Game 9: Texas A&M Aggies (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) at Colorado Buffaloes (2-6, 1-3 Big 12)
Nov 06, 2009 | Football
Nov. 6, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas--Texas A&M (5-3, 2-2) looks to build on a two-game win streak when the Aggies head to Boulder to battle the Colorado Buffaloes (2-6, 1-3) at Folsom Field ... kickoff is set for 12:40 p.m. (CST)/11:40 a.m. (MST) ... the game will be televised by FOX College Sports (DirecTV Ch 617), with Dan McLaughlin, Yogi Roth and Samantha Steele on the call ... A&M enters the weekend fresh off an impressive 35-10 win over Iowa State on Saturday at Kyle Field ... the Buffs, meanwhile, suffered a 36-17 setback to Missouri in Boulder.
TEXAS A&M AGGIES (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) at COLORADO BUFFALOES (2-6, 1-3 Big 12)
TELEVISION: FOX College Sports (DirecTV Ch 617)
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 154
LIVE AUDIO: aggieathletics.com • radioaggieland.com
LIVE STATS: cubuffs.com
RANKINGS: neither team is ranked
SERIES HISTORY: CU leads, 5-3
A&M STREAKS: Won 1 / Last 5 (2-3)
LAST MEETING: A&M 24, CU 17 (Nov. 1, 2008 in College Station)
FOLLOWING THE ACTION
• RADIO - The 50-station Texas A&M Sports Network will broadcast the game live from Folsom Field ... Dave South (play-by-play) and Dave Elmendorf (commentary) will call the action ... pregame show begins at 11:30 a.m. ... Sirius Satellite Radio will air the Aggie broadcast on Channel 154 ... fans attending the game can tune in on the low end of the FM dial.
• INTERNET - cubuffs.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/COLORADO SERIES NOTABLES
Colorado leads the all-time series with Texas A&M, 5-3 ... the Aggies won the most recent meeting between the schools, 24-17, last year at Kyle Field ... A&M lost in its most recent trip to Boulder, falling 41-20 to the Buffs on October 8, 2005 ... Texas A&M is 1-3 all-time at Folsom Field, with its lone win coming in 1997 en route to the Big 12 South Division championship ... Mike Sherman is 1-0 as a head coach against Colorado, while Dan Hawkins is 0-1 against the Aggies.
UP NEXT
Texas A&M plays its final road game of the year at Oklahoma next Saturday ... game time is set for 6 p.m. and it will air nationally on FSN ... Colorado heads to Ames to face Iowa State.
INJURY UPDATE
Coryell Judie - shoulder surgery (out for season) ... RICKY CAVANAUGH - knee (questionable).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Sophomore Cyrus Gray (DeSoto) is 70 yards shy of joining Texas A&M's 1,000-yard club in career rushing yardage. In 20 career games, Gray has gained 930 yards and scored six touchdowns on 195 carries (4.8 per carry average).
• Sophomore placekicker Randy Bullock (Klein) is six points away from 100 career points.
• Junior QB Jerrod Johnson (Humble) is within range of a variety of records and milestones, including: season passing touchdowns (has 20/his school record is 21); career passing yards (has 4,850, needs 150 to become sixth QB to 5,000); career passing touchdowns (has 43 / Kevin Murray's record is 48, JJ is currently No. 4 on list); season passing yards (has 2,365 / Reggie McNeal's record is 2,791).
• Junior Von Miller (DeSoto) has 13.5 quarterback sacks, which is No. 7 on school list. He is on pace to break Jacob Green's 29-year old record of 20 sacks. Miller is one shy of 20 career sacks, which would put him in a tie for No. 10 in school history.
ONE OF A KIND OFFENSE
Texas A&M is the only team in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision to rank in the top 25 of all four major offensive statistical categories.
2009 OFFENSE (AFTER EIGHT GAMES) 2008 OFFENSE (FINAL)
Category NCAA Big 12 Avg. Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Total Offense 3 1 490.5 Total Offense 78 12 340.9
Rushing Offense 23 2 191.1 Rushing Offense 114 8 88.5
Passing Offense 12 3 299.4 Passing Offense 27 11 252.4
Scoring Offense 8 3 35.8 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 490.5
2. 1990 471.1
3. 2005 442.3
4. 1986 440.2
5. 1991 436.7
AGGIES ARE EFFICIENT ON THIRD DOWNS
Texas A&M leads the Big 12 and ranks No. 4 nationally with a 52.5 percent success rate in third-down situations. The Aggies have been successful on 63 of 120 third-down tries in 2009, and are the only Big 12 team that converts over 45 percent of their third-down tries.
AGGIES REVERSE TROUBLING EARLY SEASON PENALTY TREND
The 2009 Aggies are living proof that penalties are correctable mistakes. Through four games, A&M was one of the most penalized team in all of college football with 41 flags for a whopping 382 yards. In the last four games, however, the Aggies have cut their penalties down by more than half with just 18 infractions for 163 yards.
AVERAGING OVER 80 OFFENSIVE PLAYS PER GAME
Texas A&M is one of only two teams in the NCAA FBS to average over 80 offensive plays per game. Former A&M offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin's Houston Cougars lead the nation with an average of 83.2 plays per game and the Aggies are right behind with 83.1 plays per game.
2009 NCAA LEADERS - PLAYS PER GAME
Team Plays
1. Houston 83.2
2. Texas A&M 83.1
3. Bowling Green 78.1
4. Northwestern 77.6
5. Kansas 76.5
TEXAS A&M - PLAYS PER GAME
Year Plays Record
1. 2009 83.1 5-3
2. 1986 81.4 9-3
3. 1985 77.9 10-2
1978 77.9 8-4
5. 1991 76.4 10-2
GROUND GAME IS HITTING STRIDE
Just two games ago, the Aggies were ranked No. 49 nationally in rushing with an average of 156.8 per game. After posting the top two rushing games of the year the past two weeks, the Aggies are now averaging 191.1 yards per game and rank No. 23 nationally. The Aggies rushed for 321 yards on 59 carries against Texas Tech and showed it wasn't a fluke with 267 yards on 49 carries last Saturday against Iowa State (two-game total of 588 yards on 108 carries).
PICKOFFS PICKING UP FOR AGGIES
The Texas A&M defense matched its season total with a pair of interceptions against Texas Tech on Oct. 24. The Aggies entered the game with two pickoffs in the first six games of the season, and then picked off a pair of errant opponent aerials in the seventh game of the season against the Red Raiders. Cornerback Terrence Frederick's interception in the endzone late in the first half marked the first pickoff by an Aggie defensive back in 2009.
The Aggies built on that performance with two more interceptions in the 35-10 win over Iowa State.
JOHNSON KEEPS THE CHAINS MOVING
Texas A&M junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson is on a record pace as a passer, but he consistently relies on his legs to keep drives going. Over half of his 71 rushes this season have produced a "money play," which is defined as a play that results in a first down or touchdown. Johnson is especially proficient on third and fourth down rushes with 19 money plays in 23 attempts, including 14 on 17 third down rushes.
MONEY PLAYS FOR JOHNSON
1st TD $$ Rushes
Overall 35 6 37 71
3rd/4th Downs 18 3 19 23
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. He ranks among the nation's top quarterbacks in virtually every important statistical category.
In the last two weeks, Johnson's passing numbers have declined slightly from 315.5 to 295.6, but his pass efficiency rating has risen. After the KSU game, Johnson's rating was 138.21 and ranked No. 38 nationally. After the Texas Tech and Iowa State games, Johnson's efficiency rating rose to 143.80 and No. 26 nationally.
JOHNSON IN NCAA, BIG 12 RANKINGS
Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Total Offense 2 1 328.9
Passing Yards 7 3 295.6
Points Responsibility 2 1 19.5
Passing TDs 4 1 20 total
Interception Pct. 6 1 0.96
Passing Efficiency 26 3 143.8 rtg
JOHNSON SETS SCHOOL RECORD FOR 300-YARD PASSING GAMES
Junior Jerrod Johnson hit the 300-yard mark in for the fourth time this season with 314 passing yards against Kansas State (Oct. 17), 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
ALL-AMERICA CANDIDATE MILLER KEEPS RACKING UP SACKS
A part-time starter in his first two seasons at A&M, junior Von Miller has emerged as the nation's most feared pass rusher in 2009. Miller, who shifted to a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position last spring, has been atop the NCAA's sack leaders list all season and remains on pace to break Texas A&M's school record of 20 sacks by Jacob Green in 1979. Through eight games, Miller has compiled 13.5 quarterback sacks for a loss of 88 yards, and stands No. 7 on A&M's illustrious single season sacks list. The five players ahead of Miller on the list combined to earn four All-America awards.
Miller could become Texas A&M's first first-team All-America selection since cornerback Jason Webster earned All-America honors in 1999.
ncaa qb sacks leaders
Player, School Sacks Avg
1. Von Miller, Texas A&M 13.5 1.79
2. Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech 10.5 1.31
Lindsey Witten, UConn 10.5 1.31
Josh McNary, Army 10.5 1.31
5. Jerry Hughes, TCU 8 1.13
Adrian Robinson, Temple 8 1.13
ncaa TACKLES FOR LOSS leaders
Player, School Sacks Avg
1. O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin 16.5 2.06
Josh McNary, Army 16.5 2.06
Dontay Moch, Nevada 16.5 2.06
4. Von Miller, Texas A&M 15.5 1.94
5. Brandon Graham, Michigan 17 1.89
TEXAS A&M - SEASON QB SACKS LIST
Player Season Sacks
1. Jacob Green* 1979 20
2. Ray Childress* 1983 15
John Roper* 1987 15
John Roper 1988 15
5. Aaron Wallace 1988 14.5
Keith Mitchell* 1996 14.5
7. Von Miller 2009 13.5
8. Jacob Green 1978 13
William Thomas 1990 13
Marcus Buckley 1991 13
Keith Mitchell 1995 13
12. Marcus Buckley* 1992 12
* first-team AP All-American
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 13.5 sacks in the first eight games of the season, the accolades are beginning to roll in for the junior. Miller was added to the Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award "watch list" after two games and was recently named one of 16 semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation's top linebacker.
TANNEHILL IS FIRST SOPHOMORE TO 80 CAREER CATCHES
Sophomore quarterback/receiver Ryan Tannehill (Big Spring) reeled in the 80th reception of his career in the third quarter of last Saturday's game, making him the first sophomore in school history to reach the 80-catch plateau. Tannehill grabbed No. 80 in the 19th game of his career, which matches the fast start by Jamaar Taylor who also hit No. 80 in his 19th game at A&M. Taylor, however, transferred to A&M from Notre Dame and his 19th was nearing the end of his junior campaign.
WIDE RECEIVER VETERANS FIND THE FIRST DOWNS
The Aggies are completing over 50 percent of their third-down situations in 2009 and that's in large part to the play of A&M's veteran trio of wide receivers, Howard Morrow. The trio have combined to produce 21 first downs on 23 third-down receptions in 2009.
THIRD-DOWN MONEY
3rd Down Situations 1st TD $$ Rushes
Ryan Tannehill 12 2 12 14
Jeff Fuller 6 1 6 6
Howard Morrow 3 1 3 3
TOTAL 21 4 21 23
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. 3 freshman in terms of receiving yards per game is undeniable. Nwachukwu (pronounced watch-uh-coo) ranks No. 5 among all receivers with 20.7 yards per catch average and his touchdown per catch ratio of 1/4.5 is No. 3 in the nation.
ncaa's TOP YARDS/CATCH
Player, School Avg
1. Owen Spencer, NC State 26.6
2. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech 24.2
3. Marcus Easley, UConn 23.6
4. Tim Brown, Rutgers 21.9
5. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 20.7
ncaa's TOP TD-TO-RECEPTION RATIO
Player, School Avg
1. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma 1 / 4.4
Chris Bonner, Florida Atlantic 1 / 4.4
3. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 1 / 4.5
4. Austin Pettis, Boise State 1 / 4.55
5. Brandon LaFell, LSU 1 / 4.63
ncaa's TOP FReSHMAN RECEIVERS (BY YARDS)
Player, School Avg
1. Eric Page, Toledo 65-909
2. Conner Vernon, Duke 38-562
3. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 27-560
4. Tyshon Goode, Kent State 40-553
5. Brandon Wimberly, Nevada 36-540
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 six 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 six games, Morrow has been the Aggies' most prolific receiver with 29 catches for 303 yards. He leads the Aggies in catches (33) and ranks third in receiving yards (328m). 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
7 Texas Tech 2-10
8 Iowa State 6-49
TOTAL 33-328
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK
The Aggies already have 23 quarterback sacks and rank in a tie for No. 14 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 21 times in seven games or 3.0 per game. Miller has contributed 12.5 sacks, and defensive mates LB Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL Eddie Brown, "jack" Matt Featherston and DE Matt Moss have combined for 8.5 more.
DIFFERENT SEASON, DIFFERENT RESULTS
2009 NCAA Big 12 Avg. 2008 NCAA Big 12 Avg.
Quarterback Sacks t-14 4 2.9 Quarterback Sacks 100 11 1.3
Tackles for Loss t-43 8 6.4 Tackles for Loss 97 11 4.8
VETERAN PUGH STANDS TALL IN SECONDARY
Senior Jordan Pugh is the anomaly on Aggies' youthful defense with a team-best 32 career starts and action in 45 career games. Pugh's experience has been key to the Aggies' two-game winning streak as the senior has turned in 17 tackles and produced game-changing plays in the wins over Texas Tech and Iowa State. Against Texas Tech, Pugh was credited with five tackles and had a fumble recovery at the beginning of the fourth quarter that took away all hope for a Red Raider comeback in the Aggies' 52-30 win in Lubbock. A week later, Pugh's pickoff on Iowa State's second drive helped propel the Aggies to a 14-0 first quarter lead. Since missing the Oklahoma State game with a concussion, Pugh has produced 27 tackles (9.0 average), a fumble recovery, an interception and another broken up pass.
UNDERCLASS FLASH
The Aggies have produced 65 plays of 20 yards or more, including an eye-catching 54 coming from freshmen or sophomores. Nine of the Aggies' top 10 longest plays of the season have been produced by underclassmen.
AGGIES PLAYING 18 TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2009
Texas A&M is playing an extraordinary number of true freshmen in 2009. The Aggies have used 18 true freshmen from head coach Mike Sherman's second signing class, which is a school record. The previous high number of true freshmen to see action for the Aggies was 15 for Tom Wilson's 1980 team, which finished 4-7. Including among the 1980 freshmen 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: 15 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/SPECIALISTS (8)
Stephen Barrera* OL Clear Lake, Texas (Clear Lake) started three games at OT
Ryan Epperson P Keller, Texas (Keller) season debut at Texas Tech
Brandal Jackson* WR Navasota, Texas (Navasota) 15 catches for 231 yards
Patrick Lewis* OL LaPlace, La. (East St. John) started at OG past four games
Kenric McNeal WR Spring, Texas (Spring) 44-yard TD catch was long play of game vs. UNM
Christine Michael* RB Beaumont, Texas (West Brook) first 100-yard rushing game vs Texas Tech
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, has 6 tackles in 4 games
Steven Campbell* DB Houston, Texas (Jersey Village) 8 tackles in first start vs OSU
Kirby Ennis DL Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville) active interior defender has 7 tackles and .5 TFL
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) seen action in seven games
Spencer Nealy DL San Antonio, Texas (Reagan) 9 tackles, including 1 TFL
Sean Porter LB Schertz, Texas (Clemens) 26 tackles, including 2.5 TFL
Jonathan Stewart* LB Shreveport, La. (Byrd) starter at OLB, 22 tackles, including 1 TFL
Steven Terrell DB Allen, Texas (Allen) seen action in every game
Colton Valencia DB Missouri City, Texas (Hightower) seen action in every game
* started in 2009
NUMBER-CRUNCHING THE UNDERCLASSMAN IMPACT
Freshmen and sophomores are having an enormous impact for the Aggies in 2009. Underclassmen have accounted for 1,016 of A&M's 1,262 net rushing yards or 80.5 percent. Despite two of the Aggies' top four receivers being seniors, underclassmen have accounted for 1,529 of 2,161 receiving yards or 70.8 percent. Over 80 percent of the Aggies' 251 points have been scored by freshmen or sophomores (80.9 percent). Defensively, 329 of 511 total tackles have come from underclassmen (64.4).
EARLY RISERS
Category Fr./So. Total Pct.
Rushing 1,198 1,529 78.4
Receiving 1,706 2,395 71.2
Scoring 226 286 79.0
Tackles 373 583 64.0
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 76 players in 2009, including 36 or 47 percent that have made their maroon and white playing debuts this season. Ten of the 36 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 (19)
Aaron Arterburn, LB Kenric McNeal, WR
#Stephen Barrera, OT Christine Michael, RB
#Steven Campbell, S Spencer Nealy, DE
Kirby Ennis, DT #Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR
Ryan Epperson, P Sean Porter, LB
#Dustin Harris, CB #Jonathan Stewart, LB
#Brandal Jackson, WR Ryan Swope, WR/RB
*Coryell Judie, CB Steven Terrell, DB
Michael Lamothe, LB Colton Valencia, DB#Patrick Lewis, OG
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)
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 (Oct 17), 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.
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 13.5 sacks
Jamie McCoy WR to TE 26 catches for 298 yards
Kyle Mangan FB to LB third on team with 47 stops, leads with 6 PBUs
Garrick Williams DB to LB leads team with 55 tackles
IT'S PRONOUNCED "CHRIS-TIN"
Christine 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.
"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 eight games in `09, Bullock has converted seven of nine 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 35 extra points in `09 and has made 55 in a row entering Saturday's game.
ABOUT THE TEXAS TECH VICTORY
The Aggies' 52-30 road victory over No. 21 Texas Tech was notable for a variety of reasons...
SHERMAN ERA:
• First victory over a Big 12 South opponent
• First victory over a ranked opponent
TEAM:
• first victory over a Big 12 South team since 38-30 win over Texas in 2007 in College Station
• first victory over a ranked opponent since 38-30 win over No. 12 Texas in 2007 in College Station
• first road victory over a ranked opponent since 12-7 win over No. 11 Texas in 2006 in Austin
• most points vs. a Big 12 opponent since 62-23 win over Oklahoma State in 2005 in College Station
• most points in a Big 12 road game (previous high, 51 vs. Oklahoma in 1997 and Missouri in 1999)
• most points in a conference road game since 59-3 win over TCU in 1993 in Fort Worth (SWC)
• most points vs. a ranked opponent since 65-14 win over BYU in 1990 Holiday Bowl in San Diego
• +22 point margin of victory was largest against a ranked opponent since 42-7 win (+35) over No. 20 Louisville in 1993 in College Station
• +22 point margin of victory was largest against a ranked opponent on the road since 34-12 win (+22) over Baylor in 1991 in Waco
• first win in Lubbock since 31-6 win over Texas Tech in 1993
• first win over Texas Tech since 32-25 overtime win in 2004 in College Station
TURNOVERS TELL STORY
Since 2005, the Aggies have compiled a 22-5 record in games with a plus turnover margin. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-21.
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), 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, Tom Rossley from the Green Bay Packers and Kirk Doll from the Denver Broncos. From the college ranks, Sherman hired Joe Kines from Alabama, 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. Randy Jordan played in the 2003 Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders and received the 2001 Ed Block Courage Award. 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. Van Malone is in his fourth season coaching the 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
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.
