Q&A: Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M

Stephen McGee, Texas A&M QB, was interviewed on The All Access Football Show by Daniel Mogollon, Ralph Mancini and Rodney Towe on April 3, 2009

We're 22 days away from the Draft. What’s going through your mind, and what type of preparations are you making at this time?

McGee: Just enjoying the whole process right now, just doing the same things I’ve always done, continuing to workout and get in shape as if I’m preparing for spring ball or football camp. I think most importantly, just trying to get ready for those five days after, when we go to our first mini-camp.

Any meetings or private workouts with an NFL teams for you?

McGee: Yeah, I’ve had a couple. I had a couple here in College Station in addition to the Pro Day. We had some quarterback coaches and offensive coordinators here for that. So far it’s been pretty good and I’m just excited about the future.

You want to mention any of those teams that you had the workout with?

McGee: I would mention them, but they all threatened to not to draft me if I told everybody who I worked out with.(laughs)

Well that’s a good reason not to mention that! So you’ve been through a number of post season practices, you’ve been to the Combine. How do you feel you stack up against the top quarterbacks in the country right now?

McGee: I’ll match myself up with any quarterback in the nation. I’m not afraid to say that. Obviously I’ve had some things happen to me in my career that were things I couldn’t control and if you want to knock for me those, that’s fine. But when you look at what it takes to be a great quarterback in the NFL—size, strength, arm, quick release, and most importantly accuracy and the intangibles that it takes to be successful—I know I have all of those. Wherever I go, I know I’ll be happy and it’ll work out.

Aside from your physical gifts, the one thing that people all say about you is that you are the ultimate team leader. Tell us, what does it take to be a leader on the field? What does it take to gain the respect of your teammates?

McGee: I think the most important thing about it is my teammates see me prepare every week. They see me workout. There’s not going to be anybody who works any harder, nobody who’s gonna prepare any more than I will to be successful and I want to win at everything that I do. I’m extremely competitive and because of that the guys respect me and they’ll follow me because they see me do it first. Moving onto the field I want to be a guy who’s an encourager and there are obviously times as a quarterback and a leader when you have to get in a guy’s face, but those are few and far between. Hopefully I can be the guy that encourages guys and makes people better.

One of the things we often talk about here on the show is player interviews. Earlier this week there was a story out where one of the NFL coaches, Mike Singletary from the San Francisco 49ers, was somewhat critical of Matthew Stafford because he was sort of uncomfortable in answering some personal questions, some family questions. You’ve been through the interview process a number of times already. Did you encounter any situations where you felt uncomfortable answering questions that you thought were too personal?

McGee: Oh no, not at all. I think when these guys are investing a lot of money in you, you want to let them know what they’re investing their money in and they have good reasons to ask those questions. They need to know what kind of person you are and what you’re all about. I have nothing to hide. I’ve tried to do things the best way I possibly could up to this point, on the field and off the field. I’m not scared to tell people what I am and what I believe in and the kind of person I want to be.

Let me ask you a little bit about your playing days as an Aggie. From my perspective, sometimes it seemed like you were kind of being forced into the coach's system or the coordinator's system rather than people trying to devise a system best suited to your skills. Am I way off base with that, or is that something you were talking about in terms of things that were out of your control to some extent?

McGee: That’s certainly one of them. I can’t control what plays that we do and what we run. My biggest thing is not what plays we run, whether I run the ball 50 times a game or throw the ball 50 times a game. I think most importantly, the goal of any great quarterback is to win the ball game. Whatever it takes to be successful, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Obviously I am more of a throwing quarterback and I was put into a lot of running situations as a quarterback, and that’s fine. I’m willing to sacrifice my own individual success for the team’s success and I’ve always viewed that as the role of a quarterback, to be unselfish, to be the leader that guys can rally behind. Certainly the offense we ran last season is probably not the best offense to be in as far as preparing for the NFL, but it’s going to work out in the end. I’m glad I got to go through the things that I did.

Tell us a little bit about what it’s like to go on that field with the 12th Man and the crowd going nuts there at Texas A&M, one of the best scenes in college football.

McGee: There’s no doubt about it. The tradition and the spirit that the 12th Man embodies is unmatched, I feel, in all of college sports. It’s an amazing thing to witness and to be a part of it is even more special. There’s nowhere else in all of America that I would rather play football than at Texas A&M. If I could do it all over, I’d go right back to Texas A&M and people ask that all the time. Of all the schools that I could have gone to and all the success those schools have had, would I change my mind? Without a doubt I would be right back here at Texas A&M. It’s an amazing place and the people who go here are special. There’s something different there. It’s very unique.

One more before we move on. After you guys score, the cadets get to kiss the girls. Do you ever think to yourself, “Hey, I’m the one that threw the touchdown, how come the guys in the stands get to kiss the girl?”

McGee: (laughs) That’s a good point, but I think we can make up for that after the game, I guess (laughs).

Three and out...First down...your favorite movie is?

McGee: Dumb and Dumber.

Second down...your favorite female artist—Beyonce, Madonna, Britney Spears or Gwen Stefani?

McGee: Britney Spears.

Third down...growing up, who was your favorite superhero?

McGee: The Mutant Ninja Turtles, Donatello.

(Laughs) Now you made feel old because I remember buying them for my kid brother when I was in college.

Photo Credit: Texas A&M Media Relations Office, College Press Box

Pro Day Rewind: Week Three

By ANDREW GARDA

Two weeks in the books and Pro Day season is proving to be just as exciting and intriguing this year as it is every year. With Ohio State, Boston College and Alabama taking center stage next week, it shows no signs of slacking off anytime soon.

But before we glance at the new week, let’s take a look at the week that was.

As will be the case from here until the first week in April, there were tons of schools trotting out athletes for Pro Days. Below are some of the schools whose players made the biggest impact or impression last week.

Baylor: Scouts and staff from 15 NFL teams came to Baylor’s workout, and it shouldn’t be surprising to most folks that three were offensive line coaches given that offensive tackle Jason Smith was scheduled to work out. Smith, projected by many to be a top ten pick this April, did position drills but let his Combine numbers stand for everything else. He did struggle some in the push and pull, but overall likely did nothing to dissuade any team thinking about taking him in the first round. He and fellow lineman Dan Gay stayed after the event to work out for the three line coaches representing Jacksonville, Cincinnati and Seattle. St. Louis is slated to work out Smith in private on March 12th.

TCU: Every NFL team was represented at TCU this year and got a bit of a shock when linebacker prospect Jason Phillips revealed he had a torn meniscus in his left knee. Phillips believes the injury was suffered at the Scouting Combine. He underwent surgery on Wednesday and understandably did not workout on Friday and could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks.

With that out of the way, the Scouts settled down to business and were met with another, much nicer surprise. Center Blake Schueter had an eye-opening workout which many are saying may have vaulted him into the latter part of April’s Draft.

Measuring a super-sized 6' 2 3/8”, 290 pounds, Schueter ran the 40 in an impressive 4.7 seconds and jumped a 35-inch vertical as well as killing the long jump, short shuttle and three-cone. For a big man, he can move and while he seems over-sized for an NFL center, he definitely made people sit up and take notice.

Wisconsin: Twenty-eight teams came by the Badgers’ Pro Day, including an offensive line coach from Carolina and a tight end coach from Jacksonville. As I mentioned last week, P. J. Hill needed to have a big day and it’s questionable whether he did that or not. Running a 4.65 and a 4.63 in the 40 didn’t catch him up to an already slower class from the Combine, though he had a nice 37-inch vertical and a respectable 4.24 in the short shuttle. Meanwhile, tight end Travis Beckum ran an outstanding 4.61 and 4.63 in the 40 and added a 38.5 inch vertical and a 9 foot 10 inch broad jump. Top guard prospect Kraig Urbik also put on a solid performance, improving upon his times across the board, improving his 40 by at least seven tenths of a second (5.30 and 5.25) and shaving fourteen tenths of a second off his short shuttle (4.75). Fellow guard Andy Kemp also improved, running a 5.35 and a 5.38, besting his Combine 40 time of 5.48. All in all, it was a great day for the Badgers who did a good job improving upon their numbers and showing the scouts what they had.

Texas A&M: Several players had to step up on the Aggies’ Pro Day and while I was looking forward to hearing some more on running back Mike Goodson, it was quarterback Stephen McGee who really impressed the 17 scouts who showed up. Jaguars quarterback coach Mike Shula showed up as well and ran McGee through his paces. All indications are that he did very well in the positional drills. While he may be a longshot right now, this workout certainly put him on some people’s radar. As for Goodson, he ran a crisp 4.43 and 4.47 in the 40, which bettered his already-fast Scouting Combine time. However, the Aggies are one of three teams that lay a rubber surface over the indoor field turf for players to run on and that tends to reduce the 40 times just a bit. Still, Goodson continues to move up some charts and this Pro Day could solidify him as a late second day pick. Defensive end Michael Bennett also had a solid day, improving upon his Combine numbers in the 40 and the vertical jump.

Missouri: As expected, quarterback Chase Daniel, tight end Chase Coffman, and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin did not work out for attending scouts. Maclin is still nursing a knee injury suffered in Indianapolis but should be ready to go on the second Mizzou Pro Day on March 19th.


Instead it was the defense’s time to shine, and safety William Moore led the way with some excellent positional drills, solid 4.51 and 4.49 times in the 40, and a 6.94 in the three-cone. He also posted a 10 foot, six inch broad jump. Moore continues to be one of the top safety prospects in the Draft. Defensive end Evander Hood also did very well and his 4.45 shuttle, 7.32 three-cone and 35 reps in the bench press keep him at the top of many scouts' and analyst’s list of defensive tackles.

Troy: The group at Troy was led by cornerback Sherrod Martin, who built on his solid Scouting Combine with a great group of positional and workout drills. He was watched by 15 teams, including a pair of defensive back coaches.

Western Illinois: Fourteen teams showed up to watch 11 players, but the focus was largely on linebacker Jason Williams who did well overall on the wooden gym floor where the event was held. His 4.49 and 4.52 40 times were solid, but the slippery floor hurt his shuttle times which hopefully won’t cost him too much given the location and situation.

UNLV: The standout at UNLV’s Pro Day was running back Frank Summers, who ran a 4.63 and a 4.64 40 yard dash as well as a 4.35 short shuttle and benched 30 reps on the bench press.

Liberty: Everyone was talking about running back Rashad Jennings post Scouting Combine and six teams sent staff to check him out again. Jennings topped his 4.58 Combine 40-time with a 4.52 and bested his three cone time by .05 seconds with a 6.79 time. A second guy who took the opportunity to impress the visiting scouts was quarterback Brock Smith who had a very nice workout, including a 4.87 and 4.84 40 and a decent showing in position drills.

Even after that long week, there’s no rest for the scouting groups as another voluminous list of Pro Days await them this week. Here are some of the days and players to keep an eye on:

Alabama (March 11): There are several interesting prospects to watch here, but none will be under more scrutiny than offensive tackle Andre Smith. Smith has to prove that the disaster at the NFL Scouting Combine – the admission he hadn’t been working, the disappearance on Saturday – were mere hiccups and not a trend. If he says the wrong thing in a brief interview or does not look prepared, he could be in for a fall in April.

Boston College (March 12): In an interview on NFLDraftbible’s All Access Football, top defensive tackle prospect B. J. Raji said he would only be doing positional drills at BC’s Pro Day, standing on the numbers from his outstanding Combine performance. Why mess with perfection? Instead, scouts can check out strong safety Kevin Akins and defensive tackle Ron Brace, amongst other players.

Oklahoma State (March 12): Brandon Pettigrew is a guy to watch here, considered by many to be the top tight end prospect. He could benefit by bettering his 40 if he can, but this guy shines on tape so positional drills could be the place for him to lock his ranking up.

Ohio State (March 13): A bevy of talented players will show off for scouts on Friday the 13th, led by running back Chris Wells, linebacker James Laurinaitis and Combine hot-shot wide receiver Brian Robiskie. All three have questions about them and all three will have to come prepared to leave scouts satisfied they know the answers.

Oregon (March 12): I am very interested to see what running back Jeremiah Johnson can do to try and gain some ground on the top ten backs. Johnson is not outstanding in any one area, but might be able to impress scouts by showcasing his versatility.

Of course that’s not all this week holds. Check back next week and every week as we cover the surprises, shocks, and disappointments that Pro Days always bring.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Baylor, TCU, Missouri), SEC Sports Media, Texas A&M Media Relations Office, OSU Athletics

Pro Day Preview: Wisky, A&M & Mizzou

By ANDREW GARDA

Here are some players to keep an eye on this coming week:

Wisconsin (March 4): P. J. Hill needs to allay some fears caused by his decision not to work out at the NFL Scouting Combine. Hurt or not, he needs to nail this audition if he wants to have a shot at being drafted. It’s not an incredible ‘home run’ running back draft class but there are some good project-type backs. If Hill wants to earn a chance, he’s going to have to have a very good day. Hill surprised many when he checked in at a svelte 222 pounds, now let's see if translates to faster 40-time.

Texas A&M (March 4): Keep an eye on Mike Goodson, a running back who could also play wide receiver. He had a solid Combine, finishing in the top ten in multiple categories. Another good workout could bump him up in the running back rankings.

Missouri (March 5): Some players will work out on the 19th, but the group who could show up on the 5th includes Jeremy Maclin and Chase Daniel. Maclin is hot off a Combine effort-some sites have him among the top three wide receiver prospects-while Daniel has seen his stock fall due to his lack of size and the fact that he worked out of the shotgun quite a bit. A good Pro Day could go a long way for both players, though Daniel needs it more. Chase Coffman, who could not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to a leg injury, will not be ready for the first of two Missouri Pro Days. The senior tight end tells the NFL Draft Bible he hopes to be ready for Pro Day No. 2 on the 19th.

We’ll talk about all of these players and many more each week as we move closer to the 2009 NFL Draft.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 29, 1997: At the inaugural Sports Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho, Cincinnati beats Utah State 35-19. Bearcats quarterback Chad Plummer throws for a touchdown and rushes for a touchdown while Cornelius Bonner catches two touchdown passes. It was Cincinnati's first bowl game since the 1951 Sun Bowl.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

Oct. 20, 1956: Playing in 90 mile-per-hour winds, Texas A&M upsets No. 4 Texas Christian University in "The Hurricane Game." The Horned Frogs reach the Aggies' goal line three times in the first half, but are unable to convert. A controversial call by the referees declares that future College Football Hall of Famer Jim Swink's dive into the end zone is inches shy of the goal line. Future Hall of Famer John David Crow's eight-yard touchdown catch plus Loyd Taylor's extra point seal the Aggies 7-6 win in College Station.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

September 19, 1959: Texas Tech defeats Texas A&M 20-14 in Dallas, marking the first time in series history the Raiders win two consecutive games over the Aggies.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Aggies hire Sherman to replace Franchione

By CHRIS DUNCAN
AP Sports Writer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - Former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman was hired as Texas A&M's coach Monday, three days after Dennis Franchione resigned.

Sherman's current job is as the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator under Gary Kubiak, a former quarterback and assistant for the Aggies.

Sherman was A&M's offensive line coach from 1989-93 and then in 1995-96 under R.C Slocum.

Franchione took a contract buyout and stepped down Friday, less than an hour after Texas A&M upset Texas 38-30. Defensive coordinator Gary Darnell was named interim coach Saturday and will lead the Aggies (7-5, 4-4 Big 12) in a bowl game.

The 52-year-old Sherman hasn't coached in college since leaving A&M to become an assistant in Green Bay in 1996. He'll coach the remainder of the season for the Texans (5-6).

Sherman became the Packers' head coach in 2000, and Green Bay went 59-43 and won three NFC North titles in his six seasons. The Packers also produced two of the four highest-scoring seasons in franchise history under Sherman.

Sherman joined Kubiak's Texans staff after he was fired by Green Bay last year. He became the offensive coordinator this season, after Troy Calhoun left to become the coach at Air Force.

A&M went 32-28 in five seasons under Franchione and couldn't gain ground on the Big 12's elite teams, going 3-12 against Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech. The Aggies haven't won the Big 12 since 1998.

This season began to spiral downward after Franchione's personal assistant was caught sending out a newsletter with inside information about the team to boosters for a fee. Athletic director Bill Byrne fired the assistant, admonished Franchione and ordered the coach to shut down his personal Web site.

Byrne said the school completed an internal investigation into the newsletter - called the ``VIP Connection'' - and found that Franchione ``did not intentionally, knowingly, or directly participate in actions that were inappropriate or in violation of rules or policies.''

Byrne said he never knew about the newsletters and acknowledged that Franchione may have breached his contract by not reporting the income he received from them. Byrne also said the newsletters may have violated NCAA and Big 12 rules.

A&M's impatient fan base was already fed up with Franchione.

He was reputed as a program rebuilder and an offensive innovator before he arrived, but the Aggies finished with losing records in two of his first three seasons. While other Big 12 programs employed fast-paced, pass-oriented offenses, A&M switched to an old-fashioned option scheme.

The Aggies rank last in the Big 12 and 101st nationally in passing offense, averaging 187 yards per game.

They're hoping Sherman can bring some of the Packers' offensive fireworks to College Station.

In 2003, the Packers scored 442 points, just 14 shy of the franchise record. The next season, Green Bay set team records for total yards (6,357) and passing yards (4,449).

Few coaches have made successful transitions recently from the pros to college.

Former Raiders coach Bill Callahan was fired Saturday after four mediocre years at Nebraska. Former Bears and Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt has struggled at Pittsburgh.

Former Cowboys coach Chan Gailey was fired Monday after six seasons at Georgia Tech. After two strong seasons under former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Notre Dame set a school record for losses this year.

Pete Carroll is one of the coaches who has had success at both levels. He guided New England to the AFC East title in 1997 and has led Southern Cal to two national championships since taking over the program in 2000.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Texas A&M Media Relations Office

McGee accounts for 4 TDs, Aggies beat No. 13 Texas

By STEPHEN HAWKINS
AP Sports Writer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - No secrets here. Another win over Texas probably won't be enough to save Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione's job.

Franchione's likely finale at least provided a fun day for the Aggies' faithful, a 38-30 victory over the 13th-ranked Longhorns on Friday.

With a seemingly inspired performance - maybe for Franchione, but more likely the pride of beating their hated rival - the Aggies (7-5, 4-4 Big 12) have consecutive victories over Texas for the first time since 1991-94 under Franchione's predecessor, R.C. Slocum.

Stephen McGee threw for a career-high 362 yards with three touchdowns and scored on a hard-driving run. Holder T.J. Sanders got his only career TD when he capped A&M's 95-yard drive with a 5-yard TD run on a fake field goal and the defense forced three turnovers (two fumbles, interception) by Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

Texas (9-3, 5-3), which after its first 0-2 conference start since 1956 had won five straight games, still has an outside shot of making it to the Big 12 championship game if 10th-ranked Oklahoma loses to Oklahoma State on Saturday.

For Franchione, his satisfaction will have to come from beating Texas twice. There have been no Big 12 titles, and his 32-28 record over the past five seasons is far from what was expected when he took over in Aggieland - especially for the $2 million a year he's scheduled to make through 2012.

A 12-7 victory last year that kept Texas out of the Big 12 title game seemed to bolster the coach's future, and fend off the anti-Franchione sentiment.

This one appears to be too late for Franchione, coming after four losses the previous five games and his secretive, pay-for electronic newsletter.

Mike Goodson ran 12 times for 72 yards and caught six passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns for the Aggies. McGee was 25-of-36 with two interceptions.

McCoy was 17-of-32 for 229 yards. Jamaal Charles ran 17 times for 92 yards, with an 8-yard TD the play after Brandon Foster's 38-yard interception return in the third quarter.

Two touchdowns in the final 7:36 weren't enough for the Longhorns, who now have to wait and see what happens Saturday. If the Sooners lose, there will be a three-way tie for the Big 12 South lead and the division representative for the league title game would be determined by which team is higher in the next BCS standings.

In late September, Franchione acknowledged that his personal assistant was sending inside information to boosters who paid $1,200 a year to get the e-mails. School officials admonished the coach for the private newsletter and said the embarrassing episode would be a factor in deciding whether he returns next season.

Athletic director Bill Byrne has repeatedly said that he would sit down with Franchione and evaluate his future at the end of the season. With a bowl game likely, the timing of that meeting is uncertain.

Still, Franchione was downright giddy on the field Friday.

With the Aggies up 17-0 right before halftime and Texas lined up for a field goal, Franchione called timeout just before the snap and then had a huge grin on his face. The Longhorns were going to fake the kick, hoping to duplicate A&M's success the previous drive, but the play was ruled dead and they then settled for Ryan Bailey's 27-yard field goal.

Then in the fourth quarter, Franchione was jubilantly jogging and waving first down for the Aggies after Kellen Heard forced the second fumble by McCoy.

Sanders, the seldom-used senior listed as a backup quarterback, put the Aggies up 17-0 when he took the snap and placed the ball briefly on the ground. He then picked it up and swept around right end on A&M's only fake field goal try this season.

McGee scored on a 6-yard keeper late in the third quarter, when he was hit at the 4, again at the 2 and kept driving until he was in the end zone for a 24-10 lead.

Quan Cosby returned the ensuing kickoff 91 yards for a TD, but the Aggies quickly answered at the start of the fourth quarter when McGee threw a 44-yard TD to Goodson.

After Texas went three-and-out, McGee threw a 66-yard TD pass to Earvin Taylor for a 38-17 lead.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Texas A&M Media Relations Office

Aggies facing another crossroads heading into Texas game

By CHRIS DUNCAN
AP Sports Writer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - Five years later, Texas A&M is back where it started.

In 2002, the Aggies were 6-5 heading into their season finale with Texas, and disgruntled fans were calling for a coaching change. By then, A&M had slipped from elite to ordinary, the ``Wrecking Crew'' defense had become a remnant of the past and its once-steady supply of in-state recruits had started looking elsewhere.

The Longhorns beat the Aggies 50-20 and three days later, R.C. Slocum was fired. Texas finished 10-2, won the Big 12 South and played in the Cotton Bowl.

The bitter rivals meet for the 114th time Friday and the scenario is much the same, right down to the records.

Dennis Franchione succeeded Slocum, but he has failed to lead the Aggies back to prominence, with hardly a defining victory to show for his efforts. With a messy e-mail scandal this season added to his ho-hum record, he's likely coaching his last game for A&M, even if the Aggies (6-5, 3-4 Big 12) beat the 13th-ranked Longhorns (9-2, 5-2).

Franchione, 31-28 at A&M, has dodged questions about his future since his personal assistant was caught e-mailing inside information about the program to boosters who paid $1,200 a year to get it. The anti-Franchione sentiment from fans has only intensified as the Aggies have lost four of their past five games.

The school has reportedly started negotiating a buyout of Franchione's $2 million-per-year contract that runs through 2012. A&M officials have denied those reports.

Franchione says he's kept himself insulated from the firestorm seemingly swirling around him.

``I get here early, and I spend all of my time working on game plans with the coaches,'' Franchione said. ``I go to practice, I spend my time with the team. As I eat dinner, I watch the practice tape.

``Other than my personal family, that is my entire focus. It has been for almost all the time. And certainly, this year. That's the only thing that I control, and that's what's most important.''

Franchione probably saved his job by beating Texas 12-7 last season, A&M's first win in Austin since 1994. The Aggies drove 88 yards for the deciding touchdown in the closing minutes to snap a six-game losing streak in the series.

There's been even less margin for error on the field this season for the Aggies, who have faced the added burden of answering countless questions about the uncertainty surrounding Franchione.

But the Aggies say playing in games like last year's win over Texas make it worthwhile.

``Those moments you have like that one, when you got in the huddle and those guys were laying it all on the line for each other, that's something you hold on to forever,'' said quarterback Stephen McGee, who ran for the winning touchdown last year.

Once again, the Longhorns are playing for much more than sentiment.

Texas can win the South Division with a victory over A&M and an Oklahoma loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Horns can also secure their seventh consecutive 10-win season.

And there's that whole revenge thing - the loss to A&M last year cost Texas a berth in the Big 12 title game.

``We have a bad taste in our mouth,'' quarterback Colt McCoy said. ``We lost the opportunity to be able to play for the Big 12 championship and who knows what happens after that. I think it's big for us to go down there to finish this season.''

The Longhorns have averaged 42 points during a five-game winning streak that started after a loss to their other big rival, Oklahoma. In that span, McCoy has averaged 264 passing yards per game and thrown 10 touchdowns.

``We know that ever since the Oklahoma game, we have talked about finishing, we've talked about being committed to one another and fighting to the end,'' said McCoy, who gave a passionate speech in the locker room after the OU loss dropped Texas to 0-2 in conference for the first time in 50 years. ``I think that we have showed that throughout all the games since then.''

Like all in-state rivalries, Texas-Texas A&M divides families, strains marriages and pits former high school teammates against each other.

McGee and Texas receiver Jordan Shipley led Burnet to Class 3A championship games in 2002 and '03. Aggies offensive lineman Kirk Elder's mother went to A&M, and his stepfather played for legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal. Texas tight end Jermichael Finley and A&M running back Jorvorskie Lane are brothers by the same father.

``Last year, it was my bragging rights. I just bugged him all the time,'' said Lane. ``He'd be like, 'Whatever,' and he'd get a little mad. This year, it could go either way. We're really looking forward to playing each other again.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Texas A&M Media Relations Office

No. 5 Sooners pound Texas A&M 42-14

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Jermaine Gresham matched a school record by catching four of Sam Bradford's five touchdown passes, and No. 5 Oklahoma took sole possession of first place in the Big 12 South with a 42-14 win against Texas A&M on Saturday night.

Gresham, a sophomore tight end, equaled the record for TD receptions in a game set by Trent Smith in 2001 against Kansas on a 13-yard pass by Bradford in the front corner of the end zone late in the third quarter. That put Oklahoma up 35-0 on its way to another rout of the Aggies (6-4, 3-3 Big 12) in Norman.

Four years after Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) handed the Aggies (6-4, 3-3) their most lopsided loss ever in a 77-0 blowout, Bradford tied the school record for touchdown passes set by 2000 Heisman Trophy runner-up Josh Heupel and matched three times by 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White.

Bradford and Gresham hooked up twice, from 3 and 13 yards, before the Aggies even completed a pass and Oklahoma led 14-0 early in the second quarter. Bradford found tailback Chris Brown out of the backfield for a 14-yard score late in the first half, and then added TD passes of 38 and 13 yards to Gresham.

Bradford finished with 284 yards on 21-for-30 passing, and Gresham had five catches for a career-best 80 yards.

With tailback Michael Goodson, one of the three key parts of Texas A&M's triple-option offense, held out of the first half despite being apparently healthy, the Aggies couldn't get going. They managed only four first downs and 63 total yards in the opening half and missed out on their own chance to jump to the top of the Big 12 South standings.

A win would have allowed Texas A&M to tie Texas for first place and avenge a 17-16 loss last season in which the Sooners passed the Aggies in the standings on their way to the conference championship. Instead, Oklahoma moved past Oklahoma State, which lost to the Longhorns 38-35 earlier in the day.

Texas A&M finally got on the board when Stephen McGee scrambled and found Martellus Bennett in the back of the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown reception with 12:36 remaining. Bennett, also a tight end, set a school record of his own by catching a pass in his 27th consecutive game. Terrence Murphy, the school's all-time receiving leader, held the old record with 26.

After Bennett's touchdown, Oklahoma drained more than 8 minutes off the clock before DeMarco Murray skied in for a 2-yard TD run. The Aggies were held to about half of their 239.4-yard rushing average, which ranked ninth in the nation, and were outgained on the ground 191-128.

Texas A&M was still only the second team to reach triple digits against Oklahoma's third-ranked run defense.

The Sooners lost Big 12 sacks leader Auston English, who limped off the field early in the second quarter and did not return, but that didn't help the Aggies get a passing game going.

McGee ended up 15-for-28 for 164 yards, including 63 on a drive for a meaningless touchdown with 43 seconds left, and he also was the Aggies' top rusher with 71 yards on 16 carries.

Texas A&M has lost the first two games in a stretch of four straight games against ranked opponents. Their final two games are at No. 9 Missouri next week and at home against No. 14 Texas on Nov. 23.

Courtesy: NCAAFootball.com; Photo Credit: Oklahoma University

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #20 TEXAS A & M AGGIES

DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS





2006 RECORD: 9-4; BIG 12: 5-3
Lost Holiday Bowl vs. California 45-10
LOCATION: College Station, Texas
STADIUM: Kyle Field (82,600)
HEAD COACH: Dennis Franchione
OVERALL: 180-96-2 (24 seasons)
AT TEXAS A & M: 25-23 (4 seasons)


At College Station, we have a historically strong football school in the midst of a resurgence. Two years ago, the Aggies finished 5-6 and last season improved to 9-4, including a win over Texas in Austin as they made their second bowl appearance under Coach Fran. However, they did lose four games, including a blow out to Cal in the Holiday Bowl and squeaked by Kansas, Oklahoma St. and Army by a total of eight points in three of their wins. They may need to be better just to reach last season’s win total of nine. However, there is little argument that they are going in the right direction and if some of the youngsters are ready for primetime, the Aggies could even exceed expectations.

WHEN THE AGGIES HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Les Koenning (5th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 9
KEY LOSSES: L’Tydrick Riley, Chad Schroeder, Jason Jack

Under center for the Aggies is one of, if not the most underrated player in America in Stephen McGee. The junior signal caller may not possess the ideal skill set that pro scouts look for, however he knows how to play (and win) at the college level. McGee led an attack that topped 2000 yards in the air and on the ground, contributing to both. He is accurate and makes great decisions, which leads to very few costly errors. If his receivers step up, he can have an even better season, especially if immensely talented tight end Martellus Bennett has the type of year many are waiting for. On the ground, McGee, a capable runner himself, has all the help he needs in Mike Goodson and Jorvorskie Lane, if anything the coaching staff may struggle with getting each back enough touches. Lane is the quintessential short yardage back, excelling in the red zone and on converting third downs, with more dance in his step than you would think for someone of his size. Goodson is the burner, with the ability to take one to the house anytime he has the ball in his hands. The combination is impossible to stop…you try chasing down Goodson after taking a pounding from Lane or taking Lane head on after Woodson has worn you out with his extra gear. In addition, opponents will have to deal with A & M’s best offensive line in a few years.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Martellus Bennett (JR), 2) Mike Goodson (SO), 3) Cody Wallace (SR), 4) Jorvorskie Lane (JR), 5) Yemi Babalola (JR), 6) Corey Clark (SR), 7) Kirk Elder (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Gary Darnell (2nd Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Justin Warren, Melvin Bullitt

The pass defense jumped from 117th in nation two years ago to 44th last season and should be even better this year. A pair of sophomores took their lumps in 2006 and the dividends should pay off this season. Jordan Peterson remains at corner, while Jordan Pugh moves from corner to safety in the Aggies 4-2-5 alignment. Joining Pugh at safety are Devin Gregg and a third sophomore in Alton Dixon, forming a trio that has the staff at College Station very excited. At linebacker, they return a pair of solid seniors in Misi Tupe and Mark Dodge. Of the veterans, defensive end Chris Harrington is the most reliable, while tackle Red Bryant possesses the most potential. If he can have an All-Big 12 type season, disrupting opponents from the interior, who knows how far the Aggies can go.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Red Bryant (SR), 2) Chris Harrington (SR), 3) Jordan Pugh (SO), 4) Devin Gregg (SO), 5) Jordan Peterson (SO), 6) Misi Tupe (SR), 7) Henry Smith (SR)

THE SCHEDULE

The Aggies are confident heading into their fifth season under Coach Fran and with good reason. If that confidence is to translate into wins, they must handle four programs that have had their way with them the past few seasons. In addition to Oklahoma and Texas, Texas Tech has had a better run in recent years, while Nebraska of the Big 12 North has also taken care of the Aggies head-to-head. In their last five meetings against all four programs, A & M is 1-4, which is simply not good enough. Last season, in addition to their win at Texas, they lost to Tech by four, to Nebraska by one and to Oklahoma by one so they are getting closer. They play three of the four on the road, with UT coming to College Station with revenge on the mind. They also play at Miami for their first test of the season.

PIVOTAL POINT

The development of their defense: In addition to the youth in the secondary, A & M could use the likes of ends Michael Bennett and Cyril Obiozor, as well tackle Kellen Heard to progress. Obiozor recorded 37 stops as a sophomore, ten more than Bennett, who made six tackles behind the line of scrimmage. At 6’6”/330 pounds Heard has the size to be an impact player and did break into the backfield for 2.5 sacks in his freshman campaign. At linebacker, sophomore Matt Featherston is more in the “Wrecking Crew” mold than the veterans are.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

I am a fan of the Aggies, especially McGee, who displayed moxie when making his first start as a freshman in Austin when subbing for an injured Reggie McNeal. He can make the plays necessary to win games, combined with backs Goodson and Lane -- they form a backfield trio as good as any in the country. There is enough ability to crack the top ten, especially if the afore-mentioned defenders, as well as some on offense, come through. Nevertheless, it is hard to see them passing both the Sooners and Longhorns, possibly one, but not both.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #19 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown