San Diego State next BCS Buster?

Look for a big "turnaround" in the coming years at San Diego State, if this rumor pans out. It looks like turnaround specialist Dennis Franchione is considering a return to coaching, to reprise his successful attempts to turn around sagging football programs around the South. Franchione is recognized for having laid the groundwork for the current successful programs at Gary Patterson's TCU and Nick Saban's Alabama, as well as the soon to be resurgent program at Texas A&M under Head Coach Mike Sherman.

Stay or Go?

I think he's staying.

Unlike Fraudchione, he's never been a money-whore. In fact, he just wants to be treated (compen$ated) fairly for his achievements.

Nothing wrong with that.

I think the reason it wasn't done before the season is that Tech just wanted to make sure before it set out to make Leach the highest-paid coach ever to wear scarlet and black. Nothing wrong with that either.

I know Leach is smart enough to know he's got it all set up in the HUB at this point, and that while other schools may very well throw more money at him, the reality is that it just wouldn't necessarily be the best move he could make. My feeling is that Leach puts more value on comfort and routine than the "take what you can/gimme what I deserve" ego trips that steer so many other coaches.

I would also venture to guess that the Fat Cats at other schools are more difficult to please than the ones at Tech. Obviously, with more money always comes more expectations, but he has already been through the ups/downs of "getting to know you" at Tech.

My degree in Rocket Science leads me to conclude that Leach would like to just keep on trucking with as little change as necessary.

(little change = moving up the Big XII pay ladder to #3).

My view in Satan's den

------------------------
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Bennett lays out McCoy

let the t-sip whining begin.......

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year!

I said "one of" my favorites, of course shared with Rooster-week. This is a week when my Aggies can be 4-7, and visiting Austin to play the 10-1, #2 ranked Longhorns, and I can feel comfortable talking smack to my Longhorn friends.

Martellus Bennett feels comfortable talking a little smack as well:

"We always beat Texas," Bennett said. "It wouldn't be an upset. Well, maybe this year it would be. But we expect to beat Texas, the yellowbellies.

"My brother knocked McCoy out a while back, and we call him Cart McCoy now."

As for whether the hit was legal, Martellus said: "Very legal. Colt McCoy, or Cart McCoy, is a pretty good player. But, hopefully, my brother gets some more hits on him."

I love it. It makes me happy to hear confirmation that the Aggies do feel the confidence to beat those longhorns, even on a down year, and even in Austin. We have beaten them two years in a row, and Cart McCoy has NEVER beaten A&M. Michael Bennett is playing his last game as an Aggie, and this is his last chance to chase "Cart" around and terrorize him, unless they somehow meet again in the NFL.

I myself have confidence in the Aggies' chances to upset those whorns in Austin. They are ranked 108th vs the pass, and we have a budding air assault with Jerrod Johnson throwing the ball to Fuller, Tannehill and the McCoy brothers. We should also have a healthy Goodson running the ball again.

Sure, we could get blown out. Sure, Johnson has completed quite a few passes to the other team. We can still catch lightning in a bottle on this one Thanksgiving night, and come away with yet another "upset" for the ages.

Ouch......

Who Could Forget.....

Would love to see a book written about the Switzer years.

Remember

OU -6.5

I'm on track to make my first ever visit to the only state Arkansas can make fun of this weekend. I'm confident that I'll witness a little bit of history as well, seeing how a win virtually wins the South for the Red Raiders.

If Tech continues to play at the same level its played at for the last few games, I believe that I will witness a rare win in Norman. That's the key though - keeping the same pace and putting out the same effort.

Norman has proven to be tough for Tech - only one win, and that was during the pathetic John Blake's tumultuous tenure in 1996. This is the perfect environment for Tech's biggest game ever - at least the biggest game as of yet.

No one picks Tech in this one. I love it. I have absolutely no doubt that the team loves it as well. This team doesn't want to be coddled and told how good it is. This team carries a chip on its shoulder and wants to prove it on the field by being quicker, hitting harder, playing smarter, and outright finishing.

I don't think it will be easy. OU has been playing well, no doubt. The Sooners have great players and a great staff as well, and the luxury of playing at home, which is nice seeing how everyone can just walk over from the trailer parks.

I just believe that, right now, Tech is the better team. Obviously, the better team doesn't always win, but I think OU is walking into a potential buzz saw in this one. There is no team playing better right now than the Red Raiders - in fact, take away a few mistakes in the 2nd half of the UT game, and there has not been a more dominant team in football.

It's time to step it up another notch. Nothing has been won yet, and most certainly this one is no gimme. It will have to be earned.

It's time to prove the critics wrong yet again.

It's Official: Aggy '08 = Kaput

How did Sherman's Germans fall so flat?

Ruff Ruff

Gotta love a coach who wears a sweatband...

Quickly Becoming a Permanent Fixture

Cock Under Glass, 1998
Oil and beer on balsa wood
12.2" x 3.5"
The Hub City South Collection

Goooooo Raiders!!!

Reality Check - The Next Biggest Game in History

Yeah, Tech has now beaten a #1 team for the first time - and it was win #500. It was also the 5th highest rated football game to ever be watched.

The list goes on, but the reality of this whole thing is that absolutely NOTHING has been won. There have been accomplishments, obviously, but this team would rather be patted on the back in January; not November.

I am glad of one thing, however, and that is the simple fact that nobody thinks this will continue. The experts (and a whole bunch of very bitter Horns here in Austin) are gleefully pointing out Tech still has 2 tough games left to play. (actually, I think there are 3 - especially if Tech sweeps the state of Oklahoma)

OSU is highly capable of beating Tech's ass if the ghost of Same ol' Tech rears it's ugly head. And although I don't think it will happen, it's possible.

In years past, I was always concerned about the fallout that seemed to always happen after a big win, but this year seems to be different. The whole program has that whole 'been there, done that' attitude - and that attitude is confidence. This team knows what its capable of, and that separates it from other Tech teams.

The Cowboys will show up to play. Tech has a lot to lose, but even more to gain. The leadership on this team will prove to be key during this one, and hopefully the last 2 games as well.

It's time to take that next step, Red Raiders.

Dear President-elect Obama,

As a fan of the "less-fortunate" football program at Texas A&M University, I am very excited about the prospects of your administration. You see, our rival, the Red Raiders from Texas Tech, are very fortunate, and have more than their fair share of victories this year, while the Aggies continue to struggle. To enact fairness in this situation, I am expecting your immediate action to transfer some of Tech's wins to A&M. It is not fair that Tech continues to collect victories while A&M is mired in mediocrity, and government action to restore fairness is required.

Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.

Your comrade,

Magnum

Cory the Well Driller

True story from a real American.

Congrats Red Raiders!

The Captain is overcome with emotion right now, and I feel compelled to post a congratulatory message to the all Red Raiders, for the defeat of the (formerly) #1 Texas Longhorns. You are the "Red Faders" no more.

I knew (and have been predicting it all week) that the Longhorns were doomed, entering a night game in Lubbock on Halloween weekend, ranked #1. There was no doubt that Leach would have his Pirates prepared to rape and pillage the inadequate UT defense, and that Jones STD/T&A/STF would be packed to record capacity with rabid, inebriated fans, armed to the hilt with tortillas and duracells, ready to storm the field.

Storm the field they did, a couple of times before the game was even officially over. Seriously though, Leach had this team prepared, and they never gave up. I have witnessed this comeback ability first hand, in RoosterBowl IX, with the Harrell pass to Johnson for the win, but last night rises above anything I've seen in recent history.

Again, I congratulate the Raider Nation on the biggest victory in Tech history, and a well earned #2 ranking, 9 games into the season.

Tech 39 Texas 33

------------------------
congrats Red Raiders. This is surely the greatest win in Tech history.

Winning streak!!

In case you forgot, A&M still has a football team, and beat Colorado at Kyle Field today. The 24-17 victory gives the Aggies a 2 game win streak (our first win streak of the year), with 3 games remaining in the season, and the Sooners coming to town next weekend. Jerrod came back to Earth a bit, going 15/31 for just over 200 yards, but he did throw for three touchdown. Fuller had a great day with 6 catches for 95 yards and two TDs.

Anyway, now we just need a Baylor win and an upset vs. OU or UT to get into a bowl game.

Red Raiders 49-24

This team is ready.

The maturity is there. The confidence is unmistakable, and for a change, it isn't arrogance. The leadership on this team is the difference this year.

Tech is playing its best football right now. This is a team that has been nothing short of dominant in the last 6 quarters of football its played.

Mark it.

This is a team that started off pretty slow, worked out some kinks, and has been slowly building up steam to this point. In previous years, Tech started out strong, and unfortunately, lost steam when the games began to count.

A lot of it was imaturity. Some of it was the way the coaches handled everything. There were players who were lazy and all about themselves. You can point to a number of things, but the bottom line is that previous teams weren't all on the same page. There were different agendas.

Not anymore.

This team is ready. It understand it's one game at a time. It also understand that this is a business, and you must respect your opponent.

Texas is a great team with great players and coaches. Tech's program is pretty good too. In my eyes, the Horns are just catching Tech at a bad time. Texas can't win a shoot out - its overmatched. And playing in the Hole is icing on the cake.

The Red Raider will roll the Horns in the HUB.

College Game Day Signs

My personal top 5:

(in no particular order)

1)Mack Hearts Land o' Lakes

3)HOOK 'EM Bible!
4)Bevo Likes Bulls
5)Welcome To Lubbock!
Signed,
Alamo Mike

Something You'd Never See in the HUB

Jerrod

Dallas Morning News

QUICK STUDY
Jerrod Johnson has played 13 games this season – five as starting quarterback – yet the sophomore already owns two of the top four passing games in Texas A&M history:
Yds.	Player	Opponent	Year
419	Jerrod Johnson	Kansas St.	2008
399	Dustin Long	Kansas	2002
385	Branndon Stewart	Colorado	1996
381	Jerrod Johnson	Iowa State	2008
367	Dustin Long	Tex. Tech	2002

Tech/UT Notes

A Tech win on Saturday would be #500 all-time for the program, and the first against a #1 team

While Tech is 0-7 vs top-ranked opponents, Butter Teeth is only 3-2 at Jones T&A (interesting - has he lost twice anywhere else?)

Tech is currently tied for the nation's longest win streak at 10 games

Officals from every BCS game have requested media credentials for Saturday

Look for Tech's newest kicker, Matt Williams, to possibly attempt kicks under 40 yards

Saturday's weather: clear and sunny, 76/48

1976

It was the last time the US elected a Jimmy Carter

It was the year Apple was formed

It was the year U2 was formed

and....

It was the last time Tech won its first 8 games to start the season

I have a weird feeling

A&M beat Iowa State tonight 49-35. The Aggies were pretty much able to score at will, yet gave up almost 600 yards of total offense to ISU. Blake, I have to ask you, is this how it felt being a Tech fan for all those years of electrifying offense combined with "Red Carpet Defense"? I really do feel like our offense is starting to click with Johnson at the helm (tonight 31/39 for 379 yds and 4 TD), and they are getting better. Just a glimmer of hope really. I realize we were playing Iowa State, so don't take this the wrong way, and my point isn't entirely complimentary.

A&M is terrible this year, so I'm just trying to mine out bright spots for the future. On offense, I like Jerrod, Tannehill, Jamie McCoy, and Jeff Fuller. Even Cyrus Gray is promising, since Goodson has completely disappeared. I didn't see what his injury is, but he didn't play a down tonight (update, he did not suit up, due to an MCL sprain suffered against Tech). On defense, there isn't much to get excited about. I like Von Miller at LB, and Trent Hunter at DB. Michael Bennett is great, but he is a Senior, so no hope for the future there. Kellen Heard is in a big Junior slump, and the only other potential bright spot is Patterson at DT.

J-train scored another TD tonight, adding to his own career TD records at A&M. I also heard the most dubious "record" is about to be broken. It took me a minute to decipher it, when the commentator stated that Cyrus Gray is about to break the A&M record for single season kickoff return yardage. Just a cloaked reminder of how many times the other team gets to freaking kick off these days.

Anyway, enough rambling for tonight. I just was happy about a win, but it felt surreal to have that kind of a win with a Texas Tech-like box score.

Magnum, out.

KU: Post-Game Analysis

KU: Halftime Analysis

Tech Note: New Kicker Cleared To Play

Texas Tech special teams coach Clay McGuire said Tuesday that kicker Matt Williams will be given consideration to kick extra points and field goals this week, a day after he was cleared to participate this season. Tech's choices at kicker for Saturday's game at Kansas are freshman Donnie Carona or Williams, McGuire said.

Williams came onto the Red Raiders' radar during their Sept. 20 game against Massachusetts when he made a 30-yard field goal during a between-quarters promotion.

He was invited to join the team the following week, though Tech coach Mike Leach thought he would have to sit out the season. Williams transferred to Tech from Tarleton State, where he made a brief attempt to walk on but never kicked in a game.

According to Tech officials, Williams was granted a one-time exception to the NCAA transfer rule because he was neither recruited by nor ever on scholarship at Tarleton, facts that required confirmation by the Tarleton athletic department. That enabled him to be eligible immediately at Tech.

Tech received the confirmation in writing and cleared Williams on Monday.

"He's had three or four weeks now to get back in shape,'' McGuire said. "He's doing a good job. He's a confident kid. He's real smooth. He's looked good so far.''

McGuire said the choice between Carona and Williams will be made based on how they look in practice this week.

McGuire said sophomore punter Jonathan LaCour, who also kicked in high school, isn't a consideration, because his punting average has dropped from 42.6 yards last year to 37.6 this season.

"Right now, we need him to get his punting going like he did last year,'' McGuire said. "We want him concentrating on that and only that.''

Tech has had seven placement kicks blocked this season. Carona is 3-for-7 on field goals and was replaced last week by senior Cory Fowler, but Fowler had two extra points blocked - and one returned for two points - in the team's 43-25 victory Saturday at Texas A&M.

Land of Collie Wrap-Up

It was another great trip down to Aggyland. A few key faces were missing this year, but overall a fantastic Rooster Bowl - complete with a hard-fought victory at Kyle Field.

I knew this one wouldn't be that easy, and it wasn't. The Collie Davidians who were at the game were loud, but I think it's safe to say that the better team won, which is fortunate, because past (way past) history suggests that it isn't always what happens.

A few game notes:

This was my 5th game at Aggy, and there was more red in the stadium than I've ever seen. Loved hearing the "Raider Power" chant echo down from the flag pole level of the Zone late in the game - great job!

Any Aggy who complains about the last TD should stuff it - Aggy has done the same thing to much lesser opponents, and as recently as twice in 2006 - with both games being at home. If you're angry, then be angry at your coach for quitting with 5 minutes left in the game.

I found it quite amusing that Halliburton is a scoreboard sponsor at Kyle - Whoop!

Speaking of Kyle, I had the best experience ever this time. Our seats were on the 34, 13 rows off the field. We sat 2 rows behind punter Justin Brantley's family, who fortunately for the Red Raiders, touched the ball 5 more times than JaPorky Lane.

I will admit that Mel and I did accompany Teddy K to Midnight Yell Practice. Although I swore I would never go back after being cussed out the last time in 2002, we felt it was appropriate to step up in place of Magnum, who at that point was completely out of the equation. I was very surprised to see that Everything That Is Aggy has tightened the screws on the Yell Leaders. Although still unfunny, it was bearable this time. Maybe it was just the vodka...

Pics to follow a little later.

The truth about Roosterbowl.

It's rooster eve...is anybody out there?

As I sit here (alone in my attic) and knee deep in empty cans of keystone light...there is one simple and sad thought that comes to mind.

What happened to this rivalry?

As much as I hate to admit it, it is the aggies who are to blame for the lackluster energy level surrounding this game. We are a shell of our former selves. So much so that I am not even sure Tech fans circle this game on their calender anymore. Years ago, Tech fans lived to beat A&M...nowadays, they expect it.

These are dark days for Aggie fans. On one hand, I am tempted to watch the game by myself (drunk and alone in my attic) to escape post game ridicule. On the other hand, I know that we have nothing to lose. We have hit rock bottom...Tech could win by 50 and it would not phase me.

BUT WHAT IF....

We could somehow win this game. The entire season would be ruined for the RedFaders. Dreams of a conference championship game would be over, and the season would be spoiled. Sadly, this is all the aggie fan has this year. This is a no lose situation for us...

...but a win would do a lot to restore the luster of roosterbowl, and that is important.

October surprise

My wife has had some unfortunate health issues surface, which will threaten my attendance at RoosterBowl. She is in the hospital and feeling much better, but my priorities are with her and Madi, and if forced to choose, the answer is easy (I said in an earlier post that I wouldn't miss this game for the world, but I will miss it for Shannon). My only hope at this point for RoosterBowl XI, is that Shannon is discharged from the hospital tomorrow, and is feeling good enough for me to get up very early Saturday and drive down for some tailgating and kickoff. If that does not work out, then I know I can count on Teddy K to carry the Aggie RoosterBowl torch without me.

Please keep Shannon in your prayers, and be assured that this does not appear to be related to her prior brain surgery, and is not a return of her health issues from last year. Just another freaky medical mystery for which she is now famous.

High Five: Texas Tech-Texas A&M

Dallas Morning News highlights their "top 5 significant RoosterBowl wins" for each team.

Reality

I know Aggy is terrible this year, and Tech is pretty good. I also know that everyone seems to think Tech will drill Aggy this year in the Land of Collie. Unfortunately, the reality - as well as history - is that it may not be that easy.

Here are the results of the last 5 games (10 years) at Pyle:

2006 Tech 31-27 (last minute bomb wins game)
2004 Aggy 30-24 (OT loss)
2002 Tech 48-47 (OT win)
2000 Aggy 33-15 (soundly defeated by 5 loss team)
1998 Aggy 17-10 (Aggy wins Big XII)

The point I'm trying to make is that this game is certainly no gimme - at least judging by recent history. Aggy may have lost to Arkansas State this year, but it will show up to defend its home field against a team it hates. Ask the Longhorns how their trip out there played out last year.

Tech lost to North Texas High in 1999 the game before it beat #5 Aggy - both games were played in the HUB.

FLASHBACK: 2001

"There may be an individual or two that got out of hand. For the record, I think our fans are better than the Aggie fans." Mike Leach, November 5, 2001.

This quote came AFTER Tech AD Gerald Myers and Tech President David Schmidly had publicly condemned the actions of Tech students, who tore down the goalpost and shoved it into the visitors section, inciting a brawl. In Leach's defense, maybe by "better", he meant better street-fighters.

Tech/Rooster Bowl Notes

Corona has officially been replaced. I'm interested to see what Fowler can do - he's been in the program longer, so hopefully he has a little more focus. Although clearly not Tech's only weak area on special teams, extra points are crucial. (see 2002 Rooster Bowl)

Here's an interesting one: Tech leads the Big 12 (3rd nationally among current Top 25 teams) in football graduation rates at 79%. Aggy comes in at #8, 56%. Will be interesting to see how that one gets spun...

Rooster Bowl IX will be aired on ESPN Classic this Thursday at 2pm.

Updated forecast for Saturday: clear, sunny - 78/52.

FLASHBACK: 1999

The Fightin' Texas Aggies, defending Big 12 Champs and ranked #5 in the nation, rolled undefeated into Lubbock. No one expected much of a contest from the pitiful Red Raiders, 1-2, and coming off an embarrassing loss to the Mean Green of North Texas State. Everyone fully believed the Aggies would steamroll Tech.

Not so fast. This rivalry can be unpredictable, and strange things can happen. Tech held on to a slim 21-19 upset of the #5 Aggies that Saturday, while I desperately tried to get updates to my pager, while attending Shannon's best friend's wedding (I'll never understand why anyone would get married in the fall, but that's another post.) A&M went on to an 8-4 season, with embarrassing losses to OU, Nebraska, and Penn State, but none was more devastating than the upset in Lubbock.

My point in this post, is that I ALWAYS hold out hope for a win. They play the game for a reason, and it's games like this, where I know my attendance brings the possibility of witnessing an incredible upset. I know Aggies who are fed up and refusing to attend, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. I will always see the world through Maroon Colored Glasses, and hold a whiff of hope that on any given Saturday, against any opponent, the Fightin' Texas Aggies will bring victory.

Regarding Aggy Response:

"Tech isn't known for their camaraderie or being civil, from stories I've heard," one Aggie said. "I believe they're just taking jabs at whatever they can get at. I'm just ready to beat the hell out of Tech!"

Crap. I think the terrorists just won.

A&M Rolls On!

COLLEGE STATION -- The A&M Consolidated Lady Tiger volleyball team won its tenth District 12-5A football game on Tuesday evening with a 3 sets sweep of Killeen Ellison.

Shelby Dickson led the way with 12 kills, while Karla Gilbert added 6 kills in the 25-12, 25-8, 25-15.

Hillary Parker added 23 assists while Kelsey Kinley chipped in 6 digs and 3 aces.

The Lady Tigers improve to 10-0 in District 12-5A play and 26 and 7 overall.

A&M Consolidated travels to Killeen to face Shoemaker on Friday.

Regarding Aggy:

Tech’s upperclassmen didn’t take shots Monday at Texas A&M, their next opponent. But they also didn’t tread lightly around the subject of the Aggies and their unique traditions.

“I’ve never been a real big fan of it,” Tech inside receiver Eric Morris said. “There’s a lot of them when they come marching in before the games: I guess the ROTC. I don’t know what it is, really - the fake army, which I don’t know if that’s a good thing to say.

“But there’s a lot of them, march around the field forever and all kinds of chants. I don’t know what it means, but they have great tradition there, so you have to respect that. Their fans get into it. It’s a great atmosphere to play in.”

Senior center Stephen Hamby said he’s looking forward to playing in Kyle Field, because he gets a charge out of fans “telling me I’m terrible.”

Hamby, who’s known for his humorous personality, figures the A&M crowd will take care of that. “They’re supposed to be classy fans or whatever. They’re not,” he said with a smile.

“I’ve been in their stadium before. They do the hiss thing. That’s about as far as they say they go. But I’d rather have somebody tell me I’m terrible than tell me I’m great.”

Hamby said he’s had a relative in A&M’s corps of cadets.

“My brother-in-law was in it, I think,” Hamby said. “Needless to say, he wore a kilt to my sister’s wedding. They’re just a different breed down there. I’m not too enthusiastic about their whole thing they’ve got going. … Every friend I’ve had go to A&M turns out different when they come back.”

DE Bennett will play Saturday/Ryan Tannehill sidenote

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Defensive end Michael Bennett, suspended for the Kansas State game for a violation of team rules, will practice today and is expected to play Saturday against No. 7 Texas Tech.

This is a relief. Brother of pass-dropping Cowboys tight end Martellus is our best defensive player (what Emmitt might call "a diamond surrounded by trash"). We will need him to put some pressure on Harrell.

On another note, this is an interesting RoosterBowl nugget for you. A&M freshman receiver/backup QB Ryan Tannehill grew up a Tech fan. His dad, Tim Tannehill, played receiver for Tech from 85-87. Ryan played QB at Big Spring, and grew up idolizing Kliff Kingsbury and BJ Symons. He wanted to go to Tech but was not recruited by Leach.

"I grew up a Tech fan, but right now, I'm not proud of it," Tannehill said. "Right now, I'm just worried about taking them down."

Ryan has a freshman record 12 catched for 210 yards last week against K-State.

This year's location is set!!

(click above to enlarge)

Olsen Field RV lot, Space 12 (amazingly, the same EXACT spot we had in 2006!)

Printable MAP of RV lots

Printable MAP of Olsen Field RV lot

Opening line

Red Raiders by 21

Rooster Break-Let's Padre!

Anyone who knows what I mean by "Let's Padre" is old. It's of course a Spring Break reference from the late 80's, and since I'm officially on Rooster Break, it seemed appropriate.

Anyway, in spite of the current state of Aggie Football, I am very fired up about RoosterBowl XI, and that the time is finally upon us. Since I missed RB X, this one is extra special. I can't wait to see what the line is on this game, which pits the 6-0 Red Raiders, who will be ranked in the top 5, against the woeful 2-4 Aggies, who have only managed to beat Army and New Mexico (even those were close).

Tech showed some signs of mortality yesterday, with a close, OT win over Nebraska in Lubbock. A&M, as bad as they were, showed some signs of life, and certainly showed some fight, in the loss to Kansas State. We were unable to stop the Wildcats in the first half, and gave up the usual special teams TD with a blocked punt going the other way for 6.

This week we will have back one of our few quality defensive players in Michael Bennett, who was benched this week for "violating team rules" (shouldn't that bench the entire offensive line? There has to be a rule requiring them to BLOCK!). Also back in the starting lineup will be Mike Goodson, who sat out the first quarter vs. K-state. According to Coach Sherman, Goodson "had trouble finding his way to class" last week.

The only bright spot this week was the explosion of the A&M passing game under Jerrod Johnson, who threw for 419 in the loss. 210 of those yards were to backup QB Ryan Tannehill. Johnson also ran for 68 yards. With him in the lineup, combined with the running/catching threat of Goodson, plus receiving threats Tannehill and Fuller, we have to be able to move the ball against Tech. The question is can we slow down Tech's attack. Certainly A&M defensive coordinator Joe Kines has done it before, in the Alabama Cotton Bowl win over Tech. Avoiding the big play will key, which A&M has been prone to give up all year. My prediction is that someone will emerge from this game as a legitimate Heisman contender.

Flashback! 2001

Commandancy of Section 15
Jones Stadium, Nov. 3rd 2001

To the People of College Station & all Agro-americans in the world --

Fellow farmers & 12th men -- I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Techsicans under Leach -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 60 minutes & have only given up 12 points -- The enemy demanded passage out of the stadium, otherwise, the fans are to be put to the goalpost, if the section is taken -- I have answered the demand with binoculars, & we are still humping it proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender, or go to my car. Then, I call on you in the name of RC, of Reville & everything dear to the aggie character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements every hour & will no increase to three or four thousand before they decide to go get some dinner and something to drink. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain as long as possible & then run to the newspapers and tell them I work for the governor.

Victory or Shreveport!
William Barret McKinney
Chf. Gomer, Comdt.

No Guts, No Glory....

Wow.

Still unsure how to digest this one. Nebraska showed up and deserves a lot of credit - as do the Red Raiders for not packing it in. Tech maintained its focus, and made it happen in the end.

I'm real happy about only committing 2 penalties for a change. Unfortunately, the personal foul was complete garbage, and almost played a part in the final score. Pelini whined all game, and finally was handed a gift with that one.

Special teams continue to be a major concern at this point. Sooner than later it will cost us a game if corrections are not made, and I'm talking about all facets; not just the kicking.

Game Time Set...

....11am, and televised on FOX Sports. Forecast at this time is 82/65, with a 20% chance of rain.

It's a perfect time slot, as Aggy will not much time to plot before kick-off. If this were a home game for the Red Raiders, I would prefer a night slot for the exact same reason.

Let's Not Start...

Being 5-0 and #7 reminds me of Winston Wolf's famous deadpanner.

Just like my previous entry, nothing has been won yet. I've seen 5-0 a few times, and I've heard all of the lofty projections before as well. Not once, however, have I seen it come through.

Although a nice win in Manhattan, I think Tech should be somewhere around #12 right now. I can count a few teams that we might not be able to beat with how we've performed thus far. Then again, I could be wrong. We'll see....

Hello, calling special teams....Is anyone there? Masonry? Where's that damn hippy clerk?

Back to Earth

Looks like I picked a good game to attend last weekend against Army, as it will be one of the few wins of the season. There is simply no point in my rehashing the mauling at Stoolwater yesterday, so I won't bother.

I updated the poll at the right, asking whether A&M will get bowl eligible this year. Early in the season, I would have voted yes. Obviously, things have not started out as any Aggie fan planned.

For A&M to become bowl eligible, we must have 6 wins against FBS opponents. At 2-3 right now, and three top 10 teams (OU, UT, Teck) remaining on the schedule, that pretty much means we must get the four needed wins from the other four games left: K-State, @Iowa State, Colorado, and @ Baylor. Could it happen? Sure, but I voted no. I think all of those games are winnable or losable, and running the table on them in the shape we are in is damn near impossible.

Honestly, I think we will go .500 in those 4 games, and get an upset between Tech and Texas. That would put us at 5-7 for the season, which I would be very happy with at this point.

Through The Bye Week - Stay Focused

Every year Tech drops one early on because of getting ahead of itself. Whether it's talk of dropping a 100 on some weakling of an opponent, or just getting a collective fat head by putting up a bunch of gaudy numbers in a bunch of preseason games, it happens year in, year out.

This team, so far, seems pretty focused on the big plan - tightening up here and there, and not screwing up the whole season's goal of winning the South by dropping an early conference game. We haven't really seen that much from the offense, which I think could be spun in a way that shows Leach is much more coy that perceived. What's the point in showing everything early on?

I like the fact that all of the talk (and rightfully so) is about Daniel and McCoy. We know what Harrell is capable of at this point. I also like that the defense is a talking positive talking point this season as well, as is the running game.

I don't think we've seen much of this team yet, and that excites me even more about October. Let's be serious though - this team should be no higher ranked than #15 right now. #7 is kind of ridiculous after seeing how the first 4 games have been won.

Those lofty projections/hype in 2005 didn't really bode to well with the reality of the season, and I don't really want to see a repeat.

Earn it, Raiders.

Aggies win!

Celebration after what may be the Aggies' last win of the season.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Am I getting ahead of myself here?

A&M announced their 2009 schedule today. Maybe they are trying to get people focused on the future??

Anyway, RoosterBowl XII will be played in Lubbock on October 24, 2009.

2009 TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 NEW MEXICO Kyle Field

Sept. 19 UTAH STATE Kyle Field

Sept. 26 UAB Kyle Field

Oct. 3 vs. Arkansas (Cowboys Stadium) Arlington, TX

Oct. 10 OKLAHOMA STATE Kyle Field

Oct. 17 at Kansas State Manhattan, KS

Oct. 24 at Texas Tech Lubbock, TX

Oct. 31 IOWA STATE Kyle Field

Nov. 7 at Colorado Boulder, CO

Nov. 14 at Oklahoma Norman, OK

Nov. 21 BAYLOR Kyle Field

Nov. 26 TEXAS (ESPN) Kyle Field

Strained right/throwing shoulder

That's the injury status for Stephen McGee, AND for Jerrod Johnson this week. Ryan Tannehill, the third string quarterback is taking snaps, just in case. Tannehill has been playing receiver, but was out last week with an ankle sprain. This is getting comical. I'm still sure McGee and/or Johnson will play.

A&M/Miami

Who knows what the hell will happen this Saturday afternoon? I am hearing that Stephen McGee's status is "uncertain". That's the same thing we heard about Reggie McNeal when they wanted to get McGee a start against Texas in 2005.

Miami is not a good team, and neither is Texas A&M, so this should be an interesting game. I hope to see the continued "blossoming" of freshman receiver Jeff Fuller, and really think we should see some kind of improvement from the O-line....they certainly can't get any worse. If Tannehill (3rd string QB/starting receiver) is healthy, then we actually have a good pair of receivers. If Tannehill is still out with the ankle, and McGee doesn't play, then the backup QB is Tommy Dorman, another fish. How quickly you can go from deep/experienced at QB to very thin.

Is Tech playing AT Lubbock Christian, or is that a home game?.....oh, wait, it's UMASS. Do they have a football team or do they just put pads on the basketball guys?

A Few Leach Quotes:

When asked how the players liked pacticing in the downpour on Thursday:

“How’d they like it?” Leach said afterward. “I think initially they were somewhat apprehensive. I got tired of looking at that, so I had everybody (lie down and) roll three times one direction and three times the other, just so we got acclimated.”

On how the rain affected the practice:

“It was hard for skill guys to handle the football,” Leach acknowledged. “This wasn’t just rain; this was kind of a different level. The linemen, I think, had a lot of fun. Anybody that hit somebody else had a lot of fun.”

When asked if he had initially considered cancelling prcartice:

“No,” Leach said. “How many times do you get to do this? Just to reinforce that (idea), as you go down University (Avenue), there’s college students in bathing suits doing all kinds of stuff. You’ve got like floaty toys and whatnot.”

Jones underwater?

5 Weeks Away

Reno Wrap-Up

Not really much more to say about the place - it's a smoker's wet dream, and I still smell like a dirty ashtray that's been on tour with Molly Hatchett. Seriously, my whole suitcase stinks.

The game was telling in a few ways. Tech had to find a way to win when the offense decided to not show up. Special teams helped, and the defense stepped up as well. Penalties are still killing the Red Raiders, but that's really nothing new.

What I took from this one (excluding the $6 beer that was sold in the stadium), is that Tech is a good team that found a way to win one on the road when all facets weren't clicking. A Tech team from recent history probably would not have won this one.

Hopefully a couple more home tune-ups will get this team ready to prove its worth, because right now, in my opinion, the Red Raiders are not a #12 team. In fact, they're not even top 15 - more like #20.

Ags get a win!

Should I be excited about a win over New Mexico? The fact is, that I am. Sad as it may be, getting the first win of the new era behind us was important. We do not have a good team. Don't let anyone tell you we lack talent...we have plenty of it. Our offensive line is just that, OFFENSIVE. It's no shock McGee took a beating in the 1st quarter and left with a shoulder injury. Johnson filled in just fine. Not great numbers (except the 3 TD's), but did fine for a guy who had been taking no snaps at QB in practice, and had been playing receiver. Looks like McGee will be ready for the Miami game, with the bye week to recuperate. I'm honestly not sure that's what I want. I think in the overall scheme of things, I'd rather Jerrod get the game experience. I love McGee, but I am just thinking of the future.

Highlights: Michael Bennett on d-line; Jordan Peterson at safety; Jeff Fuller at receiver; Goodson knee not serious.

Question marks: offensive line; linebacker

Opening weekend

Congrats to the Red Raiders for dominating Eastern Washington. I am still completely stunned by the Aggies' first loss of a home opener since my freshman year at A&M. That was a 1987 loss to LSU. We won at home the following weekend against Washington (not Eastern), and also beat Brett Favre's USM team in Hattiesburg, and finished the season with a Cotton Bowl win over Notre Dame. We went on to finish the season 10-2, the only other loss at the hands of who else....Texas Tech, 27-21 in Lubbock. I long for those days, when we gave up 161 points the entire season.

The Arkansas State loss yesterday may be the single most embarrassing loss in A&M history, including 1991 Tulsa, 1995 Texas Tech, 1996 USL Ragin Cajuns, and 2004 Baylor. Those were all road games against reasonably (relatively) respectable opponents. There's just no way to spin this one, and I'm the Aggie spinmaster. Four CRITICAL turnovers, two missed field goals, and the defense gave up over 400 yards at home, blowing a 14-3 lead. Completely pitiful. We are definitely not ready for a road game, but I expect to see a lot of Jerrod Johnson next weekend in New Mexico.

Money B = El Busto

My name is Martellus, but call me Money B
I run routes so weak, Parcells should call me "she".

I like to refer to myself a big time rapper
Cuz my on the field effort belongs in the crapper.

I don't really understand all of the bad pub
All my ego wants is just one big rub.

So pleez gimme what I want so that I don't have to pout
Just like I did after the latest Texas Tech rout.

True Definition of a "Poooor Aggie"

This just makes me laugh.

Does she count as a "Roosterchick"

R.I.P. Terrence Kiel

Terrence Kiel, former Texas A&M safety and veteran of RoosterBowls II-V (1999-2002) was killed in a car crash in San Diego Friday night. Terrence had some troubles with the law after leaving A&M as a 2nd round pick by the Chargers. His on the field contributions to the RoosterBowl legend will always be remembered.

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