense 12 5 37.0 Scoring Offense 64 11 25.0
OFFENSE ON SCHOOL RECORD PACE
The Aggies are off to their fastest offensive start in school history, and are on pace to easily break the school total offense record.
A&M TOTAL OFFENSE/GAME RECORD
Year Yds/Gm
1. 2009 512.6
2. 1990 471.1
3. 2005 442.3
4. 1986 440.2
5. 1991 436.7
PENALTIES REMAIN A CONCERN FOR AGGIES
Although their penchant for penalties has toned down the past three games, the Aggies remain among the nation's most penalized team in terms of penalties and yards. In the first two games of the season the Aggies drew 30 penalties for a whopping 270 yards, but have been penalized only 15 times for 142 yards in the past three.
The bottom four in the NCAA's fewest penalty yards per game category all hail from the Big 12 Conference - No. 117 Texas A&M (82.4/G), No. 118 Colorado (83.0/G), No. 119 Oklahoma State (84.0/G) and Texas Tech (90.3/G), and nine Big 12 teams rank in the bottom 30 nationally in the category.
PER-GAME PENALTIES
1 New Mexico 14-123
2 Utah State 16-147
3 UAB 3-25
4 Arkansas 8-87
5 Oklahoma State 4-30
AVERAGE 9.0/82.4
TANNEHILL MAKES THE "MONEY" CATCHES
Texas A&M quarterback/receiver Ryan Tannehill (Big Spring, Texas) has always shows a penchant for moving the chains. Last year, Tannehill produced 35 first downs on his team-best 55 catches. In 2009, the Aggies' No. 2 QB and No. 1 receiver has produced a "money" catch (produced either a first down or touchdown) on 16 of his team-best 20 catches. He's made 13 catches on third down plays, and produced 11 money plays with two scores.
"MONEY" CATCH LEADERS
Player 1st Dn TD $$ Catches
Jamie McCoy 11 1 11 19
Howard Morrow 8 1 9 19
Jeff Fuller 7 1 8 12
3RD DOWN "MONEY" LEADERS
Player 1st Dn TD $$ Catches
Ryan Tannehill 11 2 11 13
Jeff Fuller 4 0 4 4
Brandal Jackson 3 1 3 3
Uzoma Nwachukwu 3 1 3 5
six players with 1
UNDERCLASS FLASH
The Aggies have produced 46 plays of 20 yards or more, including an eye-catching 40 coming from freshmen or sophomores. Nine of the Aggies' top 10 longest plays of the season have been produced by underclassmen.
SCHOOL OF FISH
The Aggies have set a new school record by using an eye-catching 17 true freshmen in their first five games of 2009. Since freshmen became eligible in 1972, Texas A&M's high water mark had been 16 in an entire year, when head coach Tom Wilson's 1980 Aggie squad lettered that many from a signing class of 26 players in a 4-7 campaign. Among the standouts in 1980 signing class were future NFL Draft picks Jeff Fuller Sr., Keith Guthrie, Mark Lewis, Ken Reeves, Tommy Robison and Thomas Sanders.
Since 1972, the Aggies have awarded varsity letters to 10 or more true freshman in a season only a handful of times: 16 in 1980, 11 in 1973 and 10 in 1972 and 2008. Interestingly, only once since the advent of freshman eligibility have the Aggies not played a single true freshman (1989).
EARLY RISERS
Offense (7)
Stephen Barrera* OL Clear Lake, Texas (Clear Lake) started last three games at OT
Brandal Jackson* WR Navasota, Texas (Navasota) had 60-yard TD catch vs Arkansas
Patrick Lewis* OL LaPlace, La. (East St. John) started at OG vs OSU
Kenric McNeal WR Spring, Texas (Spring) 44-yard TD catch was long play of game vs. UNM
Christine Michael RB Beaumont, Texas (West Brook) best true frosh rushing debut (93 yds.) since Bucky in '87
Ryan Swope KOR Austin, Texas (Westlake) scored first career TD on 6-yd catch vs UAB
Uzoma Nwachukwu* WR Allen, Texas (Allen) career highs with 8 rec, 141 yds vs OSU, team leader in rec. TDs
Defense (10)
Colton Valencia DB Missouri City, Texas (Hightower) 2 tackles
* started in 2009
JOHNSON HAS BEEN A DIFFERENCE-MAKER IN 2009
In his second season as a starter, quarterback Jerrod Johnson (Humble, Texas) has developed into a difference-maker in 2009. Johnson averages over 300 passing yards (315.8) and over 350 yards of total offense (356.2) per game. Johnson ranks No. 2 nationally in points responsible for with an average of 21.6 points per game (14 passing TDs, 4 rushing TDs). He leads the nation in interception percentage (zero pickoffs in 211 attempts) and ranks No. 4 in passing touchdowns.
JOHNSON IN NCAA, BIG 12 RANKINGS
Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Total Offense 3 1 356.2
Passing Yards t5 t2 315.8
Points Responsibility 2 1 21.6
Interception Pct. t1 1 0.00
Passing TDs t4 1 14 total
BROWN MAKES MARK ON SPECIAL TEAMS
Junior Kenny Brown (Oklahoma City, Okla.) continues to make his mark with stellar special teams contributions. Brown, who was the team's special teams MVP last year, leads the Aggies with nine tackles on kickoff and punt coverage in 2009. In 2008, Brown produced 10 special teams tackles and blocked a pair of kicks.
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
The early portion of the Aggies' schedule has showcased head coach Mike Sherman's ability to shift players to different positions to maximize their talents:
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Jamie McCoy WR to TE second on team with 19 catches, 11 produced first downs
Kyle Mangan FB to LB tied for 3rd on team with 24 stops, leads with 5 PBUs
Garrick Williams DB to LB second on team with 28 stops
MILLER LEADS THE NATION
His move to 'jack' clearly a success, junior Von Miller (DeSoto, Texas) has an eye-catching nine quarterback sacks after five games and leads the nation with a 1.8 per game average.
The Aggie coaching staff created the 'jack' to utilize Miller's explosive first step and wide repertoire of pass rushing moves. As a outside linebacker last season, Miller led the team with 3.5 sacks, as the Aggies could muster only 16 QB sacks in 12 games of action.
NCAA QB SACKS LEADERS
Player, School Sacks/Gm
1. Von Miller, Texas A&M 1.80
2. Lindsey Witten, UConn 1.60
3. Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma 1.30
Jonathan Freeny, Rutgers 1.30
5. Nick Perry, USC 1.20
MILLER CHALLENGES SACK RECORDS
At a school known for its pass-rushing prowess, Von Miller (DeSoto, Texas) is on pace to knock off Texas A&M's 29-year old record for quarterback sacks. At his current pace, Miller would log 22 sacks, which would break the current record of 20 set by Jacob Green in 1979. It would also challenge the NCAA record of 24 set by Arizona State's Terrell Suggs in 2002 (23 solo, 2 assists in 14 games).
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK
Although the Aggies were held without a sack for the first time this season against Oklahoma State, the Aggies already have 16 quarterback sacks and rank in a tie for No. 8 in the NCAA FBS in sacks just a season after posting only 16 sacks for the entire 2008 season and ranking No. 100 in the NCAA statistics. Led by hybrid linebacker/end Von Miller (DeSoto, Texas), the Aggies have sacked the opposing quarterback 16 times in five games or 3.2 per game. Miller has contributed nine sacks, and defensive mates LB Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL Eddie Brown, "jack" Matt Featherston and DE Matt Moss have combined for seven more.
DIFFERENT SEASON, DIFFERENT RESULTS
2009 NCAA Big 12 Avg. 2008 NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Quarterback Sacks t-8 t-2 3.2 Quarterback Sacks 100 11 1.3
Tackles for Loss t-23 t-4 7.0 Tackles for Loss 97 11 4.8
MCCOY IS BIG 12'S BEST TE...AND H-BACK?
Already among the nation's top pass-catching tight ends, senior Jamie McCoy (Midland, Texas) added H-back to his resume with four rushes for 24 yards, including a first-down producer, against Oklahoma State. McCoy's carries were his first since his freshman year when he was a dual-threat quarterback for the Aggies in 2006. McCoy ranks second on the Aggie squad with 19 catches for 224 yards, and has made at least one catch in 17 straight games since moving to tight end.
WATCH OUT FOR NWACHUKWU
True freshman Uzoma "EZ" Nwachukwu (Allen, Texas) had a record-setting game with four touchdowns against Utah State. EZ took his only four touches of the game to paydirt, three by air and another by ground. EZ's four touchdowns broke the old freshman record of three set by Leeland McElroy vs. Missouri in 2003, and was the most by an Aggie since Jorvorskie Lane had four against Nebraska in 2007. His three touchdown catches matched the overall school record for receiving touchdowns, which was previously shared by three players and last achieved by Chris Cole vs. North Texas in 1998. EZ joins "Lectric" Leeland McElroy as the only players in school history to score four or more touchdowns in different ways (McElroy had two rushing and two receiving touchdown vs. Tulsa in 1995).
IT'S PRONOUNCED "CHRIS-TIN"
True freshman running back Christine Michael (Beaumont, Texas) made his much anticipated collegiate debut against New Mexico, and he didn't disappoint as he wowed the Kyle Field faithful with his impressive blend of power and acceleration. He finished his first night in the maroon and white with a game-high 93 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries (8.5 yards per carry), which was the most rushing yards by a true freshman in his debut game since quarterback Bucky Richardson rushed for 102 yards on five carries against the Brett Favre-led Southern Miss Golden Eagles in 1987 Unlike Richardson, who benefitted from an 82-yard touchdown run, Michael got his yards with a series of impressive runs. Michael posted four double-digit runs, including 20- and 24-yarders, and had no negative yardage on the night.
TOP FRESHMAN RUSHING DEBUTS
Rk. Player Yards Date
1. *Greg Hill +212 LSU, 9/14/91
2. #George Woodard 106 at LSU, 9/20/75
3. #Bucky Richardson 102 vs. Southern Miss, 9/26/87
4. #Christine Michael 93 New Mexico, 9/5/09
5. #Rodney Thomas 81 LSU, 9/14/91
* redshirt freshman# true freshman
+ NCAA record for freshman debut game
He continued his fast start with another strong game against Utah State. Michael piled up 238 all-purpose yards on 23 touches (10.3 yards per touch) against the Aggies.
ABOUT THE NAME
Michael's first name is spelled "Christine," but it's pronounced "Chris-tin." Michael reports that his unusual first name was given to him by his mother, who really wanted her first child to be a girl and already had the name chosen. "My mom wanted her first child to be a girl, and she had my name picked out from Day 1. She thought it was unique for a boy. Now, whatever anyone wants to call me, I just go along with it." [Source: San Antonio Express-News, Sept. 8, 2009]
PRO DADS
The 2009 Texas A&M football roster is dotted several players whose father were accomplished professionals in the NFL or NBA.
Senior offensive center Kevin Matthews' father, Bruce, was a perennial All-Pro offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Sophomore wide receiver Jeff Fuller's father, Jeff Sr., was a standout defensive back for the Aggies from 1980-83 and then the San Francisco 49ers from 1984-88.
True freshman defensive lineman Spencer Nealy's dad, Ed, was an All-Big Eight forward at Kansas State and played 10 seasons in the NBA, including with the 1992-93 Chicago Bulls that won the NBA title.
True freshman defensive lineman Wells Childress' father, Ray, still ranks in the top five in tackles and QB sacks in A&M history and went on to a long career with the Houston Oilers in NFL.
TAKING IT FOR THE TEAM
"Team" and "teamwork" are two of the main tenets of Matt Featherston (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) and junior Lucas Patterson (Kingsville, Texas) are perfect examples of this philosophy. Both upperclassmen changed positions during the offseason because it was the best move for the team, and they did so without complaint.
Featherston was the team leader in tackler at linebacker last season, but moved to the new hybrid DE/LB "Jack" position where he will backup junior Von Miller. Patterson moved from starting defensive tackle to offensive line without the benefit of spring practice (due to a broken leg suffered last season), but moved back to defense midway through fall camp because of depth issues on the D-line. Patterson summed it up simply, "I'm needed more over there, and ultimately this is to help the team." [Source: San Antonio Express-News, Aug. 28, 2009]
"BULL" MARKET
A question mark a year ago, the placekicker position appears to be a strength for the Aggies in 2009 with the return of sophomore Randy Bullock (Klein, Texas). In last year's season-opener, the Aggies missed a pair of field goals from less than 40 yards in a 18-14 loss. Bullock pulled off his redshirt in the sixth game of 2008 and responded with 6-of-7 field goals and made 20 straight extra points after missing the first one of his career. Bullock also showed a strong leg by booting a 46-yard field goal against Texas Tech, which was the longest by an A&M kicker since 2004.
Through five games in '09, Bullock has converted six of eight field goal attempts, with one of the misses being a fourth-quarter block by Utah State. His 50-yard boot against Oklahoma State was a career best and was the longest by an Aggie since 2000. In addition, Bullock has converted all 21 extra points in '09 and has made 41 in a row entering Saturday's game.
TURNOVERS TELL STORY
Since 2005, the Aggies have compiled a 21-5 record in games with a plus turnover margin. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-20. (see chart on page 3)
EXCELLING IN THE CLASSROOM
Seven Aggies have already earned their bachelor's degree from Texas A&M, which ranks among the most in the nation. The Aggies with diplomas already in hand are: Derek Dumas, Jamie McCoy, Ryan O'Bryant, Jordan Pugh, Matt Rankin and DeMaurier Thompson.
MOST GRADUATES, 2009 ROSTERS
Alabama 12
Boston College 10
Virginia Tech 10
Miami (Fla.) 9
Penn State 9
Auburn 8
East Carolina 8
Notre Dame 8
Texas Tech 8
UNLV 8
Texas A&M 7
Central Florida 7
IMPRESSIVE ASSISTANTS
• Nolan Cromwell from the Seattle Seahawks, Nolan Cromwell was a four-time Pro Bowl safety and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1980. Nolan Cromwell with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, Kirk Doll at Texas A&M.
• As head coach at SMU from 1991-96, Kirk Doll was the Aggies' linebackers coach from 1988-93 under Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum. Buddy Wyatt coached the defensive line at A&M from 2000-02 under Slocum and Van Malone is in his fourth season coaching the Aggies' safeties.
NFL EXPERIENCE
The Aggie coaching staff has deep ties to the National Football League. Of the 10 coaches on the A&M staff, seven have experience in the NFL either as coach or as a player, or both. Leading the way is offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell, who coached 17 years in the NFL with three teams and played 11 seasons. Other double-digit NFLers are head coach Mike Sherman (11 years with three teams, including six as head coach of the Green Bay Packers) and quarterback coach Tom Rossley (11 years with four teams).
AGGIE COACHES WITH NFL EXPERIENCE
Nolan Cromwell 17 years as coach, 11 as a player
Kirk Doll 3 years as coach
Van Malone 4 years as a player
SALUTING #24
Texas A&M teammates Von Miller, both former DeSoto (Texas) High School Eagles, changed their jersey numbers to #24 for the Oct. 3 game with Arkansas. Gray and Miller's jersey shift was meant to honor current DeSoto HS football player Corey Borner, who was paralyzed May 6, 2009 in an accident during spring football drills. Borner is a junior in 2009 and wore No. 24 in the spring. Gray (was #32, moved to #24 on offense) and Miller (was #40, moved to #24 on defense) are two of four prominent DHS products on the Aggie roster, along with Tony Jerod-Eddie and Garrick Williams.
WEARING WHITE
The Aggies wore white helmets on Oct. 3 against Arkansas for the first time since the 1978 Hall of Fame Bowl win over Iowa State at Birmingham's Legion Field.
Mike Sherman RADIO SHOW
The weekly Mike Sherman Radio Show will air on Mondays at 7 p.m. live from Wings N More at the University Drive location in College Station. The show is broadcast locally on WTAW (1620 AM) and fans are invited to join Coach Sherman and host Dave South at the restaurant to ask questions and to get Coach Sherman's thoughts on the season.
If you are unable to attend in person, fans can submit questions via email to coach@athletics.tamu.edu as well as a link on the front page of the football section of AggieAthletics.com. The show will air weekly, with the final show airing on Tuesday, Nov. 17 due to a men's basketball game on Monday, Nov. 16.
AGGIES IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
A look at Texas A&M in the national statistical rankings, through week five:
TEAM RANKINGS
CATEGORY ACTUAL NATL RK BIG 12 RK NATL LEADER
Total Offense 512.6 4th 3rd Houston (569.2)
Sacks 3.2 T-8th 2nd USC (4.2)
Passing Offense 321.8 9th 3rd Houston (443.6)
Scoring Offense 37.0 12th 5th Texas (47.2)
Rushing Offense 190.8 28th 3rd Nevada (288.8)
PLAYER RANKINGS
CATEGORY ACTUAL NATL RK BIG 12 RK NATL LEADER
Sacks Jerrod Johnson 21.6 2nd 1st Keenum, Houston (24.0)
Tackles for Loss Jerrod Johnson 356.2 3rd 1st Keenum, Houston (438.8)
Completions/Game Jerrod Johnson 25.4 6th 4th Keenum, Houston (36.6)
Passing Yards Jerrod Johnson 1,579 t-9th t-2nd Keenum, Houston (2,130)
Punt Returns Dustin Harris 10.6 27th 5th Sanders, SMU (26.0)