KTJ
11-25-2004, 12:21 PM
Well the day as finally come for Texas vs. Texas A&M. Some people on this board have been waiting for this day all season. While to others, this is just another game. State bragging rights are on the line for this game as well as certain bowl games. Texas could get into the BCS with a convincing win, although that isn’t a given. A&M could go to the Cotton Bowl with a win, something that would be a huge step for that program. As of right now, Texas is riding high with a 9-1 record and going 5-0 since the loss to OU back in October. A&M is 7-3 with close calls against Tech and Colorado and a loss to Baylor. However, while both of those stats will have a factor, they will be minimal at best. The key battle the entire game, and something everyone is already focused on is Vince vs. Reggie. The battle will commence on Friday afternoon. So let’s take a look at both schools. (I am going to be as unbiased as I possibly can, although I will still receive flack from some posters out there—I already know it.)
Texas A&M (7-3, 5-2)
To say A&M is having a good season would be about right. It could have been better and it sure could have been worse. A&M is a fumble away from losing to Colorado, one of the worst teams in the Big 12; however, A&M was a touchdown away (I think—can’t remember the exact score) from tying OU, the best team in the Big 12. The bottom line is that Fran is turning things around at A&M and they are happy about that. A&M is lead by QB Reggie McNeal who is the key to the Aggie offense. McNeal has outperformed himself compared to last year where he struggled with A&M only winning 4 games. The only thing that I think is suspect of A&M is their defense. While scoring a lot against OU, the defense still managed to give up 40+ points, as weill as 30+ to Baylor and 20+ to Colorado. But the interesting thing about A&M is that when their defense DOES give up those points, their offense comes right back on the field and gets those points back, which keeps A&M in the game. For Texas to win, we have to keep the A&M defense on the field and wear them out. If not, our defense will have to be in the best shape they’ve ever been in this year to contain Reggie and Co.
Reggie McNeal
- Ranks 3rd in the Big 12 in the Quarterback Rating
- 157-268 (Completions/Passes), 2303 yards, 12 TD’s (3rd in the Big 12)
- 6-2, 260 lbs
- Junior
- 11-11 Record as a starter
- 2 Interceptions
- 125-693 (Rushes/Yards)
- 8 Touchdown Runs
Another threat would be Courtney Lewis.
Courtney Lewis
-Ranks 10th in the Big 12 in Rushing
-162/733 (Carries/Yards)
-4.5 YPC (Yards per Carry
-9 TD’s
Texas A&M
-Ranks 5th in the Big 12 in Scoring (32.1 PPG)
-Ranks 4th in the Big 12 in Rushing (189.9 YPG)
-Ranks 2nd in the Big 12 in Passing (264.6 PYPG)
The A&M offense has vastly improved. They will try to stymie the Texas D, which ranks #1 in the Big 12. Watch for Franchione to use some trickery up his sleeve. That won’t surprise me one bit. But as I said earlier, if Reggie is hype, the Aggie offense will be hype. That is a definite key for an Aggie win in Austin.
Texas (9-1, 5-1)
The Longhorns have had an amazing season this year. Sure, we lost to OU again this year, but this was the best game we’ve ever played against them in the last 5 years. Couple that with outstanding wins in Fayetteville and the come from behind win against OSU, and you have to like what you see. Texas has beaten 4 ranked opponents so far this year in Arkansas, Mizzou, Texas Tech, and Okie State. While we are sitting pretty in the BCS standings, it will take us a miracle to get there. But before we can even talk about post-season, we must get past a pesky A&M team. A&M scared the crap out of OU at Kyle and also beat Tech. With that in mind, Greg Robinson will have his hands full on the defensive side of the ball, trying to contain Reggie McNeal and Courtney Lewis, which is also a threat. But the one underestimation most Aggies have is the double threat of Vince Young and Cedric Benson.
Vince Young
- Ranks 5th in the Big 12 in the Quarterback Ranking
- 120-204 (Completions/Passes), 1538 yards, 11 TD’s (8th in the Big 12)
- 6-5, 225 lbs
-Sophomore
-15-2 Record as a Starter
-10 Interceptions
-127-794 (Rushes/Yards)
-9 Touchdown Runs
(I’ve listed the accomplishments of both Reggie and Vince so I don’t expect to turn this thread into a Reggie vs. Vince debate. While that is what the media is doing, I am not. That has been discussed ad nauseam and I definitely don’t want to start the argument again.)
Another piece of ammo for Texas is Cedric Benson. Benson is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award and should be (emphasize “should be”) headed for New York for an invitation to the Heisman. He probably won’t win it, but he should definitely be invited. Containing Ced is something that A&M must do to win. Because if they don’t, it will be a long night for the Aggies—just ask Oklahoma State. I don’t think I need to say any more about Ced. You know who he is.
Cedric Benson
-Ranks 2nd in the Big 12 in Rushing
-270/1599 (Carries/Yards)
-5.9 YPC (Yards per Carry)
-18 Touchdowns
And last but definitely not least, the BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN THE NATION---Derrick Johnson. Unbelievable. DJ is a finalist for the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Nagursky Award, Camp Award, and Bednarik Award. Rated as Sports Illustrated’s Top Defensive Player in the Nation at the beginning of the year, DJ will guide the defense hoping to stop Reggie, Courtney, and the rest of the Aggie offense. Gary Barnett (CU head coach) called him the “best player he’s ever seen.” Even most Aggies I know admit that he is very, very dangerous. He will be wearing #60 in the game in honor of the great Texas defenders in Longhorn history such as Britt Hagar, Jeff Leiding, Brian Jones, Dustry Renfro, and Tommy Nobis.
Texas
-Ranks 2nd in the Big 12 in Scoring (35.9 PPG)
-Ranks 1st in the Big 12 in Rushing (305.2 YPG)
-Ranks 11th in the Big 12 in Passing (167.2 PYPG)
This will be a great game for both sides. It’s the 111th meeting between Texas and Texas A&M and the post-season bids are still up in the air. Texas can possibly make it to a BCS bowl, although it’s not as probable as it was a few weeks ago, and Texas A&M could go to the Cotton Bowl. As it stands right now, the Bowl situations are as predicted:
Texas vs. Tennessee – Cotton Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Arizona State – Holiday Bowl
Those are the latest rumors that I’ve heard in the last week here on campus. At any rate, good luck to both teams. While this site far outnumbers Aggie fans to Longhorn fans, I ask that when whoever wins, please be good sports about it. The last thing we need is more stupid, uncalled for drama on this board. The mods don’t want that and surely those who read this board who aren’t fans of either team want it. With that said, if you’re coming to the game, please be safe. I will be at DKR tomorrow at about 10:00 am tailgating with some friends so if you think you know who I am, say hello!
Texas A&M - 20
Texas - 42
With that, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sorry for the misspellings and typos, should there be any. I'm hungry! :D
Texas A&M (7-3, 5-2)
To say A&M is having a good season would be about right. It could have been better and it sure could have been worse. A&M is a fumble away from losing to Colorado, one of the worst teams in the Big 12; however, A&M was a touchdown away (I think—can’t remember the exact score) from tying OU, the best team in the Big 12. The bottom line is that Fran is turning things around at A&M and they are happy about that. A&M is lead by QB Reggie McNeal who is the key to the Aggie offense. McNeal has outperformed himself compared to last year where he struggled with A&M only winning 4 games. The only thing that I think is suspect of A&M is their defense. While scoring a lot against OU, the defense still managed to give up 40+ points, as weill as 30+ to Baylor and 20+ to Colorado. But the interesting thing about A&M is that when their defense DOES give up those points, their offense comes right back on the field and gets those points back, which keeps A&M in the game. For Texas to win, we have to keep the A&M defense on the field and wear them out. If not, our defense will have to be in the best shape they’ve ever been in this year to contain Reggie and Co.
Reggie McNeal
- Ranks 3rd in the Big 12 in the Quarterback Rating
- 157-268 (Completions/Passes), 2303 yards, 12 TD’s (3rd in the Big 12)
- 6-2, 260 lbs
- Junior
- 11-11 Record as a starter
- 2 Interceptions
- 125-693 (Rushes/Yards)
- 8 Touchdown Runs
Another threat would be Courtney Lewis.
Courtney Lewis
-Ranks 10th in the Big 12 in Rushing
-162/733 (Carries/Yards)
-4.5 YPC (Yards per Carry
-9 TD’s
Texas A&M
-Ranks 5th in the Big 12 in Scoring (32.1 PPG)
-Ranks 4th in the Big 12 in Rushing (189.9 YPG)
-Ranks 2nd in the Big 12 in Passing (264.6 PYPG)
The A&M offense has vastly improved. They will try to stymie the Texas D, which ranks #1 in the Big 12. Watch for Franchione to use some trickery up his sleeve. That won’t surprise me one bit. But as I said earlier, if Reggie is hype, the Aggie offense will be hype. That is a definite key for an Aggie win in Austin.
Texas (9-1, 5-1)
The Longhorns have had an amazing season this year. Sure, we lost to OU again this year, but this was the best game we’ve ever played against them in the last 5 years. Couple that with outstanding wins in Fayetteville and the come from behind win against OSU, and you have to like what you see. Texas has beaten 4 ranked opponents so far this year in Arkansas, Mizzou, Texas Tech, and Okie State. While we are sitting pretty in the BCS standings, it will take us a miracle to get there. But before we can even talk about post-season, we must get past a pesky A&M team. A&M scared the crap out of OU at Kyle and also beat Tech. With that in mind, Greg Robinson will have his hands full on the defensive side of the ball, trying to contain Reggie McNeal and Courtney Lewis, which is also a threat. But the one underestimation most Aggies have is the double threat of Vince Young and Cedric Benson.
Vince Young
- Ranks 5th in the Big 12 in the Quarterback Ranking
- 120-204 (Completions/Passes), 1538 yards, 11 TD’s (8th in the Big 12)
- 6-5, 225 lbs
-Sophomore
-15-2 Record as a Starter
-10 Interceptions
-127-794 (Rushes/Yards)
-9 Touchdown Runs
(I’ve listed the accomplishments of both Reggie and Vince so I don’t expect to turn this thread into a Reggie vs. Vince debate. While that is what the media is doing, I am not. That has been discussed ad nauseam and I definitely don’t want to start the argument again.)
Another piece of ammo for Texas is Cedric Benson. Benson is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award and should be (emphasize “should be”) headed for New York for an invitation to the Heisman. He probably won’t win it, but he should definitely be invited. Containing Ced is something that A&M must do to win. Because if they don’t, it will be a long night for the Aggies—just ask Oklahoma State. I don’t think I need to say any more about Ced. You know who he is.
Cedric Benson
-Ranks 2nd in the Big 12 in Rushing
-270/1599 (Carries/Yards)
-5.9 YPC (Yards per Carry)
-18 Touchdowns
And last but definitely not least, the BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN THE NATION---Derrick Johnson. Unbelievable. DJ is a finalist for the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Nagursky Award, Camp Award, and Bednarik Award. Rated as Sports Illustrated’s Top Defensive Player in the Nation at the beginning of the year, DJ will guide the defense hoping to stop Reggie, Courtney, and the rest of the Aggie offense. Gary Barnett (CU head coach) called him the “best player he’s ever seen.” Even most Aggies I know admit that he is very, very dangerous. He will be wearing #60 in the game in honor of the great Texas defenders in Longhorn history such as Britt Hagar, Jeff Leiding, Brian Jones, Dustry Renfro, and Tommy Nobis.
Texas
-Ranks 2nd in the Big 12 in Scoring (35.9 PPG)
-Ranks 1st in the Big 12 in Rushing (305.2 YPG)
-Ranks 11th in the Big 12 in Passing (167.2 PYPG)
This will be a great game for both sides. It’s the 111th meeting between Texas and Texas A&M and the post-season bids are still up in the air. Texas can possibly make it to a BCS bowl, although it’s not as probable as it was a few weeks ago, and Texas A&M could go to the Cotton Bowl. As it stands right now, the Bowl situations are as predicted:
Texas vs. Tennessee – Cotton Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Arizona State – Holiday Bowl
Those are the latest rumors that I’ve heard in the last week here on campus. At any rate, good luck to both teams. While this site far outnumbers Aggie fans to Longhorn fans, I ask that when whoever wins, please be good sports about it. The last thing we need is more stupid, uncalled for drama on this board. The mods don’t want that and surely those who read this board who aren’t fans of either team want it. With that said, if you’re coming to the game, please be safe. I will be at DKR tomorrow at about 10:00 am tailgating with some friends so if you think you know who I am, say hello!
Texas A&M - 20
Texas - 42
With that, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sorry for the misspellings and typos, should there be any. I'm hungry! :D