AggieJohn
11-10-2004, 11:07 AM
Texas A&M will try to shake off a two-game skid and earn its first victory over Texas Tech in four years when the teams meet Saturday at College Station.
The 22nd-ranked Aggies (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) had won six straight to become bowl eligible before dropping its last two games, including last week's 42-35 defeat to No. 2 Oklahoma.
The much-improved Aggies, who finished 4-8 last season, hope they return to their winning ways against the Red Raiders (6-3, 4-2), who have dominated the series in recent years.
Though Texas A&M leads the all-time series 33-28-1, it has lost three straight and seven of the last nine to Texas Tech. However, the Aggies have won seven of the last 10 meetings at College Station.
Texas Tech has won two straight overall, including last week's 42-17 triumph over Baylor. Senior quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who leads the nation with 405.2 passing yards per game, threw five touchdown passes for the second time this season to help the Red Raiders become bowl eligible.
``We expected to be bowl eligible sooner,'' said Cumbie, who was 37-of-48 for 397 yards. ``The only thing on our minds is the Aggies and we have our hands full.''
Texas Tech is averaging a Big 12-leading 37 points, 411.2 yards passing and 495.1 total yards per game.
Aggies coach Dennis Franchione is well aware of the Red Raiders' prowess through the air.
``There are not that many teams willing to throw the ball 50-70 times a game,'' Franchione said. ``They have a complete commitment to doing that and other things they do with their offense are unique. To prepare for it in a short amount of time is a challenge.
``You know they are going to move the ball and score some points. If you are going to have a chance to compete in the game, you will have to score some points.''
The Aggies expect to have their best offensive weapon, senior quarterback Reggie McNeal, back on the field. McNeal is a threat with his arm and with his legs, averaging 229.7 yards passing and 70.9 rushing per game. He was forced to leave Saturday's loss to Oklahoma with an undisclosed injury. As a policy, Texas A&M does not release injury information unless it's season ending.
McNeal, who has rushed for eight touchdowns and thrown for 11 more, is ranked second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally in total offense. He said he is good to go against Texas Tech.
``I'm just a competitive person,'' said McNeal, who had his streak of 205 consecutive passes without an interception end on Saturday. ``I don't like to lose. I will do whatever it takes to get out there and make something happen and win.''
McNeal was replaced by Ty Branyon, a former walk-on, who went 7-for-12 for 72 yards and ran for 38 more.
The Aggies, who conclude the regular season at No. 6 Texas on Nov. 26, will try to do a better job of holding on to the ball. After committing just one turnover in their first seven games, they have six in their last two, including three against Oklahoma that led to 14 points.
The 22nd-ranked Aggies (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) had won six straight to become bowl eligible before dropping its last two games, including last week's 42-35 defeat to No. 2 Oklahoma.
The much-improved Aggies, who finished 4-8 last season, hope they return to their winning ways against the Red Raiders (6-3, 4-2), who have dominated the series in recent years.
Though Texas A&M leads the all-time series 33-28-1, it has lost three straight and seven of the last nine to Texas Tech. However, the Aggies have won seven of the last 10 meetings at College Station.
Texas Tech has won two straight overall, including last week's 42-17 triumph over Baylor. Senior quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who leads the nation with 405.2 passing yards per game, threw five touchdown passes for the second time this season to help the Red Raiders become bowl eligible.
``We expected to be bowl eligible sooner,'' said Cumbie, who was 37-of-48 for 397 yards. ``The only thing on our minds is the Aggies and we have our hands full.''
Texas Tech is averaging a Big 12-leading 37 points, 411.2 yards passing and 495.1 total yards per game.
Aggies coach Dennis Franchione is well aware of the Red Raiders' prowess through the air.
``There are not that many teams willing to throw the ball 50-70 times a game,'' Franchione said. ``They have a complete commitment to doing that and other things they do with their offense are unique. To prepare for it in a short amount of time is a challenge.
``You know they are going to move the ball and score some points. If you are going to have a chance to compete in the game, you will have to score some points.''
The Aggies expect to have their best offensive weapon, senior quarterback Reggie McNeal, back on the field. McNeal is a threat with his arm and with his legs, averaging 229.7 yards passing and 70.9 rushing per game. He was forced to leave Saturday's loss to Oklahoma with an undisclosed injury. As a policy, Texas A&M does not release injury information unless it's season ending.
McNeal, who has rushed for eight touchdowns and thrown for 11 more, is ranked second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally in total offense. He said he is good to go against Texas Tech.
``I'm just a competitive person,'' said McNeal, who had his streak of 205 consecutive passes without an interception end on Saturday. ``I don't like to lose. I will do whatever it takes to get out there and make something happen and win.''
McNeal was replaced by Ty Branyon, a former walk-on, who went 7-for-12 for 72 yards and ran for 38 more.
The Aggies, who conclude the regular season at No. 6 Texas on Nov. 26, will try to do a better job of holding on to the ball. After committing just one turnover in their first seven games, they have six in their last two, including three against Oklahoma that led to 14 points.