2008 Texas A&M Aggies football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2008
Team=Texas A&M Aggies
Conference=Big 12 Conference
Division=South
ShortConference=Big 12
CoachRank=
APRank=
Record=2–4
ConfRecord=0–2
HeadCoach=Mike Sherman
OffCoach=Nolan Cromwell
DefCoach=Joe Kines
OScheme=West Coast
DScheme=4-3
StadiumArena=Kyle Field (83,002)The 2008 Texas A&M Aggies football team (often referred to as "A&M" or the "Aggies") will represent Texas A&M University in the 2008-2009 college football season. The team is led by first-year head coach Mike Sherman, who replaced Dennis Franchione after the previous season. The team plays home games at Kyle Field, an 83,002-person capacity stadium on the university campus in College Station, Texas.

Preseason

Recruiting

While head coach Mike Sherman was finishing his offensive coordinator duty for the Houston Texans, he contacted A&M's orally committed recruitscite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/122307dnspotamumen.2ac781d.html|title=No worries as Texas A&M waits|publisher="Dallas Morning News"|accessdate=2007-12-23|date=2007-12-23|author=Davis, Brian] by telephone,cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/325898.html|title=Sherman won't be on the job yet|publisher="Fort Worth Star-Telegram"|accessdate=2007-11-27|date=2007-11-27|author=Miller, John] cite news|url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/aggies/entries/2007/11/26/aggies_give_thumbs_up_to_sherm.html|title=Aggies give thumbs up to Sherman|publisher="Austin American-Statesman"|accessdate=2007-11-26|date=2007-11-26|author=Riggs, Randy] and hired former Nebraska recruiting coordinator Tim Cassidy—who had been the recruiting coordinator at A&M from 1989–2004—to serve as the recruiting coordinator for football.cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/120107dnspoaggieslede.540c3021.html|title=Tim Cassidy returns as Texas A&M recruiting coordinator|publisher="Dallas Morning News"|accessdate=2007-11-30|date=2007-11-30|author=Davis, Brian] Once Sherman commenced his head coaching duties, he and his coaching staff scoured the state for speedy players, recruiting running back Cyrus Gray, wide receiver Jeffrey Fuller, linebacker Ricky Cavanaugh, defensive backs Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, and defensive tackle Eddie Brown. The coaches also signed five offensive lineman and three tight ends, after losing four starting offensive lineman and two starting tight ends from the 2007 season. [ [http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA.02072008.Aggies_Overview.EN.351b52b.html MySA.com: Big 12 ] ] The staff was able to retain 18 of the previous coaching staff's recruits, but lost another 3 to other schools. Jeff Fuller, Tommy Dorman, and A&M's only junior college transfer, Matt Moss, enrolled at A&M in the spring to take part in spring practices. [ [http://www.aggiesports.com/football/Late-signee-gives-Aggie-football-team-24-man-recruiting-class Aggiesports.com ] ]

In all, A&M received letters of intent from 24 players on National Signing Day, which was on February 6, 2008. Of those 24, 3 ranked in ESPN's top 150 national players list, [ [http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=245&season=2008&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fschool%3fschoolId%3d245%26season%3d2008 ESPN - Texas A&M Aggies Football Recruiting 2008 ] ] , and 5 ranked in Rivals.com's top 250. [ [http://tamu.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=893&Year=2008&ra_key=1738 Rivals.com Prospect Rankings ] ] 22 are from Texas. [http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/459067.html] Rivals.com also included 14 of the commits on its Texas Top 100 ranking. [ [http://tamu.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1843&Year=2008 Rivals.com Prospect Rankings ] ] The recruiting class was ranked No. 16 by Rivals, No. 15 by Scout.com, [ [http://tamu.scout.com/a.z?s=187&p=9&c=14&yr=2008 Scout.com: Football Recruiting ] ] and No. 25 by ESPN. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=luginbill_tom&id=3233826 ESPN - Miami claims top 2008 recruiting class - Insider ] ]

Derrick Hall and Blake Chavis were not able to make the team due to academic ineligibility. [cite news|url=http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/26229024.html|title=Aggie Football Team Begins Practice Monday]

College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Josh Ayers
position = OL
hometown = Euless, TX
highschool = Trinity
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 282
40 = 5
commitdate = 2006-02-27
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Eddie Brown
position = DT
hometown = Waller, TX
highschool = Trinity
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 266
40 = 4.6
commitdate = 2008-01-24
scout stars =
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Aaron Buckley
position = LB
hometown = Palacios, TX
highschool = Palacios
commitdate = 2007-04-24
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 225
40 = 4.54
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Ricky Cavanaugh
position = LB
hometown = Austin, TX
highschool = Johnson
commitdate = 2008-01-27
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 215
40 = 4.5
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Blake Chavis
position = DE
hometown = Beaumont, TX
highschool = West Brook Sr
commitdate = 2007-03-12
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 230
40 = N/A
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = LeRoy Chevalier
position = OL
hometown = Houston, TX
highschool = Yates
commitdate = 2008-01-11
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 325
40 = N/A
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Rod Davis
position = DT
hometown = Aldine, TX
highschool = Eisenhower
commitdate = 2008-02-06
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 300
40 = N/A
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Tommy Dorman
position = QB
hometown = North Richland Hills, TX
highschool = Birdville
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 204
40 = 4.63
commitdate = 2007-02-17
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Adren Dorsey
position = DT
hometown = Tyler, TX
highschool = John Tyler
commitdate = 2007-09-26
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 285
40 = 4.8
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Terrence Frederick
position = DB
hometown = Katy, TX
highschool = Katy
commitdate = 2008-02-04
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 170
40 = 4.45
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jeff Fuller
position = WR
hometown = McKinney, TX
highschool = Boyd
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 202
40 = 4.5
commitdate = 2007-12-09
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 80College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Keon Furtch
position = DB
hometown = Paris, TX
highschool = Paris
commitdate = 2007-03-05
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 180
40 = 4.5
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Cyrus Gray
position = RB
hometown = DeSoto, TX
highschool = DeSoto
commitdate = 2008-01-27
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 188
40 = 4.4
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Derrick Hall
position = ATH
hometown = Beaumont, TX
highschool = Central Senior
commitdate = 2008-01-11
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 201
40 = 4.35
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Trent Hunter
position = DB
hometown = Katy, TX
highschool = Katy
commitdate = 2007-12-18
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 189
40 = 4.5
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jeffrey Hyde
position = OL
hometown = Colleyville, TX
highschool = Covenant Christian Academy
commitdate = 2007-02-06
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 7
weight = 295
40 = N/A
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Tony Jerod
position = DE
hometown = DeSoto, TX
highschool = DeSoto
commitdate = 2007-02-06
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 4
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 255
40 = 4.6
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Chris Lathrop
position = OL
hometown = Cypress, TX
highschool = Cyfair
commitdate = 2007-05-21
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 288
40 = 4.9
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Kyle Mangan
position = LB
hometown = Brenham, TX
highschool = Brenham
commitdate = 2007-05-17
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 225
40 = 4.6
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Matt Moss
position = DE
hometown = El Cajon, CA
highschool = Grossmont College
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 270
40 = 4.7
commitdate = 2007-05-13
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = -College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Brian Thomas
position = OL
hometown = Pearland, TX
highschool = Pearland
commitdate = 2007-01-29
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 265
40 = 5
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Joe Villavisencio
position = OL
hometown = Jacksonville, TX
highschool = Jacksonville
commitdate = 2007-01-30
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 305
40 = N/A
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = K.J. Williams
position = ATH
hometown = Norman, OK
highschool = Norman North
commitdate = 2007-07-20
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 235
40 = 4.73
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Andrew Wolridge
position = DE
hometown = Lexington, TX
highschool = Lexington
commitdate = 2007-05-24
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 4
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 235
40 = 4.5
espn grade = College Athlete Recruit End
40 = yes
year = 2008
rivals ref title = Texas A&M Commit List for 2008
scout ref title = Texas A&M: Commits
rivals school = 82
scout s = 187
espn schoolid = 245
accessdate = 2008-01-17
bball =
collapse = yes

Players

Position changes

During the preseason, Coach Sherman made some player adjustments to fit his pro-style offensive scheme. Von Miller, who was a backup defensive end last season, and Garrick Williams, his high school teammate, were moved to outside linebacker. Safety Jordan Pugh was shifted to cornerback, which he played in high school. Devin Gregg moved to free safety from strong safety. Jordan Peterson, after playing two seasons at cornerback, became a safety. Jamie McCoy, who moved from quarterback to wide receiver the previous season, shifted to tight end. [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/288/story/609471.html|title=New coach means another new position for Texas A&M's McCoy] Defensive back Chevar Bryson and Kenny Brown became wideouts. [cite news|url=http://www.aggiesports.com//Sherman--Aggies-ready-to-start-practice|title=Sherman, Aggies ready to start practice] Running back Jorvorskie Lane is losing weight to make the move from tailback to fullback. [ [http://www.aggiesports.com/football/Texas_A_amp_amp_M_Football_Notebook2008_01_10T00_12_42 Aggiesports.com ] ] [ [http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/26/fewer-rolls-new-role-for-jorvorskie-lane/ Fewer Rolls, New Role for Jorvorskie Lane? - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog ] ] [ [http://www.aggiesports.com/football/Sherman-mixes-it-up-at-Aggies--first-spring-football-practice Aggiesports.com ] ] Billy Chavis made the move from linebacker to tight end. [http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/04/20/0420aggies.html Aggie running back corps shines ] ] [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3392110 ESPN - Breaking down the Big 12 South - College Football ] ]

Starting quarterback Stephen McGee recovered from surgery he had on his non-throwing shoulder in January 2008, causing him to miss most of the spring drills. He competed with sophomore Jerrod Johnson and freshman Ryan Tannehill for the starting position. [ [http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA032608_AggiesSpring.en.283d5474.html MySA.com: Big 12 ] ] He was named the starter for the season-opener against Arkansas State, but will continue to compete for the job for the remainder of the season.

The Aggies are looking to improve their offensive line, after losing three starters, including two who earned all-Big 12 honors. They also are looking to field adequate linebackers and tight ends.citenews|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=rivals-208967&prov=rivals&type=lgns|title=Sherman has his work cut out at Texas A&M|publisher=Yahoo Sports|accessdate=2008-03-26|date=2008-03-23|work=Rivals.com]

Departures

*On May 28, 2008, freshman linebacker Derrick Stephens, who redshirted in 2007, was forced to quit playing football due to multiple concussions. The school chose to honor his scholarship, and he planned to apply to the business school. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/052808dnspoambrief.40ba314.html|title=Concussions force Texas A&M's Stephens to quit football]
*On June 6, 2008, kicker Matt Szymanski transferred to SMU due to personal reasons. [cite news|url=http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/06/kicker-szymanski-leaving-am.html|title=Kicker Szymanski leaving A&M] [cite news|url=http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/25923334.html|title=Szymanski Headed To SMU]
*On August 28, 2008, running back Cornell Tarrant transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University due to undisclosed personal reasons. [cite news|url=http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/texas-am-rb-tarrant-transfers-to-stephen.html|title=Texas A&M RB Tarrant transfers to Stephen F. Austin]

Honors

Justin Brantly made the preseason All-Big 12 team and is also a Ray Guy Award candidate. [cite press release|url=http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071708aab.html|title=2008 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team Announced] [cite news|url=http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/28578794.html|title=Brantly Named To Ray Guy Award Watch List] Running back Mike Goodson and fullback Jorvorskie Lane were two of 75 college players named to the 2008 Maxwell Award watch list. [cite news|url=http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/22793649.html|title=Goodson, Lane On Maxwell Watch List] Additionally, quarterback Stephen McGee, along with 25 other quarterbacks, appeared on the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list. [cite news|url=http://www.ncaafootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=34&url_article_id=12271&change_well_id=2|title=Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List Named]

pring game

The Aggies played their spring intrasquad Maroon and White exhibition game on April 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. The game attracted 32,000 fans, including more than 100 college football prospects from the class of 2009. [ [http://tamu.scout.com/2/744333.html Scout.com: Mansfield RB plans trip to A&M ] ] The game featured a new format of two halves. The first half featured a two-quarter game that pitted the Texas A&M team, led by quarterbacks Stephen McGee and Tommy Dorman, and the Texas Aggies team, led by quarterbacks Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill. The second half consisted of situational work, including the red zone, overtime, goal line, and two-minute drills. Two honorary student coaches, who were selected by the coaching staff and players, also served during the game. Each student coach gave their respective team a pre-game speech and interacted with players, coaches, and staff on the sidelines during the game. [cite news|url=http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/3-0&fp=48109b56f565d57c&ei=PSAQSJ-zNoWM-wHXrMH-Dg&url=http%3A//www.dailyorange.com/home/news/2008/04/24/News/Field.Goal-3345204.shtml&cid=0&usg=AFrqEzf7BVqBP9qwmjMniZ4TIQiGNMPRBA|title=Field goal|publisher=The Daily Orange|date=2008-04-24]

On the opening drive of the game, running back Mike Goodson picked up 58 yards on 8 carries, and McGee ended the drive with a 1-yard bootleg play to the endzone. On the next drive, led by Johnson, Bradley Stephens ran 41 yards on 5 carries, though the drive ended on a 44-yard field goal by Matt Szymanski. Dorman led the ensuing drive, and Cornell Tarrant eventually scored a touchdown on a 40-yard run. The Texas A&M team defeated the Texas Aggies 14–3. Tarrant became the leading rusher of the game with his 59 yards on 4 carries. McGee was the game's leading passer, completing 5-of-8 passes for 58 yards, though none of the passes were to a wide receiver. Converted tight end Jamie McCoy was the leading receiver with two catches for 31 yards, including a 25-yard catch thrown by McGee. Tannehill completed 6-of-10 passes for 50 yards, while Johnson was 3-of-5 for 25 yards. In the goal-line drill of the second half, defensive back Chevar Bryson made a length-of-the-field interception return for a touchdown. Jorvorskie Lane did not play due to a stomach virus. [ [http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D905C4NO1.html Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas/Southwest ] ] [ [http://www.kwtx.com/sports/headlines/17948534.html# Texas A&M Concludes Spring Football Practice With Maroon & White Game ] ]

Head coach Mike Sherman commended the running backs, especially Mike Goodson, calling him a "very dangerous weapon". Though the Aggies didn't run any option plays in the game, the play-calling was run-heavy, as was planned. [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5715105.html] Sherman stated that they had a running game because they "wanted to show some toughness, not just throw it around". [ [http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/592869.html A&M a 'work in progress'] ]

Rankings and predictions

In June 2008, Rivals.com ranked the team 65th out of 119 Division I FBS teams. [cite news|url=http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=815979|title=Preseason Countdown] A "Sporting News" writer ranked the team No. 48 in his 2008 top 50 list. [cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=431011|title=SN's team previews: No. 48 Texas A&M] "Sports Illustrated" ranked the Aggies 51st out of the 119 national teams. [cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2008/08/05/rankings0811/index.html?eref=T1|title=Ranking every FBS team from 1 to 119] A "Washington Times" columnist placed the team 65th, [cite news|url=http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/d1scourse/2008/Aug/09/college-football-countdown-nos-61-65/|title= College football countdown: Nos. 61-65] while a "Orlando Sentinel" reporter ranked it 38th. [cite news|url=http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/BREAKING02/80820053/-1/SPORTSFRONT|title=Rankings the 120 DI-A football teams: UH No. 55]

Another "Sporting News" writer ranked the team's nonconference schedule the 4th toughest in the Big 12. [cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=425162|title=Ranking the nonconference schedules: Big 12] A "Tulsa World" sports columnist rated the Aggies 9th in the Big 12 in July 2008. [cite news|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=20080723_2__Tulsa22110|title= 12 FOOTBALL MEDIA DAYS: Ranking the teams 1-12]

In June 2008, ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicted the team would face the Oregon State Beavers in the Brut Sun Bowl. [cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3458435&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos2|title=Early forecast predicts Buckeyes, Bulldogs in title game] In July 2008, ESPN's Tim Griffin picked the team to go to the Texas Bowl to face longtime Southwest Conference rival SMU. [cite news|url=http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-1-16/Early-Big-12-bowl-predictions.html?post=true|title=Early Big 12 bowl predictions] The Rivals.com staff predicted that A&M will not play in a bowl this season. [cite news|url=http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=842040|title=2008 Bowl schedule and predictions] The 2008 edition of "Dave Campbell's Texas Football" predicted the team would finish the season with an 8–4 record. [cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/commons/persona.html?newspaperUserId=sarcoog2010&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3Asarcoog2010Post%3Adeb9e76e-b3d1-44ed-888b-937445abdb42|title=Review: Dave Campbell's Texas Football] Point-Spreads.com, a spread betting website, projected the Aggies to go 5–7. [cite news|url=http://point-spreads.com/college-football/073108-texas-a-m-aggies-2008-college-football-betting-preview.html|title=Texas A&M Aggies 2008 College Football Betting Preview] The official Big 12 Media Preseason Poll picked the Aggies to finish fifth in the Big 12 South. [cite press release|url=http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071608aaa.html|title=Big 12 Announces 2008 Media Preseason Football Poll]

"The Oklahoman" ranked the wide receiver corps last in the Big 12. [cite news|url=http://newsok.com/ranking-the-big-12-receiving-corps/article/3266482/?mp=0|title=Ranking the Big 12 receiving corps] The same writer ranked the defensive line 10th, [cite news|url=http://newsok.com/ranking-the-big-12-defensive-lines/article/3272567/?tm=1216523963|title=Ranking the Big 12: Defensive lines] and the linebackers 10th as well. [cite news|url=http://newsok.com/ranking-the-big-12-linebackers/article/3275477/?tm=1217126249|title=Ranking the Big 12: Linebackers] "The Kansas City Star" rated the quarterbacks 10th, the running backs 1st, the offensive line 8th, the wide receivers and tight ends 12th, the defensive line 12th, the linebackers 11th, the defensive backs 5th, and the special teams 6th. [cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/177/story/752032.html|title=Big 12 position rankings]

The team did not rank in the preseason AP or Coaches polls. It did receive 3 votes in the Coaches Poll, however. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankings?seasonYear=2008&weekNumber=1&seasonType=2&pollId=2|title=2008 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason (Aug. 17)]

Coaching staff

After former coach Dennis Franchione resigned on November 23, 2007, [cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5324447.html|title=Franchione resigns as Texas A&M head coach|publisher="Houston Chronicle"|accessdate=2007-11-24|date=2007-11-24|author=Barron, David] former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman, who was the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator at the time, was hired three days later, becoming the 28th head coach of the Texas A&M football program.cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/5329158.html|title=Texas A&M hires Sherman to replace Franchione|publisher="Houston Chronicle"|accessdate=2007-11-26|date=2007-11-26|author=Duncan, Chris|work=Associated Press] Sherman chose to finish his term with the Houston Texans before working full-time as the Aggies' head coach. The Texans ended their regular season December 30, 2007. During that period, Sherman contacted A&M's orally committed recruits by telephone, and hired former Nebraska recruiting coordinator Tim Cassidy—who had been the recruiting coordinator at A&M from 1989–2004—to serve as the recruiting coordinator as well as the associate athletic director for football. [cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/5342472.html|title=Aggies bring back Cassidy to aid football operations|publisher="Houston Chronicle"|accessdate=2007-12-01|date=2007-11-30|author=Harris, Terrance] Once Sherman started his job full-time, he named Seattle Seahawks wide receivers coach Nolan Cromwell to be his offensive coordinator [cite press release|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=&PRID=13758|title=Cromwell Named Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-01-08|date=2008-01-05] and Reggie Herring to be his defensive coordinator. [cite press release|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=&PRID=13757|title=Herring Named Texas A&M Defensive Coordinator|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-01-08|date=2008-01-04] Herring, however, resigned a month later and became the linebackers coach for the Dallas Cowboys. [http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA020908.WEB.Herring.en.a34a1a66.html MySA.com: KENS 5: Sports ] ] Sherman worked with Cromwell under head coach Mike Holmgren at Green Bay. [ [http://www.kgw.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8U24AN81.html AP Wire - Washington | kgw.com | News for Oregon and SW Washington ] ] On January 9, 2008, Sherman announced Buddy Wyatt would coach the defensive line. Wyatt had 18 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 3 seasons at A&M from 2000–02. In 2001, the Aggie defense ranked 10th in the nation. [cite press release|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13768|title=Wyatt Named Defensive Line Coach|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-01-09|date=2008-01-09] Sherman also retained defensive backs coach Van Malone, who coached under Franchione for the 2006–07 seasons. Malone is the only member from Franchione's staff to be retained. [ [http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13773 Texas A&M Athletics Malone Retained as Defensive Backs Coach ] ] Shortly afterwards, Charles McMillan, who worked at TCU from 2004–07 as the cornerbacks coach, was announced to also coach the defensive backs. [ [http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13783 Texas A&M Athletics Bryan Native Added to Aggie Football Coaching Staff ] ] Former Boston College offensive line coach Jim Turner, [ [http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13791 Texas A&M Athletics Turner Named Offensive Line Coach ] ] as well as former NFL running back Randy Jordan, will coach the offensive line and running backs, respectively. [ [http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13794 Texas A&M Athletics Jordan Named Running Backs Coach ] ] Former Green Bay Packers coach Tom Rossley was hired to coach the quarterbacks. [ [http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13842 Texas A&M Athletics Rossley Named Senior Assistant and Quarterbacks Coach ] ] Former Alabama defensive coordinator Joe Kines was hired to replace Herring, and was also named the assistant head coach. [cite press release|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=&PRID=13929|title=Kines Named Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-02-13|date=2008-02-13] Former Denver Broncos coach Kirk Doll, who also coached at A&M from 1988–93, was hired to be the tight ends and special teams coach. [ [http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13932 Texas A&M Athletics Doll Named Texas A&M Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach ] ]

Depth chart

chedule

"Timings of future games are tentative. Check the [http://www.big12sports.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPSID=106580&SPID=13139&Q_SEASON=2008 official Big 12 website] for updates".

CFB Schedule Entry
date = August 30
time = 6:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
rank = RV
opponent = Arkansas State
opprank =
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
tv =
score = 18–14
attend = 78,691CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 6
time = 4:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
away = yes
rank = NR
opponent = New Mexico
site_stadium = University Stadium
site_cityst = Albuquerque, NM
tv = Versus
score = 28–22
attend = 28,007 CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 20
time = 2:30 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
rank = NR
opponent = Miami (FL)
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
tv = ABC
score = 41-23
attend = 84,165CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 27
time = 11:30 a.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
rank = NR
opponent = Army
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
gamename = AT&T Corps Classic
tv = Versus
score = 21–17
attend = 84,090CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 4
time = 6:05 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = no
away = yes
rank = NR
opponent = Oklahoma State
opprank = 22
site_stadium = Boone Pickens Stadium
site_cityst = Stillwater, OK
tv =
score = 56–28
attend = 51,147 CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 11
time = 1:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = n
rank = NR
opponent = Kansas State
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
tv =
score = 44–30
attend = 78,669CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 18
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Texas Tech
opprank =
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
gamename =
tv = FSN
score =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 25
time = TBA
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Iowa State
opprank =
site_stadium = Jack Trice Stadium
site_cityst = Ames, IA
gamename =
tv =
score =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 1
time = 1:00 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Colorado
opprank =
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
gamename =
tv =
score =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 8
time = 1:00 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Oklahoma
opprank =
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
gamename =
tv =
score =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 15
time = TBA
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Baylor
opprank =
site_stadium = Floyd Casey Stadium
site_cityst = Waco, TX
gamename = Battle of the Brazos
tv =
score =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 27
time = 8:00 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Texas
opprank =
site_stadium = Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Austin, TX
gamename = Lone Star Showdown
tv = ESPN
score =
overtime =
attend =

Game notes

Arkansas State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Arkansas State
R1=3
R2=0
R3=6
R4=9
Home=Texas A&M
H1=7
H2=7
H3=0
H4=0This marked the fourth meeting between the Aggies and the Arkansas State Red Wolves, a member of the Sun Belt Conference. A&M went into the game with a 3–0 all-time record against the Red Wolves; the third game occurred in 2003,cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/football/history/opp/|title=All-Time Standing with 123 Foes|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-01-29] the Aggies' 4–8 season. This was Arkansas State's first football game with its new nickname of "Red Wolves". Previously, Arkansas State's sports teams had been nicknamed "Indians" in honor of the Osage Nation that inhabited the area until the 1800s. The use of an Indian mascot was the subject of ongoing controversy, including NCAA restrictions on the use of the mascot. [cite news | url=http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=3356829&nav=0jsia7N3 | title=NCAA May Force ASU To Drop Indian Mascot | publisher=KAIT | date=May 17 2005 | accessdate=2007-04-02] [cite news | url=http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/009701.asp | title=NCAA won't allow Indian mascots at playoff games | publisher=Indianz.com | date=February 1 2006 | accessdate=2007-04-02]

Arkansas State, which finished 5–7 last season, returned six ;starters on offense and five on defense. Experience was lacking on the team's secondary, where the Red Wolves must replace all four starters, and the offensive line, which has only one returning starter. Key players include junior quarterback Corey Leonard, who set school records for total yards and passing touchdowns in 2007, as well as junior tailback Reggie Arnold, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards the previous two seasons. Arkansas State was predicted to finish fourth in its conference by the preseason Sun Belt Conference coaches' poll. [cite news|url=http://www.ncaafootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=34&url_article_id=12824&change_well_id=2|title=Arkansas State coach sees middle-of-pack team] [cite news|url=http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/sports_article.asp?aID=107709.41295.119826&page=2|title=A-State Must Take Advantage at Home Early]

ASU compiled 60 yards on the game opening possession, ending it with a 37-yard field goal. A&M answered with a 69-yard drive that resulted in a 9-yard touchdown run by tailback Mike Goodson. On their next possession, Arkansas State lost a fumble, allowing the Aggies to take over on downs on the A&M 28-yard line. The Aggies eventually moved to the Red Wolves 15-yard line, but faced a fourth-down situation. Kicker Richie Bean missed a 32-yard field goal to keep the score at 7–3. The Red Wolves' ensuing drive led to a punt, which A&M recovered at its 23-yard line. McGee cranked up A&M's passing game after making completions of 5, 13, 12, and 16 yards. Goodson soon scored a touchdown on a 7-yard run. Bean added the extra point to give A&M a 14–3 lead with 4:23 left in the half. Neither team could advance the ball for a touchdown over the remainder of the half.cite news|url=http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/235932/|title=Arkansas State stuns Texas A&M]

In the second half, the Aggies' had four turnovers, three of which led to ASU scoring drives. Posting just 103 offensive yards — including 9 rushing — A&M failed to score on all eight of its possessions. [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/884488.html|title=Texas A&M Aggies hoping to avoid 0-2 start] In the third quarter, an interception and a fumble recovery let the Red Wolves to score two field goals, cutting the score to 14–9. In the fourth quarter, A&M kicker Richie Bean kicked a 25-yard field goal wide right. After the missed field goal, the ball was spotted on the ASU 20-yard line. ASU drove 80 yards into A&M territory for a touchdown to take the lead. Although their two-point conversion pass was incomplete, the Red Wolves could maintain their 15–14 advantage with 4:39 remaining in the game. On their next possession, the Aggies lost the ball on a fumble by Goodson after four plays. This set up ASU to kick its fourth successful field goal of the game to extend its lead to 18–14. Once the clock went down to 1:12, the Aggies looked to score on their final drive in order to win the game. On the third play of the drive, McGee threw a 26-yard pass to third-string quarterback Ryan Tannehill to move the ball to the ASU 39. Two subsequent passes to Goodson allowed only a net gain of 5 yards, and on fourth down — with 7 seconds remaining — McGee threw another interception. ASU ran out the clock to preserve their 18–14 victory. [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/873966.html|title=Aggies’ big debut fed to Red Wolves]

Goodson had his third career 100-yard rushing game. He was three yards short of breaking his game record of 127 yards, compiled against Oklahoma his freshman season. [cite news|url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/sep/03/crabtree-picks-up-where-he-left-off/|title=Crabtree picks up where he left off] Third-string quarterback Ryan Tannehill was the leader in receiving yards in the game, with 5 catches for 59 yards. [cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5982621.html|title=Not playing QB comes with catch for Aggies' backups] [cite news|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/Aggies_Insider_One-time_quarterback_hopes_catching_temporary_gig.html|title=Aggies Insider: One-time QB hopes catching temporary] McGee hit the 5,000-passing yards mark, becoming the fifth all-time A&M quarterback to do so. His two interceptions in the game was also the second time of his career in which he threw two or more interceptions. The first time occurred against Texas in 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/083108aaa.html|title=ASU 18, Texas A&M 14] Jorvorskie Lane received only a few snaps and no carries or catches in the game due to a neck injury he got during one of the August practices. [cite news|url=http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/aggies/2008/09/32654_print.html#comments|title=Update on Lane, Bean] The defense compiled only three tackles for a loss. Linebacker Matt Featherston posted a game-high of 16 stops, and safety Arkeith Brown made 11 tackles with two pass breakups. Featherston was the second player in the nation with the most tackles during the first week. [cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/1581/story/1204604.html|title=Texas A&M (0-1) at New Mexico (0-1)]

The game attracted the second-largest home opener crowd of 78,691. By losing the game, A&M broke a 20-game winning streak in home openers. ASU captured its first victory against a Big 12 team after 14 tries. It was also their first season-opening road victory since joining Division I-A in 1992. The game was called "one of the most embarrasing losses in [A&M] history" by several sport columnists. [cite news|url=http://newsok.com/shermans-debut-spoiled/article/3291363/?tm=1220160992|title=Sherman's debut spoiled] [cite news|url=http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/wfaa/stories/090108dnspocarltoncol.3bf9ff9.html|title=Texas A&M faces adjustments after embarrassing loss] [cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=451948|title=Texas A&M flops in opener] The team's performance also placed 5th in ESPN's Bottom 10 weekly rankings. [cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?page=bottom10081|title=TAMU, SDSU and NKOTB have the right Bottom 10 stuff}]

New Mexico

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Texas A&M
R1=14
R2=7
R3=0
R4=7
Home=New Mexico
H1=7
H2=0
H3=3
H4=12Prior to this meeting, A&M had only played the Lobos once in 1926, shutting them out 63–0 at College Station. Former A&M head coach Dennis Franchione coached the Lobos from 1992–97, leading them to a Western Athletic Conference Mountain Division Championship in 1997 and their first bowl appearance since 1961. [cite web|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/mountainwest/new_mexico/bowl_history.php|title=New Mexico Bowl History|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|accessdate=2007-11-06] The Lobos lost the game, and Franchione later resigned to take the head coaching position at TCU. Rocky Long has since taken over and led the Lobos to their first bowl victory since 1961 at the 2007 New Mexico Bowl.

UNM signed a home-and-home deal with the Aggies after the 2006 season. Shortly after signing the deal, UNM was approached by an unidentified third party that offered $1.5 million to move the game to San Antonio. UNM rejected the offer, and the offer was increased to $1.8 million by June 2007. The Lobos declined the offer again, stating that they needed to build fan loyalty at home. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D91V3M886.html|title=UNM rejects offer to move A&M game to San Antonio]

In their opener, UNM lost 26–3 to conference opponent TCU. Senior running back Rodney Ferguson, who posted 1,000-yard back-to-back seasons, rushed for only 59 yards in the game. Quarterback Donovan Porterie sat out in the game after throwing 4-of-10 passes for 37 yards, one interception, and losing one fumble that caused his neck injury. UNM's backup quarterback threw 3-of-14 passes for 93 yards, including one catch for 81. [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/281/story/884488.html|title=Texas A&M Aggies hoping to avoid 0-2 start]

The Aggies started the game on offense and did not see any success on their first drive. Quarterback Stephen McGee had to sit out after the first drive due to a right shoulder strain, causing Jerrod Johnson to replace him. McGee did not see any action afterwards. The Lobos began their first drive on their 5-yard line. On their second third-down possession, Porterie threw an interception to safety Jordan Peterson, who returned the ball 48 yards for a touchdown. This was the first time A&M scored a defensive touchdown since the Wyoming game in 2004. The touchdown was also significant in that the Lobos had lost 10 of its previous meetings in which the opponent scored first. On their next possession, the Lobos gave up the ball once Porterie threw yet another pick, which set the ball for the Aggies at the UNM 20. On third down, Jerrod Johnson threw a touchdown to receiver Jeff Fuller. The Lobos answered with a 45-yard touchdown run by Ferguson on their next possession to cut A&M's lead to 14–7. In the second quarter, both teams failed to move to score on two respective drives. On their final drive of the half, the Aggies drove the ball for 93 yards on 14 plays, ending it with another touchdown pass to Fuller. After an unsuccessful UNM drive, A&M left the field for halftime leading 21–7. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/090708dnspoaglede.4ef2c2f2.html|title=Texas A&M holds on, gives Sherman first win] [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/texasam/stories/090708dnspoagdate.19f0117.html|title=Bennett's fumble return prompts calls from younger brother Martellus] [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/890303.html|title=Backup quarterback saves day for Aggies in sloppy win]

Early in the third quarter, the Lobos scored on a 27-yard field goal, thanks in part to an A&M muffed punt which the Lobos recovered at A&M's 14. Trouble hit the Lobos again when Porterie mishandled a snap, which led to a fumble recovery by defensive end Michael Bennett. Bennett returned the ball for 37 yards and stepped out of the field at the UNM 22. Johnson ended the drive on a 9-yard pass to tight end Jamie McCoy. With 6 minutes left in the game, the Lobos found the end zone on a 5-yard run, though a subsequent two-point conversion failed. The Aggies used their next drive to run out the clock, but eventually had to give the ball back to the Lobos on a punt. The Lobos were able to move 92 yards on 17 plays, capping it with a rushing touchdown by Ferguson. The Lobos then looked to gain the lead with less than a minute in the game, but missed the onside kick recovery. A&M ran out the clock and preserved their 28–22 victory. [cite news|url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/09/07/0907aggies.html|title=Aggies roll past New Mexico] This victory was a milestone in that it was the first non-conference road victory for A&M since the win over Pittsburgh in 2002. [cite press release|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090608aaa.html|title=Texas A&M 28, New Mexico 22] [cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/5987983.html|title=Aggies rebound with first win of Mike Sherman era]

Jerrod Johnson finished the game with 10-of-19 pass completions (including three touchdowns) for 124 yards. Tailback Mike Goodson was held only to 6 carries for 9 yards. Goodson left the game early due to a sprained right knee, although he did return to play for some time in the second half. Fullback Jorvorskie Lane got more playing time, and compiled 19 yards on seven carries. Head coach Mike Sherman stated that Jorvorskie could block and play better than he did in the game. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/091208dnspoambrief.697afb68.html|title=Sherman: Texas A&M backfield needs to get in step] Ryan Tannehill made three receptions for 57 yards, while Jeff Fuller caught 3 for 36. Cyrus Gray finished with 29 rushing yards on 10 carries. [cite news|url=http://www.themonitor.com/sports/_16935___article.html/_.html|title=A&M gives Sherman first win, 28-22 over New Mexico] [cite news|url=http://www.aggiesports.com/football/Robert-Cessna-Grades-the-Aggies2008-09-07T00-11-55|title=Robert Cessna Grades the Aggies - New Mexico]

As for UNM, Rodney Ferguson ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Donovan Proterie completed 22-of-35 for 154 yards, though threw two interceptions. [cite news|url=http://nebraska.scout.com/a.z?s=204&p=2&c=787679|title=Ags earn 28-22 road win over New Mexico ]

Miami (FL)

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Miami (FL)
R1=14
R2=10
R3=17
R4=0
Home=Texas A&M
H1=10
H2=0
H3=7
H4=6This was the third meeting between the two teams. In their first meeting in 1944, the Aggies won 70–14 at the Hurricanes' home field. The 1944 game remains to be Miami's worst loss in their football history. [ [http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/miami/most_delta_points_allowed.php Miami - 50+ Delta Points Allowed In A Game ] ] In their second meeting in 2007, Miami upset the 16th-ranked Aggies 34–17 in their home field, which was the Orange Bowl. The Canes finished 5–7 that season, which was their worst in 30 years. A&M's speed did not match that of Miami's, which is part of the reason why the Canes blanked A&M 31–0 in the first three quarters. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D93A0BP00.html|title=Canes, Aggies trying to regain former glory] This will also be the second time that a Florida team plays at Kyle Field. Florida State first played at the stadium in 1967.cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/920327.html|title=Texas A&M's Mike Sherman could keep Miami guessing about starting QB] [cite news|url=http://www.aggiesports.com/football/Sherman-wants-team-to-forget-last-year-s-34-17-loss|title=Sherman wants team to forget last year's 34-17 loss]

Coming off a bye week, the Aggies looked to regroup at home. After their first two games, the Aggies ranked last in the Big 12 in every major offensive category: scoring offense (21 points per game), rushing yards (112.5), passing yards (157), total offense (269.5 yards), pass efficiency (126), first downs (34) and sacks allowed (seven). Part of the off week was used to practice specific schemes, including third-down and short yardage, which hadn't been worked on in weeks. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/texasam/stories/090908dnspoambrief9.5a2a63ef.html|title=Texas A&M using bye week to scheme for Miami] Quarterback Stephen McGee underwent an MRI on the Monday of the bye week (i.e. directly following the New Mexico game), and the MRI revealed that he suffered a sprained and slightly separated right shoulder. He was not able to practice that week. The following week, both McGee and Jerrod Johnson took snaps during practice. Tailback Mike Goodson, after suffering a mild ankle sprain in the New Mexico game, did not miss any practice time. [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/893625.html|title=Texas A&M: Aggies could catch break] Third-string quarterback Ryan Tannehill may miss the game due to a sprained ankle from the previous game.

Miami, among other things, aimed to improve its passing offense, which had ranked 106th nationally (out of 119 Division I FBS teams). [cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/story/686779.html|title=Can't catch on yet] The Canes lost an away game to Florida 26–3, after holding the Gators to 7 points before the fourth quarter. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit stated that the Canes' play against A&M could determine whether they (Miami) will turn out to be a surprise team this season. [cite news|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/umblog/entries/2008/08/20/herbstreit_texas_am_key_to_ums.html|title=Herbstreit: Texas A&M key to UM’s season] The 113th-nationally-ranked A&M rushing defense, which gave up 255 and 216 rushing yards to Arkansas State and New Mexico, respectively, [cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/893625.html|title=Texas A&M: Aggies could catch break] could catch a break in this game as Miami lost its starting running back in Javarris James, who sprained his right ankle early in the Florida game. [cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/08/sports/FBC-Miami-James.php|title= Miami RB James has high ankle sprain] [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D93A0BP00.html|title=Canes, Aggies trying to regain former glory] Miami's speed on defense outmatches that of the Aggies. The Canes' defense had ranked 8th nationally 17 tackles for a loss. However, they have yet to produce a turnover. [cite news|url=http://www.theledger.com/article/20080919/NEWS/809190422/1341/SPORTS&title=Miami_Defense_Hopes_Hard_Work_Translates_Into_Forced_Turnovers|title=Miami Defense Hopes Hard Work Translates Into Forced Turnovers]

Army

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Army
R1=0
R2=7
R3=3
R4=7
Home=Texas A&M
H1=0
H2=14
H3=7
H4=0This was the fourth game in the series between the Army Black Knights and the Aggies, and the second of the AT&T Corps Classic. Army's lone trip to College Station was in 1972, the only time they defeated A&M. [cite news|url=http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/COLUMNS46/809250318/1033/sports06|title=Aggies offer memories from days at Army] The third game, which was played in the Alamodome in 2006, was the debut of the AT&T Corps Classic. The Black Knights failed to score in the final drive of the game, and A&M escaped with a 28–24 victory. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=262590245&period=4 ESPN - Army Black Knights vs. Texas A&M Aggies Play-by-Play, September 16 2006 - NCAA College Football] ]

Army had lost all of its previous three home games to Temple, New Hampshire, and Akron. The Black Knights had been outscored 85–20, and did not score more than 10 points in each of those games. Over the past two seasons, they posted a 1–9 record in away games. Using its triple option attack, Army had averaged 179 rushing yards per game, ranking 41st in the country. Its 118th-ranked passing offense, however, had recorded only 77 yards per game. [cite news|url=http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/29727024.html|title=Aggies Prepare For Army Ground Game] The offense had also lost 10 fumbles, the most of any Division I team. [cite news|url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/09/27/0927aggies.html|title=Aggies face an offensive throwback] On the other side of the ball, the Black Knights had limited their opposition to 309.7 ypg. The defense had also produced five turnovers, though the front line had only forced two sacks in the first three games. [cite news|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/470/story/513612.html|title=Army (0-3) at Texas A&M (1-2)]

Oklahoma State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Texas A&M
R1=7
R2=0
R3=7
R4=14
Home=#22 Oklahoma State
H1=21
H2=7
H3=14
H4=14The Aggies had a four-game winning streak coming into their 24th meeting with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. They also had held a 7–3 record for games played at Stillwater. In the 2007 home game, after trailing 17–0 at the end of the first half, the Aggies matched their largest comeback in school history to defeat the Cowboys 24–23. [cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2007-10-06-1313641550_x.htm|title=Lane scores 3 TDs as Aggies come back to beat Oklahoma State|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=2008-02-14|date=2007-10-03] In the 2006 meeting at Stillwater, the Aggies defeated the Cowboys 34–33 in overtime, after defensive tackle Red Bryant blocked the overtime field goal attempt that would have tied the game at 34–34 and started a second overtime. [cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/football/history/opp/oklahomastate.html|title=All-Time Football Scores: Oklahoma State|publisher=Texas A&M University Athletic Department|accessdate=2007-09-27]

OSU entered the game with a nationally-ranked No. 1 rushing offense, No. 3 scoring offense, and No. 4 total offense. The Aggies, on the other hand, came in with a 115th-ranked rushing defense, and a scoring and total offense that had placed last in the Big 12. OSU, which was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2004, [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D93IFT7O0.html|title=Texas A&M-Oklahoma State Preview Capsule] was a 24-point favorite. [cite news|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=20080930_93_B1_STILLW365558|title= OSU aims for end to Aggie wins]

In the first half, OSU outscored A&M 28–7. The Cowboys gained a 7–0 lead when defensive end Ugo Chinasa returned an interception 6 yards for a touchdown. The Cowboys scored again with Zac Robinson's 29-yard throw to Dez Bryant to make the score 14–0. Bryant later ran a 78-yard punt return for another touchdown to extend the lead to 21–0. ESPN's SportsCenter called Bryant's touchdown return the No. 1 play of the night. A&M finally answered with Mike Goodson running an 80-yard touchdown, the longest of his career. There were five A&M turnovers in the first half alone. [cite news|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20081004_298_STIL100716|title= OSU on top 21-7 through one quarter against Texas A&M] OSU did not convert on three lost A&M fumbles. [cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/texasam/stories/100508dnspoagosudate.1addf76.html|title=Turnovers could have turned out worse for A&M]

Kansas State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Kansas State
R1=7
R2=20
R3=3
R4=14
Home=Texas A&M
H1=3
H2=7
H3=6
H4=14The Aggies came into the game with an 8–4 all-time record with the Kansas State Wildcats, and a 5-game winning streak, which started in 1998 when the Aggies defeated the Wildcats 36–33 (in two overtimes) to win the Big 12 Championship. The Wildcats are led by third-year head coach Ron Prince, who led the Wildcats to a 7–6 record and an appearance in the Texas Bowl in 2006, and a 5–7 record in 2007. In both seasons, however, he led his team to upset the Texas Longhorns, who were ranked among the top 10 in the national polls coming into the matchups.cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263152306 | title=Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State | publisher=Associated Press | date=12 November 2006 | accessdate=2006-11-17] [cite news | url=http://tamu.scout.com/a.z?s=187&p=2&c=685742 | title=Sunflower Showdown Next for No. 24 Cats | work=Scout.com | publisher=College Football News | date=October 12007|accessdate=2007-10-06]

Coach Prince used his 2008 junior college transfers to strengthen the team's play. [cite news|url=http://www.kansan.com/stories/2008/aug/21/sp_footballkstate/|title=Juco players expected to help K-State]

Texas Tech

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Road=Texas Tech
R1=
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Home=Texas A&M
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H4=The Aggies lead the all-time series with the Texas Tech Red Raiders 34–31–1, though have not defeated them since the 2004 season, when they won in overtime at Kyle Field. Ninth-year Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach has a 6–2 record with the Aggies. The Red Raiders completed their 2007 season with a 9–4 record, which includes a comeback win against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2008 Gator Bowl.cite web |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=280010258 |title=ESPN Gator Bowl Game Recap|author=AP |accessdate=2008-01-03 |date=2008-01-01 |work=ESPN.com] They also led the nation in passing offense and were second in total offense, [cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Internet/ranking_summary/2007000000700.HTML|title=Texas Tech ( 9 - 4 - 0 ) Thru: 01/07/08|publisher=NCAA|accessdate=2008-02-14] due in part to Sammy Baugh Trophy winning quarterback Graham Harrell and unanimous first-team All-American wide receiver Michael Crabtree. In fact, Leach's spread offense philosophy has allowed the Red Raiders to rank among the top 10 passing offense teams in the country ever since the 2001 season. [cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2001/Internet/ranking_summary/DIVISION1.HTML|title=Division I Football 2001 season team statistics|publisher=NCAA|accessdate=2008-02-14] [cite news|url=http://www.redraiders.com/stories/122707/foo_122707001.shtml|title=Red Raider air attack different than other spread offenses|publisher=RedRaiders.com|work="The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal"|accessdate=2008-02-14|date=2007-12-27]

Iowa State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Iowa State
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Texas A&M
H1=
H2=
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H4=The Aggies had held an undefeated 7–0 record against the Cyclones until the 2005 meeting, when they lost 42–14 at Kyle Field. [cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=253020245|title=Blythe spirit: Receiver powers Cyclones' rout of A&M|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=2008-02-17] The Cyclones were led by Dan McCarney, who was 0–6 against the Aggies until that matchup. McCarney resigned from Iowa State in 2006 to accept an assistant coaching position at South Florida. Former Texas Longhorns co-defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who coached the Longhorns to their national championship in 2005, was hired to replace him. Chizik led the Cyclones to a 3–9 record in the 2007 season.

Colorado

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Colorado
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Texas A&M
H1=
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H4=Coming into the game, the Aggies have a 2–5 overall record against the Colorado Buffaloes. Of the three games that were played at Kyle Field, the Aggies have only won the 2004 contest. In the preseason, the Buffaloes also acquired Darrell Scott, who was ranked the best running back in the 2008 recruiting class by Rivals.com. [cite web|url=http://colorado.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1821|title=Rivals.com running backs 2008]

Oklahoma

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Oklahoma
R1=
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Home=Texas A&M
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H4=Under current head coach Bob Stoops, the Sooners are 3–1 against the Aggies in games played at Kyle Field. All three of their victories have been within one touchdown. In the offseason, a columnist for "The Oklahoman" stated "Sooner-Aggie games at Kyle Field have been classics this decade." [cite news|url=http://newsok.com/ranking-the-big-12-games/article/3275480/?tm=1217125888|title=Ranking the Big 12 games] In the 2000 game, the Sooners intercepted a pass by Mark Farris and returned it for a touchdown to win 35–31. They eventually ended up winning the 2000 national title. [cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3406050|title=2001 Hurricanes cream of BCS champions crop] In 2002, the Aggies upset then-ranked No. 1 Oklahoma 30–26. The Sooners came into the 2004 game ranked No. 2, and scored a touchdown with 6:43 remaining in the game to win 42–35. In 2006, the Aggies allowed the Sooners to escape with a one-point victory. The A&M coaching staff elected to kick a field goal with 3:28 remaining in the game, instead of going for it on fourth down. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=263080245|title=(18) Oklahoma 17, (21) Texas A&M 16]

Baylor

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Texas A&M
R1=
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Home=Baylor
H1=
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H4=The Aggies come into the 2008 Battle of the Brazos leading 65–30–9. A&M had held a 13-game winning streak against Baylor until 2004, when the Bears upset a ranked Aggie team in Waco. Art Briles took over as the Bears' new head coach in the offseason, replacing Guy Morriss.

Texas

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Texas A&M
R1=
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Home=Texas
H1=
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H4=

This game marks the 115th meeting between Texas and the Texas A&M Aggies and it will be the fifth year as part of a multi-sport rivalry called the Lone Star Showdown. The football rivalry began in 1894 and it is the longest-running rivaly for both the Longhorns and the Aggies and it is also the third most-played rivalry in Division I-A college football. [cite news | url=http://www.1122productions.com/rivalries/t.html | title=College Football Rivalries | accessdate-2007-03-31] Texas entered into the 2007 contest with a 73–35–5 record.cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=298&change_well_id=2 | title=All Time Record vs. Opponents | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2007-03-31] Since the series began in 1900, the game has traditionally been played on Thanksgiving Day or Thanksgiving weekend.cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23|format=PDF] The 2007 game marked the twelfth straight game to be scheduled the day after Thanksgiving.cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2007-04-02|format=PDF] The two schools have agreed to move the game back to Thanksgiving day for the 2008 and 2009 contests. The 2008 game marks the first televised by ESPN since the 1993 season. The game was not televised in the 1994 season, and ABC had taken the role from 1995–2007. The game was first televised by ESPN in the 1984 season, when the Aggies upset the Longhorns at Austin. From then, the Aggies won six consecutive games up until the 1990 matchup, when CBS broadcasted the Aggie loss. ESPN broadcasted the subsequent Aggie victories from the 1991–93 seasons. This makes the Aggies 9–0 all-time in ESPN-televised matchups. [cite press release|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=&PRID=13998|title=Thanksgiving Football for Aggies and Longhorns|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-02-25|date=2008-02-25]

The 2006 meeting was the first time in eight years that both teams entered the game with at least eight wins coming into the match-up.cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/20/20texfoot.html | title=Aggies and Longhorns need Friday's game to rid themselves of November melancholy | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=20 November 2006 | accessdate=2006-11-23] That game came one week after UT's loss to Kansas State and the Longhorns suffered a 7–12 loss to the Aggies.cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2643&change_well_id=2 | title=Texas A&M Game notes | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=24 November 2006 | accessdate=2007-04-02] Going back to 1999 when UT lost the final three games of the season, the Longhorns had gone 87 games without losing back-to-back games. That was the longest active streak for any college or professional football team. Despite the Aggies' mediocre performance in the 2007 season, they [defeated the Longhorns 38–30.cite news | url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/games/boxscores/MFB_2160_TA12-UT.HTM#GAME.PLY | title=Box Score| publisher=Texas A&M Athletics Department | date=November 23 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-25] At the beginning of the post-game press conference, Franchione announced his resignation effective immediately.cite news | url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=MFB&PRID=13659 | title=Darnell Named Interim Head Football Coach | publisher=Texas A&M Athletics Department | date=November 24 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-25]

During the week before the game, the Longhorns will hold their traditional Hex Rally. As a result of a tragic accident in 1999, the Aggies can no longer hold a school sponsored version of their traditional Bonfire [cite news | url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2005/11/16/MailCall/Bonfire.Needs.Support.Of.Student.Body-1058980.shtml | title=Bonfire needs support of student body | publisher=The Battalion | date=November 16 2005 | author=Dugan, Patrick | accessdate=2007-03-31] but an unofficial "Student Bonfire" is planned. [cite news | url=http://www.studentbonfire.com/pages/about.html | title=About student bonfire | publisher=Student Bonfire | accessdate=2007-03-31] For the 2007 game, Texas A&M also hosted its annual Maroon Out on game day. [cite web|url=http://maroonout.tamu.edu/|title=Maroon Out|publisher=Texas A&M University|accessdate=2007-08-16]

References

External links

* [http://www.aggieathletics.com/index.php?SID=MFB Official Texas A&M football website]
* [http://www.aggieathletics.com/coaches.php?SID=MFB Official coach bios]
* [http://www.aggiesports.com/football/TEXAS_A_amp_amp_M_2008_ROSTER__RETURNING_SCHOLARSHIP_PLAYERS_ONLY_ Returning Texas A&M scholarship players]