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Schedule Game 1: N. Mexico St. Game 2: Arkansas Game 3: Rice Game 4: Tulane Game 5: K-State Game 6: Oklahoma Game 7: Iowa St. Game 8: Baylor Game 9: Nebraska Game 10: OSU Game 11: Texas Tech Game 12: Texas A&M Orange Bowl: vs. FSU • Index • Methodology • The Real Schedule • Talk UT Sports |
Breaking Down The Matchup
By Matt Thompson
Austin360
Texas A&M Overview: The Aggies are downright giddy these days, fueled by a change in head coach (the eminently capable -- if highly portable -- Dennis Franchione) and elevated predictions in some noted preseason publications. Truthfully, there's reason for optimism ... the team's deep at most skill positions, and though the offensive line was touch-and-go last year, it's at least a little more experienced this time out.
The EA Sports version of the Aggies knows nothing of the coaching change, or preseason hype ... but it's been playing very well of late, building on a lackluster preconference performance with a strong, 6-1 Big 12 record that includes victories at Oklahoma and at Nebraska.
Reggie McNeal is the starter, but somehow (according to EA), Jason Carter has more throwing yards, 1,579 on 99-of-185 passing. Derek Farmer, who's looking over his shoulder a touch in the real world, leads a middle-of-the-pack rushing attack with 803 yards and eight scores. Terrence Murphy is the top WR, with an impressive 999 yards on 62 catches (with 9 touchdowns).
A win over me in this game puts A&M into the Big 12 title game -- surprisingly against Colorado, which upset Nebraska and is waiting for either the Aggies or the Sooners in Kansas City.
Records and Rankings: Texas 9-2, 5-2 Big 12, No. 6 in both polls; Texas A&M is 7-4, 6-1, and No. 22 in the media poll.
Offensive Gameplan: The only change I'm planning is running the quarterback more, out of any formation I can manage. Beyond that ... lots of Cedric Benson to set up the play-action over the top to Roy Williams. Who says this coaching stuff is hard?
Defensive Gameplan: A&M -- the cyber version -- is pretty balanced (No. 5 in the Big 12 in passing, No. 6 in rushing) ... so I'm going to let the situation dictate my formation. I do plan on getting some heat on McNeal as early as possible. I've been burned by this strategy before, but I really need to keep this kid off-balance.
Keys: Holding onto the ball, grinding out the clock, four yards on first down ... Is any of this sounding familiar? I don't want to fall behind, even a little, on a rainy day like this, because passing the ball will be a lot more difficult. (Even if I have the favorable matchup with Roy Williams and ... whoever.)
Outlook: Once again, the EA announcers are predicting easy victory. This, of course, means absolutely nothing. By the way, I lost the coin toss ... again. I don't know if I've won a toss this season.
On to The First Half.
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» Bicycle Shops & Repair
» Boating
» Boat Dealers & Builders
» Boat Excursions & Charters
» Boat Repair & Detailing
» Boat Towing & Transporting
» Dock Builders
» Marinas & Storage
» Bowling
» Camps & Campgrounds
» Fishing Guides & Farms
» Fishing Tackle & Supplies
» Golf
» Guides
» Horse Boarding & Training
» Horse Saddlery & Supplies
» Ice Skating
» Martial Arts Instruction
» Recreation Centers
» Roller Skating
» Scuba Diving
» Shooting Ranges
» Skiing
» Skydiving & Parachuting
» Snowmobiles & ATVs
» Sports Clubs
» Sports Equipment
» Rental & Repair
» Sporting Goods Stores
» Sports Instruction
» Summer Camps
» Swimming
