GAME 7: Texas A&M (3-3) at Texas Tech (5-2)
Oct 20, 2009 | Football
Oct. 20, 2009
Complete PDF Release: Click Here
COLLEGE STATION, Texas--Texas A&M (3-3, 0-2) looks to snap a three-game losing skid when the Aggies face No. 21 Texas Tech (5-2, 2-1) on Saturday evening in Lubbock ... kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (CDT) at Jones AT&T Stadium, and the game will not be televised ... the Aggies are in a stretch that will see them play four of five contests away from Kyle Field ... A&M is coming off a 62-14 loss at Kansas State last Saturday ... after dropping two straight on the road to Texas and Houston, the Red Raiders have won their last three games and are coming off an impressive 31-10 win at No. 15 Nebraska.
GAME 7:
TEXAS A&M AGGIES (3-3, 0-2)
at
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (5-2, 2-1)
TELEVISION: none
RADIO: Texas A&M Sports Network (see page 7)
Dave South, play-by-play
Dave Elmendorf, commentary
SATELLITE RADIO: Sirius Channel 161
LIVE AUDIO: aggieathletics.com • radioaggieland.com
LIVE STATS: aggieathletics.com
RANKINGS: Texas Tech (No. 21 AP/No. 24 USAT)
SERIES HISTORY: A&M leads, 34-32-1
A&M STREAKS: Lost 4 / Last 5 (1-4) / Last 10 (2-8)
LAST MEETING: Tech 43, A&M 25 (Oct. 18, 2008 in College Station)
FOLLOWING THE ACTION
• RADIO - The 50-station Texas A&M Sports Network will broadcast the game live from Jones Stadium ... Dave South (play-by-play) and Dave Elmendorf (commentary) will call the action ... pregame show begins at 5 p.m. ... Sirius Satellite Radio will air the Aggie broadcast on Channel 161 ... fans attending the game can tune in on the low end of the FM dial.
• INTERNET - aggieathletics.com will offer 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.
A&M/TEXAS TECH SERIES NOTABLES
Saturday's game will mark the 68th all-time meeting between the two schools, the sixth most-played rivalry in Aggie football history ... A&M leads the series, 34-32-1 ... the Aggies have lost four in a row to Texas Tech, including a 43-25 setback last season in College Station ... A&M's last win in the series came in overtime in 2004, 32-25 ... the Aggies are 12-16 all-time in Lubbock and have lost seven straight, with their last victory at Jones Stadium coming in 1993 (31-6) ... Saturday will mark only the third time in history that A&M will face a ranked (AP) Texas Tech squad in Lubbock ... Mike Sherman is 0-1 as a head coach against the Red Raiders, while Mike Leach is 7-2 against A&M.
UP NEXT
Texas A&M returns to Kyle Field for a Halloween contest against Iowa State ... Texas Tech will host Kansas next Saturday at Jones Stadium.
INJURY UPDATE
Ricky Cavanaugh - knee (questionable).
BIG PLAY NWACHUKWU
Texas A&M true freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu (Allen) doesn't rank among the NCAA's top 100 in receptions, and doesn't even lead his team in catches per game. But the big play ability of the nation's No. 2 freshman in terms of receiving yards per game is undeniable. Nwachukwu (pronounced WATCH-uh-coo) ranks No. 3 among all receivers with 21.2 yards per catch average and his touchdown per catch ratio of 1/3.5 is No. 2 in the nation.
NCAA's TOP YARDS/CATCH
Player, School No Yds Avg
1. Demaryius Thomas, Ga Tech 27 671 24.9
2. Colin Larmond, Boston College 17 368 21.7
3. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 21 445 21.2
4. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh 28 549 19.6
Rashaun Greer, Colorado St. 23 451 19.6
NCAA's TOUCHDOWN/CATCH RATIO
Player, School No TDs Ratio
1. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma 25 8 1/3.1
2. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 21 6 1/3.5
3. Austin Pettis, Boise State 32 7 1/4.5
4. Greg Childs, Arkansas 25 5 1/5.0
Tramain Swindall, Texas Tech 25 5 1/5.0
NCAA's TOP FRESHMAN RECEIVERS (BY YARDS)
Player, School No Yds TDs
1. Eric Page, Toledo 51 767 6
2. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 21 445 6
3. Brandon Wimberly, Nevada 27 433 4
4. Charles Sims, Houston 31 416 1
5. Conner Vernon, Duke 26 357 2
MORROW MOVES UP THE CHART
After two games this season, Howard Morrow (Keller) had four catches for 25 yards and ranked No. 6 on the Aggies' receiving chart. Check in four games later and the senior has jumped to the top of A&M's receiving list with the most productive series of games of his career. In the last four games, Morrow has been the Aggies' most prolific receiver with 21 catches for 244 yards. He leads the Aggies in catches (25) and ranks third in receiving yards (269). A part-time starter in his previous three seasons, Morrow came into his senior year with 23 career catches for 323 yards.
MORROW'S GAME-BY-GAME
1 New Mexico 3-20
2 Utah State 1-5
3 UAB 5-71
4 Arkansas 6-51
5 Oklahoma State 4-47
6 Kansas State 6-75
TOTAL 25-269
NCAA SACK LEADER MILLER NAMED BUTKUS SEMIFINALIST
With just 5.5 sacks and 66 tackles in his first two seasons, Von Miller (DeSoto) was somewhat of an unknown commodity coming into the 2009 season. But after registering a NCAA-high 10.5 sacks in the first six games of the season, the accolades are beginning to roll in for the junior from DeSoto, Texas. Miller was added to the Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award "watch list" after two games and last week he was named one of 16 semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation's top linebacker.
JOHNSON SETS SCHOOL RECORD FOR 300-YARD PASSING GAMES
Junior Jerrod Johnson (Humble) hit the 300-yard mark in for the fourth time this season with 314 passing yards against Kansas State last week, which is a new school record. It also extended Johnson's school mark for career 300-yard passing games to six.
MULTIPLE 300-YARD PASSING GAMES
Player, Years 300+ Best Game
Jerrod Johnson, 2006- 6 419 vs. K-State, 2008
Dustin Long, 2001-03 3 399 vs. Kansas, 2002
Mark Farris, 1999-02 3 341 vs. Wyoming, 2001
Kevin Murray, 1983, 85-86 2 309 vs. Tulsa, 1985
Reggie McNeal, 2002-05 2 349 vs. SMU, 2005
Edd Hargett, 1966-68 2 376 vs. SMU, 1968
Stephen McGee, 2005-08 2 362 vs. Texas, 2007
Branndon Stewart, 1996-98 2 385 vs. Colorado, 1996
FRESHMAN HARRIS MAKES MARK IN RETURN GAME
True freshman punt returner Dustin Harris (Livingston) has given the Aggies a boost at a position they have struggled for most of this century. Harris, with a double-digit average of 10.6 per return and No. 27 NCAA ranking in punt return average, is on pace to become the first Aggie since Dawon Gentry in 2001 to rank in the top 30 in the NCAA statistical rankings.
Harris' modest 33-yard punt return against UAB was the longest by an Aggie since Jordan Chambless had a 55-yarder against Colorado in 2005.
A&M PRs IN NCAA RANKINGS (SINCE 2000)
Year Player Avg NCAA Rk
2009 Dustin Harris 10.6 #27
2008 no player with requisite returns/game
2007 Jordan Peterson 7.7 #63
2006 Chad Schroeder 7.4 #64
2005 no player with requisite returns/game
2004 Erik Mayes 6.1 #84
2003 no player with requisite returns/game
2002 no player with requisite returns/game
2001 Dawon Gentry 12.4 #19
2000 Chris Taylor 7.4 #79
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 75 players in 2009, including 35 (or 47 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)
Aaron Arterburn, LB Kenric McNeal, WR
#Stephen Barrera, OT Christine Michael, RB
#Steven Campbell, S Spencer Nealy, DE
Kirby Ennis, DT #Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR
#Dustin Harris, CB Sean Porter, LB
#Brandal Jackson, WR #Jonathan Stewart, LB
*Coryell Judie, CB Ryan Swope, WR/RB
Michael Lamothe, LB Steven Terrell, DB
#Patrick Lewis, OG Colton Valencia, DB
SQUADSMEN (9)
Don Bishop, TE Jay Tolliver, RB
Nick Trice, WR
Blane Cheatham, DB Taylor Randle, WR
#Michael Hodges, LB Caleb Russell, RB
Craig Raschke, OL
REDSHIRT FRESHMEN (5)
Tommy Dorman, QB #Kyle Mangan, LB
Adren Dorsey, DL Brian Thomas, OL
Jeffrey Hyde, OL
TRANSFERS (3)
#Matt Allen, OG Ken Wood, P
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 34 "explosives" or 20-yard plus plays (not including kick or punt returns), which is significantly higher than last year's total of 27 after six games.
"EXPLOSIVE" CHANGE OF SEASON
2009: 34 20-yard plus offensive plays (5.7/game) 2008*: 27 20-yard plus offensive plays (4.5/game)
Uzoma Nwachukwu 11 Ryan Tannehill 9
Ryan Tannehill 4 Jeff Fuller 6
Howard Morrow 4 Jamie McCoy 4
Mike Goodson 4
Jamie McCoy 3 Cyrus Gray 2
Jerrod Johnson 1
Howard Morrow 1
Bradley Stephens 1 * after six games
Kenric McNeal 1
Jeff Fuller 1
Jerrod Johnson 1Terrence McCoy 1
JOHNSON'S PICKOFF-FREE STREAK ENDS IN BIG 12 RECORD FASHION
Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson (Humble) threw his first interception of the season against Kansas State, but not before breaking the Big 12's single season record for consecutive pass attempts without a pickoff. Johnson threw 225 straight passes without a pickoff to open 2009 before KSU's Tysyn Hartman stepped in front of his pass attempt in the second quarter. He broke the old single season mark of 213 set by Kansas' Todd Reesing in 2007. He had increased his overall Big 12 record streak to 242 attempts, which dated back to last year's Baylor game.
NUMBER-CRUNCHING THE UNDERCLASSMAN IMPACT
Freshmen and sophomores are having an enormous impact for the Aggies in 2009. Underclassmen have accounted for 764 of A&M's 941 net rushing yards or 81.2 percent. Despite two of the Aggies' top four receivers being seniors, underclassmen have accounted for 1,337 of 1,923 receiving yards or 69.5 percent. Nearly 80 percent of the Aggies' 199 points were scored by freshmen or sophomores (78.9 percent). Defensively, 287 of 444 total tackles came from underclassmen (64.6).
EARLY RISERS
Category Fr./So. Total Pct.
Rushing 764 941 81.2
Receiving 1,337 1,923 69.5
Scoring 157 199 78.9
Tackles 287 444 64.6
UNDERCLASS FLASH
The Aggies have produced 57 plays of 20 yards or more, including an eye-catching 48 coming from freshmen or sophomores. Nine of the Aggies' top 10 longest plays of the season have been produced by underclassmen.
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. 5 nationally this week), and it also leads to the Aggies running significantly more plays than ever before. The Aggies ran 501 plays in the first six games or 83.5 plays per game, which ranks No. 2 in the NCAA FBS. Only two FBS teams are averaging more than 80 plays per game: A&M and Houston (84.3).
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
1. Houston 84.3
2. Texas A&M 83.5
3. Texas 78.8
4. Bowling Green 78.3
5. Kansas 78.1
TEXAS A&M - PLAYS PER GAME
Year Plays Record
1. 2009 83.5 3-3
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" STILL AMONG OFFENSIVE ELITE
Texas A&M stands at No. 5 in the NCAA total offense rankings with an average of 477.3 yards per game.
2009 OFFENSE (AFTER SIX GAMES) 2008 OFFENSE (FINAL)
Category NCAA Big 12 Avg. Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Total Offense 5 3 477.3 Total Offense 78 12 340.9
Rushing Offense 49 5 156.8 Rushing Offense 114 8 88.5
Passing Offense 6 3 320.5 Passing Offense 27 11 252.4
Scoring Offense 19 5 33.2 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 break the school total offense record.
A&M TOTAL OFFENSE/GAME RECORD
Year Yds/Gm
1. 2009 477.3
2. 1990 471.1
3. 2005 442.3
4. 1986 440.2
5. 1991 436.7
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK
The Aggies already have 18 quarterback sacks and rank in a tie for No. 11 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, the Aggies have sacked the opposing quarterback 18 times in six games or 3.0 per game. Miller has contributed 10.5 sacks, and defensive mates LB Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL Eddie Brown, "jack" Matt Featherston and DE Matt Moss have combined for 7.5 more.
DIFFERENT SEASON, DIFFERENT RESULTS
2009 NCAA Big 12 Avg. 2008 NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Quarterback Sacks t-11 4 3.0 Quarterback Sacks 100 11 1.3
Tackles for Loss t-23 t-4 6.7 Tackles for Loss 97 11 4.8
JOHNSON HAS BEEN A DIFFERENCE-MAKER IN 2009
In his second season as a starter, quarterback Jerrod Johnson 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 2 1 342.5
Passing Yards 4 2 315.5
Points Responsibility 2 1 20.0
Passing TDs t2 1 16 total
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
Von Miller LB to 'jack' leads FBS with 10.5 sacks
Jamie McCoy WR to TE 21 catches for 251 yards
Kyle Mangan FB to LB third on team with 30 stops, leads with 5 PBUs
Garrick Williams DB to LB second on team with 37 tackles
MILLER LEADS THE NATION
His move to 'jack' clearly a success, junior Von Miller (DeSoto) has an eye-catching 10.5 quarterback sacks after six 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 1.75
2. Lindsey Witten, UConn 1.58
3. Josh McNary, Army 1.36
4. three players with 1.33
MILLER CHALLENGES SACK RECORDS
At a school known for its pass-rushing prowess, Von Miller is on pace to best Texas A&M's 29-year old record for quarterback sacks. At his current pace, Miller would log 21 sacks, which would top the current record of 20 set by Jacob Green in 1979.
SCHOOL OF FISH
The Aggies have set a new school record by using an eye-catching 17 true freshmen in their first six 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 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, KSU
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) among NCAA leaders in yards/catch
Defense (10)
Aaron Arterburn LB Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall) saw first action vs OSU, 2 tackles
Steven Campbell* DB Houston, Texas (Jersey Village) 8 tackles in first start vs OSU
Kirby Ennis DL Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville) 2 tackles
Dustin Harris* DB Livingston, Texas (Livingston) starter at CB and PR, career high 8 tackles vs OSU
Michael Lamothe LB New Iberia, La. (New Iberia) saw first action vs USU, contributed tackle
Spencer Nealy DL San Antonio, Texas (Reagan) 9 tackles, including 1 TFL
Sean Porter LB Schertz, Texas (Clemens) 17 tackles, including 2.5 TFL
Jonathan Stewart* LB Shreveport, La. (Byrd) starter at OLB, 19 tackles, including 1 TFL
Steven Terrell DB Allen, Texas (Allen) 4 tackles
Colton Valencia DB Missouri City, Texas (Hightower) 3 tackles
* started in 2009
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 six 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 23 extra points in '09 and has made 43 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 7-21. (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: Jerrod Johnson (will complete all course work, has an internship to finish degree plan in spring), 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, Kirk Doll from the Denver Broncos. From the college ranks, Sherman hired Joe Kines from Alabama, Buddy Wyatt from Nebraska, Van Malone from the previous coaching staff.
• Several members of Sherman's staff had successful NFL playing careers. Nolan Cromwell was a four-time Pro Bowl safety and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1980. Van Malone played five seasons for the Detroit Lions and served as the special teams captain.
• Prior to Texas A&M, Sherman served on the same coaching staff with Nolan Cromwell with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, Kirk Doll at Texas A&M.
• As head coach at SMU from 1991-96, Tom Rossley led the Mustangs to a 21-21 tie with the Aggies in 1994, which ended A&M's record 27-game conference winning streak. It was the only blemish on the Aggies' undefeated season that year.
• Three members of the staff had previous ties to the A&M program. 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
Mike Sherman 11 years as coach, six as head coach
Joe Kines 4 years as coach
Nolan Cromwell 17 years as coach, 11 as a player
Tom Rossley 11 years as coach
Kirk Doll 3 years as coach
Randy Jordan 1 year as coach, 5 years as a player
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.
