At 8-1, Aggies now take aim on Top 20

[Jimcs50]

At 8-1, Aggies now take aim on Top 20


By RICHARD CROOME
Eagle Sports Writer


Backed up against a wall and with a handful of cameras and even more recorders stuck in his face, Texas A&M veteran guard Kirk Elder answered one question with a question.

"When was the last time we were 8-1?" Elder repeated. "I really don't know."

Don't blame Elder for not knowing. It was 1998. He was an eighth-grader.

The Aggies are there now, and after winning their third straight Big 12 road game, they can be qualified as a legitimate 8-1.

We're past scoffing at A&M's lackluster nonconference schedule. And whomever A&M beat on the road this season, weak or not, they were Big 12 opponents. Big 12 road victories have been few and far between for the Aggies since the turn of the century.

At least one of those road wins seems a bit better after Saturday. Oklahoma State, whom A&M squeaked past in overtime last week, bolted by No. 20 Nebraska, 41-29.

The Aggies also ended a couple of tough years against an ever-improving Baylor program in Waco, and now the Aggies, ranked 22nd coming in, will surely move into the Top 20.

More importantly they will have something to play for going into November.

"Every goal is available on our board," A&M coach Dennis Franchione said. "It's a great feeling to get number eight and to go to November with everything in front of you and a lot to play for."

The Aggies are displaying the ingredients that back up a Top 20 ranking and sole possession of second place in the Big 12 South.

They've shown poise with their last-second comebacks and crunch-time plays to seal close victories. They did it again Saturday with Mike Goodson's 64-yard touchdown run in the final minutes.

They are valuing the ball, winning the turnover battle at a plus 4 for the season with Stephen McGee tossing 11 touchdowns to one interception. A&M did that for most of the 2004 season, when Reggie McNeal led the Aggies to the Cotton Bowl.

With good line play on both sides of the ball, they consistently are winning time of possession, averaging a Big 12-best 37 minutes a game in conference play.

And now, with the emergence of freshman running back Goodson and with sophomore tight end Martellus Bennett becoming more of an offensive threat, the Aggies also have the makings of a very colorful, explosive and enjoyable team to watch.

"Your great players are going to make great plays," Franchione said, "and Martellus and Michael did that tonight. And the great thing about it is one's a freshman and one's a sophomore."

All the above, especially the eight wins, is why the Aggies will go from no TV to hosting No. 19 Oklahoma in prime time next week in a nationally televised game on ABC.

With OU, Nebraska and Texas remaining on the schedule, there are no guarantees on where the Aggies end up.


That includes a possible 8-4 record after three straight losses.

But their chances of heading to Austin the day after Thanksgiving with a shot at the Big 12 South crown survived at least for another week.

"We're going to celebrate tonight, and we're thankful we're 8-1," Elder said. "But we've got the Oklahoma Sooners coming in, and they are a good ball club."

[samikeyp]

Are they in the top 25 this week?

[johngateswhiteley]

Are they in the top 25 this week?

:lol they were in the top 25 (both polls) last week, silly.

[samikeyp]

so then the answer would be yes?

:)

[johngateswhiteley]

so then the answer would be yes?

:)

21 in all three polls.

[Brutalis]

trash.

[Ballcox]

I think the ags are definitely an improving team, I bet they wish they could re-play that Tech game now, I don't think Tech would be able to stay with them. However, ou is also playing well and I don't see the ags winning that game. I think they do beat Nebraska at home, lose to ou and more than likely come to Austin with 2 conference losses.

BUT, it would also be fun to see them come to Austin with the one conference loss, UT playing a&m for the Big 12 South title-would definitely add another level of interest to the game.

[samikeyp]

BUT, it would also be fun to see them come to Austin with the one conference loss, UT playing a&m for the Big 12 South title-would definitely add another level of interest to the game.

I agree...just like the old SWC days.

[johngateswhiteley]

the A&M vs. t.u. game has not meant a conference title since 1975. in that game #2 A&M beat #9 t.u..

[LaMarcus Bryant]

I just think its funny watching you aggies get a boner on your rising poll rankings. I am happy because of this too. It will mean so so much more destroying your trainstop linemen once you crack into the top 20.

Keep winning agggies!

[johngateswhiteley]

I just think its funny watching you aggies get a boner on your rising poll rankings. I am happy because of this too. It will mean so so much more destroying your trainstop linemen once you crack into the top 20.

Keep winning agggies!

just like you tea-sips were overconfident against NU, you are overconfident against A&M. i don't care how good you think your defense is, A&M will run all over them...and complete some passes too.

btw, are you the poster that said, "you cannot believe A&M is a top 25 team, you just can't honestly believe that?"

...why yes, yes i do.

[scott]

Sooners by 77.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

just like you tea-sips were overconfident against NU, you are overconfident against A&M. i don't care how good you think your defense is, A&M will run all over them...and complete some passes too.

btw, are you the poster that said, "you cannot believe A&M is a top 25 team, you just can't honestly believe that?"

...why yes, yes i do.


There is a fine line between posts that are condesending and posts that are legit, im sure i did say something like that, and, well, I was just in troll mode, ya see. My post in this th read is legit. It is funny that you are getting a boner for getting ranked so high, but I never said that you didn't deserve it or that you guys sucked. I really am happy that you are getting a higher ranking cuz it will look better if UT beats you guys. I wish I could boo you guys every step of the way, but a magic computer system instilled by the NCAA gods dictates that, at this juncture in the season, as a UT fan, I must cheer A&M for every game they don't play us. :dizzy So be it.

But to think that you will run all over us is a pipe dream. You will probably get over 100 yards, but all over? :dramaquee I seem to recall a certain ncaa demi-god named AD that was stopped hardcore by our defense. I know most UT opponents suck, but our run defense is for reals, son. But if we keep getting injuries you probably will run over us. If we stay as is, and hopefully get a little muckelroy action back, etc, we'll pull stunts on your running game.


:smchode:

[scott]

I seem to recall a certain ncaa demi-god named AD that was stopped hardcore by our defense.

25 for 109 = stopped hardcore?

[johngateswhiteley]

25 for 109 = stopped hardcore?

exactly, i have no idea what he is talking about. plus A&M has basically four backs to punish t.u. = Lane, Goodson, Lewis, and McGee.

[scott]

Except none of those backs are Adrian Peterson. Keep dreaming.

[johngateswhiteley]

Except none of those backs are Adrian Peterson. Keep dreaming.

you'll get a chance this weekend to see how good they are...then we'll talk.

[scott]

You aren't playing Army, Louisiana-Lafeyette, Citidel or Louisiana Tech this weekend. Might be tough...

[johngateswhiteley]

You aren't playing Army, Louisiana-Lafeyette, Citidel or Louisiana Tech this weekend. Might be tough...

doubtful.

[scott]

More or less doubtful than a USC loss against Oregon State?

[scott]

PS: Guess who has the number 1 defense in the Big 12?

[johngateswhiteley]

More or less doubtful than a USC loss against Oregon State?

still talking about running the football? then it is more doubtful...i am not guaranteeing a win or anything, although i do like our chances.

guess who leads the Big 12 in 3rd down defense? and rushing?

[scott]

Guess who leads the Big 12 south in tackles in the third quarter against left hand QBs with gay cousins and lisps? Who gives a fuck. Is that really what A&M fans are reduced to when talking up their bloated record?

[LaMarcus Bryant]

25 for 109 = stopped hardcore?

AD was/is the premeire running back of the season, regardless of what happened to him. He would have got 200 yards on any normal defense, the expectations for him are much higher than 109

[LaMarcus Bryant]

bloated record?


:downspin: :lmao

Should be a good game--hopefully its televised.

[scott]

AD was/is the premeire running back of the season, regardless of what happened to him. He would have got 200 yards on any normal defense, the expectations for him are much higher than 109

Agreed about expectations. But giving 109 yards up to any running back != stopped hardcore.

[DaSpurs#1]

I seem to recall a certain ncaa demi-god named AD that was stopped hardcore by our defense.actually it wasn't really UT's defence vs AD but yalls defense when ever OU would pass the ball (interceptions, pressure on Paul Thompson, ect.)

[LaMarcus Bryant]

Naturalmente, but I expected more from AD

[Jimcs50]

I am being realistic here. The Aggies will not beat UT in Austin.

You can not go from winning 5 games to winning the Big 12 in one year. Baby steps, guys.

Stop with all this bravado and just take one week at a time.

If we beat Oklahoma, then I will be happy. A nine win season is more than we could have asked for(actually I predicted a 9 win season to all my poker buddies after the 2nd game of the season, when they were all down on the Ags and they were sating that they would not win 6 games this year)

Just enjoy the team and stop being silly about winning in Austin.

:rolleyes

[Ballcox]

^ I think it really depends on the next two games for the ags, probably their toughest test of the season in back-to-back games against quality competition. If they win both games they'll be coming into Austin with a ton of confidence and an urgent need to end our 6 game winning streak, that scenario does worry me a bit. But, I also feel that our squad is playing better and better each week, Colt is really turning into a legitimate leader on this team. If the ags come to Austin with one loss sets up as a great game, makes me happy that I have season tickets!

[johngateswhiteley]

I am being realistic here. The Aggies will not beat UT in Austin.

You can not go from winning 5 games to winning the Big 12 in one year. Baby steps, guys.

Stop with all this bravado and just take one week at a time.

If we beat Oklahoma, then I will be happy. A nine win season is more than we could have asked for(actually I predicted a 9 win season to all my poker buddies after the 2nd game of the season, when they were all down on the Ags and they were sating that they would not win 6 games this year)

Just enjoy the team and stop being silly about winning in Austin.

:rolleyes

...do me a favor, don't go anywhere near our locker room.

[Jimcs50]

...do me a favor, don't go anywhere near our locker room.

Fuckyou...big man, threatening people over the internet.

This is my thread, and if you do not like to read what I say, STAY THE FUCK OUT!!!!

[johngateswhiteley]

Fuckyou...big man, threatening people over the internet.

This is my thread, and if you do not like to read what I say, STAY THE FUCK OUT!!!!

...i am sorry, i don't live in your underachieving world.

[Jimcs50]

...i am sorry, i don't live in your underachieving world.


Underachieving??????

10-1 is underachieving????? After going 5-6 the previous year????? What freaking bizarro world do you reside in????

:rolleyes

[Jimcs50]

Name me another 5-6 team that beats the defending champion the next year on their field to win the conference title. Please enlighten me here.

[MajorMike]

Name me another 5-6 team that beats the defending champion the next year on their field to win the conference title. Please enlighten me here.

Still hasn't happened.

[johngateswhiteley]

Underachieving??????

10-1 is underachieving????? After going 5-6 the previous year????? What freaking bizarro world do you reside in????

:rolleyes

no, but anything less than 10-2 is underachieving. nobody said we had to beat t.u. for this season to be a success, but they do need to win 2 of the last 3...and beating t.u. is very possible.

just b/c A&M has had some poor seasons the last few years does not mean, with their recruiting and finally a QB that fits the system...we should not expect them to do better. i think some of you forget the athletes that A&M has on this team, plus Fran has had forever to get his system in place, and this is Texas A&M...seasons with less than 9 wins should never cut it. and we need to be winning 10 games every year, actually...

i don't believe in limiting ones self, and there is no reason to think A&M cannot go into Austin and win, as i said before, don't go anywhere near our locker room...we don't need your doubt.

[StylisticS]

Agreed about expectations. But giving 109 yards up to any running back != stopped hardcore.

I wouldn't say Texas stopped him hardcore. I will say that Texas had the best defense to contain him. He got 60 plus of those yards in the 1st half. He, along with the rest of the OU offense, was shutdown in the 2nd half.

[Jimcs50]

no, but anything less than 10-2 is underachieving. nobody said we had to beat t.u. for this season to be a success, but they do need to win 2 of the last 3...and beating t.u. is very possible.

just b/c A&M has had some poor seasons the last few years does not mean, with their recruiting and finally a QB that fits the system...we should not expect them to do better. i think some of you forget the athletes that A&M has on this team, plus Fran has had forever to get his system in place, and this is Texas A&M...seasons with less than 9 wins should never cut it. and we need to be winning 10 games every year, actually...

i don't believe in limiting ones self, and there is no reason to think A&M cannot go into Austin and win, as i said before, don't go anywhere near our locker room...we don't need your doubt.


Like I go into lockerrooms.



I am a fan, I am not in the press, I have no access to lockerrooms, and if I did, do you think I would tell my team that they had no chance to beat UT????

:rolleyes


They can win 11 games this year(Bowl win against Boise St) and any fan would have jumped at that, if asked if he would have taken that in Sept.....yes???

[Jimcs50]

I say they will beat Oklahoma in a close game, then beat Nebraska by 10 pts.

The UT game will be close, but since they are at home, I think UT will win a close hard fought game....and I will be disappointed, but I will be proud of them and I will look forward to the Bowl game and to next year, where they will have a shaot at winning it all.

[Brutalis]

A&M is going to be brought back to earth and far from the polls when they get slammed in the next few weeks.

I have watched some of their games on FSN replays and they wouldn't be .500 in the SEC right now.

[johngateswhiteley]

Like I go into lockerrooms.



I am a fan, I am not in the press, I have no access to lockerrooms, and if I did, do you think I would tell my team that they had no chance to beat UT????

:rolleyes


They can win 11 games this year(Bowl win against Boise St) and any fan would have jumped at that, if asked if he would have taken that in Sept.....yes???

you're missing my whole point about the, "don't go into the locker room," comment. but thats fine...

and, of course, i'd take 11 wins from the beginning of the year. but i also predicted A&M to go 10-2 this year, and seeing as how its played out anything less than that is disappointing. they should be 9-0 right now...losing to tech is the kind of game that should get Fran fired, you don't lose to the same team almost every year that has inferior athletes...thats just not acceptable.

[AFBlue]

Sooners by 77.

Baylor by 10...oh wait.

DAMMIT!

[LaMarcus Bryant]

The one thing UT has to look out for are teams that fight all the way till the end, no matter what, and teams that practice and live at run down train stations. Hmm, I guess that was two things.

[LB7]

Playing A&M always scares me a little bit just because rivalries can always go either way. However, this non-sense about A&M coming in possibly with one loss and being so fired up that it could be trouble for UT is a little out there. Does no one remember the fact that last year they needed to beat us to make a bowl game at Kyle Field and still couldn't come up with it? To me, they had more motivation last year since they were trying desperately to make a bowl. This year, they will already have one and they will be in Austin. Don't think they will come out victorious this year either but it will be a good game.

And those who want to use the "We don't have VY to bail us out" thing...he didn't play well in that game last year. Our D and special teams saved it for us.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

It was our Geiggar.

[NoMoneyDown]

Texas will beat A&M by at least 17. Anyone who thinks A&M will "run all over" this Texas defense is a lunatic. Pass all over, perhaps, but after playing 9 games, including the #1 team in the nation (99yds) and the then #1 RB in the nation (AD, OU had 171yds total), they still hold teams to a 49 YPG average. If this game were played in College Station, A&M might have a better chance, but they have a slim-to-none chance in Austin.

[Jimcs50]

Playing A&M always scares me a little bit just because rivalries can always go either way. However, this non-sense about A&M coming in possibly with one loss and being so fired up that it could be trouble for UT is a little out there. Does no one remember the fact that last year they needed to beat us to make a bowl game at Kyle Field and still couldn't come up with it? To me, they had more motivation last year since they were trying desperately to make a bowl. This year, they will already have one and they will be in Austin. Don't think they will come out victorious this year either but it will be a good game.

And those who want to use the "We don't have VY to bail us out" thing...he didn't play well in that game last year. Our D and special teams saved it for us.


This team twice the team we had last year. To make this comparison is ludicrous at best, asinine at worst.

[LB7]

lol ok. I did say it would be a good game. You aren't going to get anything more. Get over it.

[Jimcs50]

lol ok. I did say it would be a good game. You aren't going to get anything more. Get over it.

I also say it will be a good game, and I doubt that Ags can win at Austin, but all I am saying is that this team is not the same team as last years team, especially in leadership and confidence.