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.

LINK

Whoop!!!

The end of Franchione's reign of disappointment

When Dennis Franchione arrived in College Station in late 2002, there were high hopes in Aggieland. Aggies had grown weary of a declining program under our beloved RC Slocum, and in spite of his winning history (winningest coach in A&M history), and his creation of a legend in the feared Wrecking Crew defense, RC was "reassigned", in hopes of the Aggie football program ascending back into the college football elite class. It was said that RC just couldn't compete in the Big 12, that the game had begun to pass him by. The new coach, stolen from Alabama, was not only redemption for the theft of "The Bear" in the 50's, but was also considered to be the "Maroon Jesus" who would resurrect the Aggie football program from impending mediocrity.

After five years of believing in this false savior, I have fully renounced my vows, and will no longer accept this false idol. Our "Maroon Jesus", turned out to be "Maroon Mackovick", a trojan horse sent to destroy what was left of this once great football program with VIP newsletters, prevent defense, and worst of all, by destroying and wasting talent.

When he arrived, "the cupboard was bare". Now, five years later, and stocked with talented young players who also bought into his bogus "turnaround specialist" reputation, we still kneel to the North, facing Norman, and we still cower on the South Plains of the Texas Panhandle. We have even taken a backseat to a couple of basketball schools from the North, Mizzou and Kansas. 77-0 has become disguised to 42-14, and we have singlehandedly buoyed the goalpost industry with routine takedowns in Lubbock, and even one in Waco.

This is not what this imposter was hired to do, and I am formally advocating his IMMEDIATE dismissal. What's the point of waiting until T+2? The best this team can do this year, by winning the final two games, is 8-4. Unacceptable! That's a great season in Lubbock, but is not in any way tolerable at this point in College Station, especially for a man who was brought here to stop the descent to mediocrity, and deliver this program back to national elite status.

Goodbye Fran. Thanks for wasting 5 years of my football life.

Welcome a new member to our family!

Brad and Amy welcomed a new Terry to the family today, and Madi finally has her girl cousin. Dabney Ellen Terry was born at 11:06 am, weighing in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

Welcome Dabney!!!

What a difference a week makes........

Last week, Aggies were ready to mail it in, and Tech fans were booking flights to San Antonio. Now, only one week later, the Aggies are reveling in a rout of the Cornhuskers in Lincoln, and Tech will be going home from Missouri with their tail between their legs, after being totally embarrassed by Mizzou. What makes this relevant, is that A&M is still tied for first in the South, with a 3-1 conference record, while Tech falls to 2-2. I don't think Mizzou is 31 points better than Tech, but they were today.

Aggies have KU at home next week, then road games against OU and Missouri. 2-1 on that stretch will set us up for a nice T+1 showdown in College Station. After all this frustration, it would be amazing (and yes, unlikely) to go 9-3 on the season, and possibly win the South.

The Fran Era is over

First of all, congratulations to the Texas Tech defense, who shut down the A&M offense for about 52 minutes, and kept feeding the ball back to Harrell and Crabtree, fueling the Red Raider Rout of A&M this afternoon.

Second of all, I am completely disgusted and finished with Coach Fran and his pitiful, painful outings week in and week out. I know we are 5-2, and 2-1 in conference, but I am done with Fran, and Fran is done at A&M. I would rather cut bait now, and just finish the year with an interim coach.

Blake, I am sorry about your carpet, and the permanent indentation that Rooster perch must be making there. Congratulations, and good night.

My halftime analysis

A&M has really blown some opportunities, and I put it all on Franchione. Playcalling in the redzone twice stalled out drives that ended in missed field goals. Tech cannot stop our basic bread and butter offense. We need to cram it down their throats for the rest of the game.

Champs Elysees - June 14, 1940

A special thanks to the Corps for boring us to tears, year after year, with the same old crap. The whole "Summer in Paris" routine is old and tired at this point. The least y'all could do is throw in a couple of dancing sheep to break up the monotony.

The Day of Rooster is finally here!

Well, I must admit, that it felt strange today to wake up in my own bed, without a mild residual buzz, and not coated in dried beer swill, stale hot tub water and dust. Sounds strange, but this is the first time since 1999 that I have arisen on Rooster morn, and been anywhere other than within direct sight of the hallowed ground where the game will be played.

As usual, the Aggies are a big underdog traveling to Lubbock. The Tech fans are already lathered up, and the local convenience stores are all out of tortillas and Duracells. Everyone is expecting Tech to beat up on poor Aggy again, but I say "not so fast". A&M is coming to play, and are armed with a Jorvorskie Lane guarantee, an embattled coach, and tremendous team unity. These guys are winners. This team that won in Austin last Thanksgiving, are certainly capable of a big win in Lubbock. The matchups may heavily favor Tech, but it's not as disparate as it has been in 2003 and 2005. On top of that, A&M has already beaten a team that Tech couldn't handle. OSU had three backs rush for over 100 yards. If the Red Carpet defense couldn't stop Okie Lite, then they will have trouble with McGee, Lane, and Goodson on the ground-----big trouble.

Finally, I had a strange dream this week that Graham Harrell had to play the game with a colostomy bag (not as the football, but actually attached to his body). This should be a sign that Harrell will have a sub-par game, or perhaps that the Aggies will "sack the shit out of him".

All of this put together, gives me all I need to project an Aggie victory in Lubbock this afternoon, and a triumphant return of the Rooster to his rightful throne in Dallas.

What is guaranteed, is that this will be a great game, and a fun weekend, and one that I wish I didn't have to miss it. I will carry a flask in my boot today, as a tribute, and I already have October 18, 2008 circled in blood on my calendar.

Fenagling Fran....

Not much difference between him and former NBA ref Tim Donaghy - except Donaghy never sold out anyone from his own family. According to ESPN, the Fraudulent One cleared a whopping $80,000 (a profit of $37,000) the last few years on this site that he sold subscriptions for at a cost of $1200 each. A&M released a list of names who subscribed to it this morning:

Neal Adams
Michael Burrichter
Michael Champine
Joe Clark
Ashley Franchione
Kim Franchione
Glenn Hart
Fred Heldenfels
Jerry Holditch
Stormy Kimrey (Subscription Ended October 2006)
David LeBoeuf
Jim Lind
Jack E. Little
Bob Lynch
C. John Mace (Subscription Ended June 2007)
Miles Marks
Charlie Mattei (Subscription Ended December 2006)
Artie McFerrin
Jeff McFerrin
Buppy Simank
Greg Walton
Dale Watts
Charles Wisema

I was never a math major, but the numbers don't seem to add up....especially when his own wife and daughter received it for free. Maybe the new A&M motto should be: "Aggy Math - From The Outside Looking In You Can't Understand It"

J-Train guarantees victory in Lubbock!!!!

This is the kind of bold swagger that I want to see!

A&M's Lane guarantees victory against Tech

Web Posted: 10/09/2007 03:09 PM CDT

Brent Zwerneman
San Antonio Express-News

COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M running back Jorvorskie Lane said Tuesday that he doesn’t care if the Aggies haven’t won at Texas Tech since 1993.

“We’re going to win in 2007,” Lane said. “That’s a guarantee. I promise you.”

Asked what coach Dennis Franchione – who had already spoken at the weekly press conference – might think of such a bold prediction, Lane shrugged.

“I’m a man,” he said. “ I can say what I want to say.”

The Aggies and Red Raiders play 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium. Tech has won by a combined 70 points in Franchione’s two previous trips to Lubbock as A&M coach. Such a fact didn’t faze Lane.

“Nothing can break us,” he said.

Leach breaks arm in bicycle accident

Associated Press

LUBBOCK – Coach Mike Leach said he broke a bone in his right arm when falling from his bicycle Friday.

Leach said he got a flat tire and tried to fill it with enough air to make it to his destination, but "it proceeded to run out of air. I took a routine turn, then went into a slide, so then it broke the arm."

I have two questions about this incident:

1. How much had Leach had to drink prior to jumping on his bike?
2. Is this an omen for the Pirates?
   

t-shirts being sold in Lubbock this week

http://www.kcbd.com/global/story.asp?s=7181314
I guess they still hate the Aggies..........

unfortunate news for RoosterBowl X

I have some unfortunate news to report about my attendance at RoosterBowl this year. Unfortunately, I will not make the traveling roster for RoosterBowl X. I have always said that hell nor high water would keep me from missing another RoosterBowl, and I have not missed one since 1999 in Lubbock. The only thing that could keep me away is the needs of my family, and this year, that is what will keep me away. My wonderful wife has been struggling with her health recently, and was just discharged today from her third hospitalization of 2007. She encouraged me to go on with my friends, but I have made the decision that I need to be with my family as much as possible in the coming weeks.

I have full confidence and expectation that the show will go on, and that Blake and Teddy-K will effectively carry the torch with me there only in spirit. When the Aggies win, Teddy-K can accept the Rooster on my behalf, and return Him to His rightful perch in Dallas.

Long live the Rooster, and Gig 'Em Aggies!!!!!

A&M-Tech slated for ABC broadcast

This is perfect!

03:33 AM CDT on Tuesday, October 2, 2007

By BRIAN DAVIS / The Dallas Morning News

Network executives aren't ignoring the Texas A&M-Texas Tech rivalry much anymore. The Oct. 13 game at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock was selected to be televised by ABC at 2:30 p.m.

Also on Oct. 13, the Texas-Iowa State game will be televised by FSNSW at 11:30 a.m. The Missouri-Oklahoma game will start at 5:30 p.m. on FSNSW. The Colorado-Kansas State game was selected by ESPN2 and will begin at 8:15 p.m.

Just a reminder....

I love it!

I have nothing specific to post about, except that I am so happy that it's football season again. The Aggies have already had their non-con scare, and hopefully gotten it out of the way early. The coach has cemented our dedication to the "vertical running game". Some have called it "three yards and a cloud of dust", but it's basically "Jorvorskie straight up your ass---try and stop it".

Tech has already resumed their tradition of the "Red Carpet Defense", and demonstrated that they can still score fast enough, that it doesn't really matter if they fall severely behind by halftime. Michael Crabtree is the real deal, and will torture defensive backfields all season.

I don't know how the Aggies will do this year. I am predicting the following:

Non-conference: 4-0 (Montana St, Fresno, U-La-Mon, Miami)
Baylor: W
Okie State: W
Tech: W (yes, that's a win in Lubbock)
Nebraska: W in Lincoln
Kansas: W
OU: L
Missouri: W
Texas: W

Yes, that's 11-1. I know it's bold, but what can I say? I believe in my boys this year.

Tech's season will be very predictable. Here's how I see it:

Non-conference: 4-0 (SMU, UTEP, Rice, Northwestern State)
Okie State: L
Iowa State: W
Texas A&M: L
Missouri: L
Colorado: W
Baylor: W
Texas: L
OU: L

That's 7-5. Big surprise. They will win the Tangerine Bowl by 75 points to nail down that 8th win.

I couldn't resist

Tech having some spelling problems? (click image to enlarge)

Translation: "Athlethics" must mean "Athletics"

Translation: "Red Raidiers" must mean "Red Raiders"

Brad's Aggie Predictions for the season

Why do I waste my time doing this every year? I have no idea, not even sure if anyone reads it but Joe...maybe Blake. That being said, here are my game by game predictions for A&M this year.

Game 1 is already in the books, but for the record, I had predicted it perfectly since back in July

Aggies 38 Montana St 7

Game 2: A&M lets Fresno State hang around for way to long and a late 3rd quarter TD even puts the Bulldogs ahead. Coach Fran finally unleashes McGee's arm in the 4th and the aggies regain the lead and then tack on a cosmetic touchdown in the waning minutes of the game. The score is not indicative of how close it really was

Aggies 30 Fresno St. 20

Game 3: Aggies come out firing on all cylinders and route ULA Monroe. Goodson has the game of his career with over 200 yards rushing and 3 TDs.

Aggies 48 ULA monroe 9

Game 4: Aggie roll into Miami with one of the top offenses in the nation...but this game goes back to the aggie bread and butter. Defense and ball control. McGee only completes 9 passes, but it works and the aggies are undefeated. A&M knocks Kirby Freeman out of the game on a brutal hit by Kellen Hurd (aggie fans secretly rejoice as this is payback for his brother transferring from Aggieland)

Aggies 16 Miami 12


Game 5: A&M plays its most complete game of the year. Goodson breaks off 2 TD runs. McGee throws two longballs to Martellus Bennett. Bennett proclaims himself the greatest TE ever to play the game in a postgame interview (even though these are his only TDs for the year thus far)

Aggies 51 Baylor 16


Game 6: The aggies have moved all the way to the top 10 and all is right in Aggieland...until Oki
State shows up. The aggies get caught looking towards Tech and Oki state makes em pay. The Franchione bashers come out of the woodwork claiming we are trying to use Goodson too much instead of Lane. Either way, it doesn't matter, Aggies lose a dumb game at home.

Aggies 22 Oki State 38


Game 7: The Oki state loss serves as a wake up call and A&M finally steps up in Lubbock. For the first time in years, this game is pretty easy for the aggies. Ball control and a steady diet of Jawvorskie Lane has all of the Fran bashers saying "why didn't we do this last week?"

Aggies 41 Tech 22


Game 8: Just like last year, the game aginst Nebraska comes down to the wire. The ESPN college gameday crew rolls into town and everyone is picking the aggies. Unfortunately, fumbles and special teams miscues are too much to overcome and the ags are their own worst enemy. Despite outplaying the huskers, the aggies lose the game.

Aggies 26 Nebraska 28


Game 9: Kansas is simple no match for an angry A&M team. A&M scores on the first 3 possessions ansd never looks back.

Aggies 44 Kansas 17


Game 10: A&M against OU has now become the battle to win the big twelve South (Texas is suffering though a disappointing season) and no one else is in contention. Goodson and Lane are simply spectular and the national media gravitates towards the "thunder and lightning" cliche. OU's vaunted defense struggles to tackle Lane and can't catch McGee. A&M wins and climbs back into the top 10.

Aggies 27 OU 21


Game 11: Chase Daniel and Stephen McGee seem to be playing for pride and trying to prove that their style is superior. Daniel enters the game as the odds on favorite to win Big 12 player of the year. McGee outplays him in a gutty effort drawing more comparisons to Bucky Richardson. The game goes into overtime...and McGee wins it on a pass to none other than Martellus Bennett. Bennett hasn't scored since game 5, but he still proclaims himself the greatest tight end ever to play the game in a postgame interview.

Aggies 41 Tigers 38


Game 12: The Big 12 South title is there for the taking if the agies can just take care of an underperforming Texas Team. The aggies don't disappoint...Texas has given up by this point.

Aggies 31 Horns 18

The Blog is back on top!

I decided to put the blog back on the front page, even if it's just temporary. The forum is still available at the very crude, temporary link on the navbar. Seriously, let me know what you think before I make any permanent changes.

our first major improvement!

Check this out and let me know what you think. It is live and fully operational. Just register and start posting!


http://www.roosterbowl.com/roosterboard.htm

copy/paste that link to your browser, or click HERE

server problems

Sorry for the site being down the past couple of weeks. Our webhosting service had been provided by a friend of mine from A&M at no charge (thanks Jim), but the server was not reliable and would could not handle our occasional surges in bandwidth.

I have switched to a paid hosting service, which should be much more reliable, and may offer some additional features, which will enhance the site. While the site is migrating to the new server, I have put a forwarding feature on the domain, so that you will automatically be directed to the blog server. Once it's all fixed, you will automatically see the entire site when visiting www.roosterbowl.com.

Thanks for being patient, and don't give up on us.

Gig 'em and Wreck 'em!

Joe

Robert Gates

December 7, 2006

To the Aggie Family:

The United States Senate yesterday voted to confirm me as the 22nd Secretary of Defense. I will be sworn in and take office on December 18th, and will resign as the 22nd President of Texas A&M that same day.

And so it is final. My last official act as President will be to preside at the commencement ceremonies on December 15-16.

You already know that I am leaving this incredible University reluctantly and with a heavy heart. By the same token, Aggies - more than anyone else - understand why I must do so.

Our University is in good hands and on an upward course. All the major initiatives - expanding the faculty, new undergraduate degree programs, greater diversity, more than half a billion dollars in new construction - 90% of it for academic facilities, and unprecedented involvement of faculty, staff and students in decision-making - are on track, taking us to new heights of academic excellence. It is now also evident that our athletic program is on track to reach a new level of national competitiveness.

As the end of my service as President draws near, please know that: for the rest of my life I will always be an Aggie. Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, as long as I live I will bleed Maroon.

A final request to all in the Texas A&M family. Never forget who we are and where we came from. Never forget the Aggie Code of Honor. And never forget the obligations of duty and honor and country.

God bless all of you, God bless Texas A&M, and God bless America.

Gig 'em Aggies.

Until we meet again.



Robert M. Gates
President
Texas A&M University

Ags Win!!!

Brad's view from the game

Remember '99

I need a big glass of this for breakfast.....

per Melba's request........predictions:

Sold out Kyle Field in 1930

Sometimes I wonder if anyone is reading this stuff. Last night, I almost put up the crickets again. Thanks for tuning in Melba.

Texas Tech @ Oklahoma
Face it Faders, Taurean was NOT in last year, and the Sooners are still pissed. Besides that, OU's defense is way to fast for Tech to execute. Harrell will implode, and the OU running game will make Tech's defense look like the Red Sea.
OU 38 Tech 14

Texas @ K-State
No upset here. Horns continue to roll. (they will come crashing down on T+1)
Horns 51 Wildkittens 13

Tennessee @ Arkansas
Nutt's decision to go with Dick will pay off. Arkansas continues miracle season.
Razorbacks 21 Vols 17

Oregon @ USC
who cares

Nebraska @ Texas A&M
Will Franchione finally win a big game? YES. Aggies will pour it on, in their first two touchdown win this season. Goodson explodes....McGee goes deep, and J-Train makes them bleed in the red zone. Defense continues to hold.
Fightin' Texas Aggies 33 Cornholers 19

HIDE YOUR WALLET

Predictions for Week 10

Corso picks A&M in 2000

Corso picks OU in 2006

WHOOP! Let's just get to the big game first this time:

OU @ Texas A&M
The Sooners already struggle against the Ags at Kyle. That was when OU was #1 and A&M was struggling. This year, the resurgent Aggies will manhandle the weakened Sooners under the lights of Kyle Field. This is the game where the shackles will come off the Aggie offense, and the defense will step to the next level.
Aggies 31 Sooners 13

Okie State @ Texas
The Cowboys always give the Longhorns fits............................in the first half. This week Bobby Reid and company will show that closing out the Huskers last week was no fluke.
Okie State 38 Texas 30

Baylor @ Texas Tech
Classic Run-n-Shoot matchup should be a doozy. Both teams need this win to gain bowl eligibility, but in the end, with Baylor QB Shawn Bell sidelined, the Red Raiders have more firepower. Besides, I don't think the pesky Bears have ever won in Lubbock.
Tech 61 Baylor 49

ESPN College Gameday

BACK IN AGGIELAND!!!!!!!!

COLLEGE STATION, Texas- The award-winning ESPN College GameDay, built by Home Depot, is heading to College Station, Texas, for this Saturday’s (Nov. 4) football game between Texas A&M and Oklahoma. The two-hour show airs on ESPN beginning at 9 a.m. central. The football game is set to start at 7 p.m. central and will be shown on ABC.

2006 Texas A&M-Baylor football game highlights from Aggiesports.com

Video highlights for the 2006 Baylor game from Aggiesports.com. Texas A&M won the game 31-21 in Waco. Couldn't resist posting this, since we weren't on TV, and even though this looks like it was taken with Blake's camcorder from his trip to Europe in '98. Check out the Goodson run at the end.......man he's fast!!!

Week 9 wrap up

Red Faders 5-4 (2-3)
Well, I have to admit, I was feeling pretty smart when Tech jumped out to that 21-0 lead. I was even ready to change the Rick Perry audio to a vintage Mack Brown apology. Graham Harrell had the best statistical game of his career (42-62-1-519), but could only turn it into 3 TD's. How did that happen? The Faders just couldn't keep it rolling for 4 quarters. Pretty typical run-n-shoot stuff: huge passing numbers, negative rushing yards, and bad defense. Colt McCoy led a very balanced attack for the comeback. Hard to stop those guys. Interesting: Both teams ran 75 plays. Tech got just over 500 yards...UT just under 500.

Unfortunately, everything about this game was vintage Tech.


Fightin' Texas Aggies 8-1 (4-1)
The Aggie youngsters are starting to grow up. We have seen continued improvement from McGee every week, and this week was no differrent. He very well may be the best all around QB in the Big 12. We've been waiting for soph Martellus Bennett to have a breakout game at TE, and this was it, with 5 catches for 133 yards at 2 TD's, including a 75 yarder in the 1st half. We've also been waiting to witness that breakaway speed from true freshman Mike Goodson. He showed us with 96 yards on 8 carries, including a 64 yard TD to ice the game. Look for both of these guys to continue to serve up huge contributions in November.


As for my other predictions, I was way off on the OU/Mizzou game. OU may be done without Peterson and Bomar, but someone better let them know. This should be a great matchup at Kyle on Saturday. Florida/Georgia was much closer than I imagined, but the Gators got the W. I also fell short of an actual prediction, but was right on with the Okie State upset of Nebraska.

All in all, after watching the Big 12 games this weekend, I am feeling like the Aggies will have a chance to win each of our remaining three games in November. At this point, I really think A&M should go 2-1 in November.

brilliant Leach quote about t.u.

"Some people, when a certain team has a big year, they'll buy a jersey," he said. "OK, did you go there? No. Are you from Austin? No. Did you work there? No. Do you know anybody who worked there? No. Well, nice shirt, you know?"

make Mouse Davis proud!

For my weekend forecast, I will start with the biggest game of the week:

Texas @ Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have a history of playing a spoiler role since they left the Border conference in the 1940's. Leach made them feel like contenders last year with a 9-3 record, but now they are safely back on mother Earth, and right back into their comfort zone as "spoiler". With all the pressure off, the night game in Lubbock will give us a huge upset victory by the Red Raiders over the Longhorns. Tech will capitalize on some key turnovers by Colt McCoy, and Tech's offense will hum for a 41-35 win.

Texas A&M @ Baylor
This the 94th meeting between A&M and Baylor. Only the series against the Longhorns (107) is longer. The "Battle of the Brazos" looms large, after splitting overtime contests in 2004 and 2005. Are the Aggies for real, or have they settled into the middle of the pack in the Big 12? The suspense won't end until November, but this game will be a ROUT by the Aggies. Baylor can NOT stop the A&M offense, and the defense will force turnovers for more scores. It won't be a redux of 2003's 73-10 pasting of the bears, but look for the Ags to hang half a hundred on this overconfident collection of mouthy Baptist Bears. 53-19 (after a cosmetic Baylor TD in garbage time).

Florida vs Georgia
I must make this trip one of these days. If it's called the "World's largest outdoor cocktail party", I want to go. Look for a Tim Tebow highlight reel in this one. Leak is off the Heisman short list after the Auburn debacle, so Tebow sees plenty of playing time in this Gator shellacking of the Bullgogs. Gators win 42-10.

Missouri @ Oklahoma
Tough one to call. I will go with Mizzou in a close, low-scoring game: 21-20

Also, look for Okie Lite to upset Nebraska. The Cowboys are due for a win.

Guns up!!!

This week, I am a Tech fan. Gig 'em Raiders.....Beat the Hell Outta t.u.!!!

doing my weekend predictions a little early this week.....

Texas @ Nebraska
the Cornhuskers are exposed for the weak team they really are. Horns dominate: Texas 41 Nebraska 21

Texas Tech @ Iowa State
Leach's ship is taking on water, and there's still a man overboard, but the Red Raiders will stay afloat this week in Ames. Tech 27 ISU 17

Texas A&M @ Okie Lite
Aggie defense continues improvement, and the Aggies will avoid a trap in Stillwater. A&M 31 Oklahoma State 24