Aggies trying to get it together

[thunderkyss]

I thought this was an interesting read.

Especially this statement.

"When a third of your team was not with you last year, just getting everybody going in the right direction will be a major coup for us," third-year A&M coach Mike Sherman said.

That is always the first thing I hear talked about, when judging how good a team will be in the upcoming year. It is a very prevalent idea in college football. I believe it is just as important in the NFL, but doesn't get the lip-service.

 

[Dutchrudder]

I never really read up much on NCAA teams because they are so flukey. I hope the Aggies get it together this year and get 7 or 8 wins, but I have my doubts. They just never seem to dominate games even against weak conference opponents.

 

[Goldensilence]

Jeeze starting freshmen at BOTH tackle spots?!

I think it's going to be another rough season in College Station for Aggie fans.

I wasn't sure if Sherman was the right pick for them. I mean I guess the idea of getting a former successful NFL coach as a recruiting tool sounds like a good idea, just not sure if it's going to work well for them in the long run.

I don't think Mike lasts past next year unless he gets things turned around REAL quick this coming year.

I'm admittedly a big UT fan, but a rivalry isn't much fun if one side is struggling terribly. I'd really like to see A&M get back on track.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I actually think Sherman is a great fit in College Station. It's hard to tell how they're going to do next season (1) due to the "youngness" of their team/starters and (2) there's no telling how the other teams in the Big XII Light are going to do.

The thing about it is he's just now finally getting "his" players to make up the roster. I know that's ALWAYS an excuse for a coach but in this case A&M knew he needed to completely rebuild the program. Plus with them switching to a 3-4 and him getting DeRuyter, I don't see how A&M can get rid of him next season (barring something absolutely awful). It's in A&M's best interest to give a few more years, IMO.

I think A&M is on the verge of coming back and being a big football force.

 

[Ckw]

Jeeze starting freshmen at BOTH tackle spots?!

Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews (son of the one and only Bruce Matthews) are legit. They are as ready as any freshman lineman in the entire country.

Besides, it can't get any worse than last season. It is amazing what Jerrod Johnson did behind that pitiful line.

I think it's going to be another rough season in College Station for Aggie fans.

I can see it both ways. If the defense and offensive lines even show a mild improvement, I believe A&M can be contenders for the Big XII this year especially with the usually big teams (Tech, Texas, and Oklahoma) starting young, inexperienced QBs.

I wasn't sure if Sherman was the right pick for them. I mean I guess the idea of getting a former successful NFL coach as a recruiting tool sounds like a good idea, just not sure if it's going to work well for them in the long run.

I don't think Mike lasts past next year unless he gets things turned around REAL quick this coming year.

I still have my doubts as well.

I'm admittedly a big UT fan, but a rivalry isn't much fun if one side is struggling terribly. I'd really like to see A&M get back on track.

Agreed. Although it is fun, and would have been great last season, when the underdog is able to end a teams National Championship hopes like A&M almost did to Texas last season.

I actually think Sherman is a great fit in College Station. It's hard to tell how they're going to do next season (1) due to the "youngness" of their team/starters and (2) there's no telling how the other teams in the Big XII Light are going to do.

The thing about it is he's just now finally getting "his" players to make up the roster. I know that's ALWAYS an excuse for a coach but in this case A&M knew he needed to completely rebuild the program. Plus with them switching to a 3-4 and him getting DeRuyter, I don't see how A&M can get rid of him next season (barring something absolutely awful). It's in A&M's best interest to give a few more years, IMO.

I think A&M is on the verge of coming back and being a big football force.

I hope you are right. The team is very young and Sherman has had some pretty good recruiting classes. A&M just needs to get back to being known as Linebacker U. With our current guys, I just don't see that this year, but the secondary is much improved and hopefully the defensive line will show some improvement.

I will say this: A&M has some of the best skill position players in college football. Jerrod Johnson is becoming a household name (and maybe even a first round draft pick next year), Christine Michael is as legit as they come and brings it all (speed, power, strength, agility, but he just needs to stay healthy), Cyrus Gray is a great change of pace back, Jeff Fuller is going to be playing on Sundays when all is said and done, and Uzoma Nwachukwu had about as impressive of a freshman season as anyone in the country.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Agreed ckw. I think A&M could be a surprise team this year. From the looks of it, their schedule doesn't look "all that tough". Not saying it's easy but I think it's set up just about as nice as it could get.

Texas and OU are recruiting machines so they continually have depth to replace players that leave, but with that said can Gilbert get it done for UT? Is Sam Bradford's replacement going to be able to handle it? Is it Landry Jones?

Is Jerrod Johnson the best QB in the Big XII this season? It all starts with the QB (although it is a team game!)... is he the most experienced?


I see next season them going maybe 8-4'sih? They'll meet Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl and unfortunately for A&M fans/players/alumni... I'll be in Dallas watching Ole Miss' 3rd Cotton Bowl victory in a row.

 

[Carr Bombed]

The Aggies have been trying to "get it together" for over a decade now.

 

[Goldensilence]

Agreed ckw. I think A&M could be a surprise team this year. From the looks of it, their schedule doesn't look "all that tough". Not saying it's easy but I think it's set up just about as nice as it could get.

Texas and OU are recruiting machines so they continually have depth to replace players that leave, but with that said can Gilbert get it done for UT? Is Sam Bradford's replacement going to be able to handle it? Is it Landry Jones?

Is Jerrod Johnson the best QB in the Big XII this season? It all starts with the QB (although it is a team game!)... is he the most experienced?


I see next season them going maybe 8-4'sih? They'll meet Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl and unfortunately for A&M fans/players/alumni... I'll be in Dallas watching Ole Miss' 3rd Cotton Bowl victory in a row.

Is Johnson the best QB in the Big XII? On paper right now yes without a doubt. I will say Gilbert did look impressive in the bowl game once Greg Davis took the training wheels off and let him sling the ball around. If UT can get any kind of running game going they'll be fine. Landri Jones got some good playing time and Stoops is a good recruiter. They'll have talent to surround him with. It will also be interesting to see who wins out at QB at Tech under Tuberville.

I do think Sherman is a good "fit" in College Station, but is that going to be enough for a ravenous fan base and the equally starved alumni to keep him around if they continue to struggle much longer? I don't know.

Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews (son of the one and only Bruce Matthews) are legit. They are as ready as any freshman lineman in the entire country.

I hope you're right far as them being ready, because senior, junior, sophomore, freshmen; there's going to be a lot of talent on opposing defenses thrown their way.

Good news is Sherman has been a OL coach for along time, so they'll have a chance to get up to speed quick.

Besides, it can't get any worse than last season. It is amazing what Jerrod Johnson did behind that pitiful line.

Agreed.



I can see it both ways. If the defense and offensive lines even show a mild improvement, I believe A&M can be contenders for the Big XII this year especially with the usually big teams (Tech, Texas, and Oklahoma) starting young, inexperienced QBs.

Going to be tough, but I think they'll need more than a mild improvement to have a real chance.



I still have my doubts as well.



Agreed. Although it is fun, and would have been great last season, when the underdog is able to end a teams National Championship hopes like A&M almost did to Texas last season.

Agreed. That UT team dodged a lot of bullets last year. No way they make it to the title game without McCoy and Shipley.



I hope you are right. The team is very young and Sherman has had some pretty good recruiting classes. A&M just needs to get back to being known as Linebacker U. With our current guys, I just don't see that this year, but the secondary is much improved and hopefully the defensive line will show some improvement.

I will say this: A&M has some of the best skill position players in college football. Jerrod Johnson is becoming a household name (and maybe even a first round draft pick next year), Christine Michael is as legit as they come and brings it all (speed, power, strength, agility, but he just needs to stay healthy), Cyrus Gray is a great change of pace back, Jeff Fuller is going to be playing on Sundays when all is said and done, and Uzoma Nwachukwu had about as impressive of a freshman season as anyone in the country.

Yep, their skill positions are good as any in the country and they'll have to continue to play at a high level if they want to compete for the Big XII title this year. They're going to have to carry that team early and often.

 

[Ckw]

Is Johnson the best QB in the Big XII? On paper right now yes without a doubt. I will say Gilbert did look impressive in the bowl game once Greg Davis took the training wheels off and let him sling the ball around. If UT can get any kind of running game going they'll be fine. Landri Jones got some good playing time and Stoops is a good recruiter. They'll have talent to surround him with. It will also be interesting to see who wins out at QB at Tech under Tuberville.

I do think Sherman is a good "fit" in College Station, but is that going to be enough for a ravenous fan base and the equally starved alumni to keep him around if they continue to struggle much longer? I don't know.

For now, I don't think there is any question he is the best QB in the Big XII. Zac Robinson? Gone. Colt McCoy? Gone. Gilbert? Unproven. Graham Harrel? Gone. Todd Reesing? Gone. Gabbert from Missouri? We'll see. Landry Jones? Another we'll see.

Jerrod is the most "proven" QB in the Big XII this year, but he still needs to take another step. The only guy that may contend for now with Jerrod is Robert Griffin, but he was injured all of last year so who knows what he will look like. I will go back to what I said before though. Too many people just looked at the stats and didn't actually see just how bad the A&M offensive line was last year. They were AWFUL. So I might be hyping Jerrod a little too much just because he was able to make people not notice just how bad the line was.

Yep, their skill positions are good as any in the country and they'll have to continue to play at a high level if they want to compete for the Big XII title this year. They're going to have to carry that team early and often.

Can't quote your responses but agree that maybe "mild improvement" was a bit of an understatement. Point I was making is I don't see the players at the skill positions regressing. In fact if the line is even slightly better, and which from what I have heard the addition of Joeckel and Matthews has been HUGE, Jerrod Johnson will be an even better QB this year thus making our WRs look even better and allowing our RBs more room to run the ball.

The defense still needs a lot of work, but maybe (hopefully) the problem has been the DC and this new DC will get things turned around. We'll see.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Thanks for the info on the Big XII QBs. I asked because I honestly aren't too familiar with them. You always see the big programs churning out quality guys but losing Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford are big losses anyway you slice it.

OU loses: QB Sam Bradford, DT Gerald McCoy, LT Trent Williams, TE Jermain Gresham
Texas loses: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, DE Sergio Kindle, S Earl Thomas, DT Lamarr Houston, LB Rodrick Muckleroy, T Adam Ulatoski
Oklahoma St loses: QB Zac Robinson, LT Russell Okung, WR Dez Bryant, CB Perrish Cox
Nebraska loses: Ndamakung Suh

Those were key pieces to the success of their respective teams!!

I've watched Jerrod Johnson here and there the last couple of years and have been impressed by his athleticism. With that said, and A&M's lack of success lately, it kind of surprises me that A&M will be the "frontrunner" we'll call it as far as having the best and most experienced QB in the conference. I think that will go a long way in the confidence of team coupled with the "lack of experience" of the other teams in conference.

Best of luck to the Aggies. It's always better when both A&M and UT have strong programs!

 

[Goldensilence]

For now, I don't think there is any question he is the best QB in the Big XII. Zac Robinson? Gone. Colt McCoy? Gone. Gilbert? Unproven. Graham Harrel? Gone. Todd Reesing? Gone. Gabbert from Missouri? We'll see. Landry Jones? Another we'll see.

Jerrod is the most "proven" QB in the Big XII this year, but he still needs to take another step. The only guy that may contend for now with Jerrod is Robert Griffin, but he was injured all of last year so who knows what he will look like. I will go back to what I said before though. Too many people just looked at the stats and didn't actually see just how bad the A&M offensive line was last year. They were AWFUL. So I might be hyping Jerrod a little too much just because he was able to make people not notice just how bad the line was.

Maybe it was you who posted it, but I read an article a little while back that not only is he a pretty good QB on the field, he's an even better guy off the field. Seems like the kind of guy no matter what side of the fence you're on that you cheer for.

Jerrod's landing on a lot of football covers, so I don't think you're over hyping him. I think he could have the kind of draft rise Jay Cutler had at Vanderbilt. Really competitive guy on a mediocre at best football team. Also think he could have the same sort of career that Donovan McNabb has had. He's athletic enough to scramble, move in the pocket to buy time, and just make plays with his legs while looking downfield. Though at this point I'd have to say he's probably a better pure passer.

I'm interested in seeing how Robert Griffin heals and plays this year. I know there was quite a few excited Baylor fans prior to the injury. Does that make them a darkhorse if he plays well? I still doubt it.



Can't quote your responses but agree that maybe "mild improvement" was a bit of an understatement. Point I was making is I don't see the players at the skill positions regressing. In fact if the line is even slightly better, and which from what I have heard the addition of Joeckel and Matthews has been HUGE, Jerrod Johnson will be an even better QB this year thus making our WRs look even better and allowing our RBs more room to run the ball.

The defense still needs a lot of work, but maybe (hopefully) the problem has been the DC and this new DC will get things turned around. We'll see.

Well, I guess playing two freshmen at the end of the line really can't hurt at this point can it? You're right though I don't see their outside skill positions getting worse, only better.

Though I would guess it's hard to tell how much the line really has improved considering the suspect defense. I agree on them needing to focus back on becoming "Linebacker U", though I still think Miami and Penn State belt them out better than anyone, if they want to get back to being the Wrecking Crew.

Ultimately, how do you see this team faring? Is it too early to tell?

 

[Ckw]

Well, I guess playing two freshmen at the end of the line really can't hurt at this point can it? You're right though I don't see their outside skill positions getting worse, only better.

Though I would guess it's hard to tell how much the line really has improved considering the suspect defense. I agree on them needing to focus back on becoming "Linebacker U", though I still think Miami and Penn State belt them out better than anyone, if they want to get back to being the Wrecking Crew.

Ultimately, how do you see this team faring? Is it too early to tell?

You are right about Jerrod being a heck of a guy. Can't remember if it was me that posted it, but I do remember reading the article you were referring to. I think it was by John Lopez of all people (can't stand the guy), and he is really good friends with Jerrod's family.

As far as your final question, I'd say it all depends on Sherman. This team has too many good pieces to not have a decent season. Jerrod is a great leader at QB, Christine Michael and Jeff Fuller both have the talent to be NFL players down the road, Nwachukwu has loads of potential, Trent Hunter and Terrance Fredrick are both dang good DBs, Von Miller showed everyone last season how effortless he could make it look getting to the QB, Lucas Patterson showed some real potential at NT after switching over from the OL (if I remember correctly), and the list goes on.

This needs to be a make it or break it year for Sherman, but the poster above is probably right that if this season is a failure, they will probably give him and the new DC another chance. Personally, I don't think they should, but I don't make the calls.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result

09/04/10 vs. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN COLLEGE STATION
09/11/10 vs. LOUISIANA TECH COLLEGE STATION
09/18/10 vs. FIU COLLEGE STATION
09/30/10 at Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla.
10/09/10 vs. Arkansas Southwest Classic Arlington, Tex.
10/16/10 vs. MISSOURI COLLEGE STATION
10/23/10 at Kansas Lawrence, Kan.
10/30/10 vs. TEXAS TECH COLLEGE STATION
11/06/10 vs. OKLAHOMA COLLEGE STATION
11/13/10 at Baylor Waco, Tex.
11/20/10 vs. NEBRASKA COLLEGE STATION
11/25/10 at Texas Austin, Texas

If they don't start 3-0, I think they should be worried.

Then they have 2 away games against tough but not great teams. OSU has lost some key talent; Ryan Mallet could be good for ARK.

Last 7 games are against conference opponents:
- Mizzou, Tech, OU and Nebraska at home
- Kansas, Baylor and Texas away

If there is any season in which they have a chance, I think the "conditions" and "schedule" bode well for them. It's just up to the Aggies to execute and take care of business. With that said, it's not like Texas is a worse football team and the longhorns don't have a difficult schedule themselves. I don't see them going undefeated though. OU has the toughest schedule of the 3. Should be a fun season to watch! Can't wait for some SEC and Big XII football... and TEXANS.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

This needs to be a make it or break it year for Sherman, but the poster above is probably right that if this season is a failure, they will probably give him and the new DC another chance. Personally, I don't think they should, but I don't make the calls.

Neither do I... otherwise we'd be talking A&M and SEC football...

 

[Goldensilence]

If they don't start 3-0, I think they should be worried.

Then they have 2 away games against tough but not great teams. OSU has lost some key talent; Ryan Mallet could be good for ARK.

Last 7 games are against conference opponents:
- Mizzou, Tech, OU and Nebraska at home
- Kansas, Baylor and Texas away

If there is any season in which they have a chance, I think the "conditions" and "schedule" bode well for them. It's just up to the Aggies to execute and take care of business. With that said, it's not like Texas is a worse football team and the longhorns don't have a difficult schedule themselves. I don't see them going undefeated though. OU has the toughest schedule of the 3. Should be a fun season to watch! Can't wait for some SEC and Big XII football... and TEXANS.

Looks like you could be right. The schedule doesn't have a whole lot of major pitfalls and the majority of the big games are at home for them.

If their secondary doesn't improve Mallet will carve them up.

Biggest question mark in the BIG XII this coming season is going to be what happens in Lubbock. What does this Tech team look like without Leech as the captain? I'd be interested to see what you and CKW think, and it'd be interesting to see GP chime in with some insight.

 

[Ckw]

Looks like you could be right. The schedule doesn't have a whole lot of major pitfalls and the majority of the big games are at home for them.

If their secondary doesn't improve Mallet will carve them up.

Biggest question mark in the BIG XII this coming season is going to be what happens in Lubbock. What does this Tech team look like without Leech as the captain? I'd be interested to see what you and CKW think, and it'd be interesting to see GP chime in with some insight.

I wonder this as much as you do. I mean is Tech still going to be the pass-heavy, light up the scoreboard, spread offense? Or will they take a more conservative approach, run the football, and improve on their defense. If the latter is the case, I would venture to guess it will be a few years before Tuberville can turn the team around. If the former is the case, I'd say Tech will be very similar to what they were last year, and every year for the last 10 years. A good team that can light it up, compete, but never win the big game.

 

[Texan_Bill]

All ima say is this: Don't take the Aggies light this year if you're TU, Oklahoma or any other Big 12 fan... I think A&M is turning the corner...

 

[JB]

All ima say is this: Don't take the Aggies light this year if you're TU, Oklahoma or any other Big 12 fan... I think A&M is turning the corner...

U just keep keepin' on! Faith will light your path, even though the path leads to despair.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Jeeze starting freshmen at BOTH tackle spots?!

Jimbo Fisher started 2 freshman tackles as offensive coordinator for the Seminoles too, and the offense improved. Now those guys are juniors and are great players for the team. See 2008 freshman All-American LT Andrew Datko and RT Zebrie Sanders.

 

[bah007]

All ima say is this: Don't take the Aggies light this year if you're TU, Oklahoma or any other Big 12 fan... I think A&M is turning the corner...

I'm not gonna hold my breath on that one. Aggies have been telling me that for almost a decade now it seems.

I see A&M going 7-5 or 8-4 this year. I think they lose to OU and UT for sure. And I think that they lose at least two of the following: Arkansas, Texas Tech, Nebraska.

As a UT fan, I'm ready for A&M to be back. A rivalry just doesn't really feel like a rivalry when one team has won eight of the last ten.

 

[mr. peebs]

Taking summer classes here this summer, there's a palpable buzz going around about our team. Students, teachers, residents; everyone's expecting big things year.

It's all gonna hinge on how our line's play and how fast our D learns DeRuyter's scheme. It's nervewracking having two true freshmen possibly anchoring our O-Line, but from everything I've read and heard and from friends I have actually on the team, Joeckel is legit and they have high hopes for Matthews, though they haven't seen him practice yet until today. On the defensive side it's going to be plug n play for training camp until we figure out who best fits our new 3-4 base D. Wouldn't be surprised to see Nealy, Patterson, and hopefully Jonathan Mathis (a ju-co transfer who we're waiting to hear if he gets approved; though he has achieved all requirements) be the starters on the line come September 4th. I also think our secondary is going to be much improved over the past couple of years and will be looking for alot more turnovers in DeStroyer's defense.

All in all, I'm very excited for the coming season. Schedule sets up well for us except for the tough end of season stretch where we have Nebraska and Texas less than a week apart.

Probably looking through my almost purple Maroon tinted glasses, but I can easily imagine us being 8-0 with OU coming into town. On the other hand, we could easily be 4-4 then too.

My predictions... 9-3 and a College Gameday live for A&M/OU or A&M/UT if it decides the South.

Thanks and gig 'em!

 

[Houston_Fanatic]

The Aggies have been trying to "get it together" for over a decade now.

True dat.


I must be a glutton for punishment..... Oiler fan..... Texan fan..... Aggie fan

 

[Pollardized]

Gig 'Em!

 

[Rey]

fug 'em.

 

[cuppacoffee]

I wasn't sure if Sherman was the right pick for them. I mean I guess the idea of getting a former successful NFL coach as a recruiting tool sounds like a good idea, just not sure if it's going to work well for them in the long run.

It didn't work out too well for my Irish.

Of course Weis was an O co-ordinator and never a head coach like Sherman was.

You are correct about the recruiting angle.

 

[cuppacoffee]

True dat.


I must be a glutton for punishment..... Oiler fan..... Texan fan..... Aggie fan

I feel your pain.


Oiler fan....Texan fan.....Irish fan

...

Explains a lot doesn't it.

 

[texanhead08]

Even when A&M was at their peak they were no where near the level that Mack Brown has had UT the past 5yrs.

I don't know if its in them to get there ever.

 

[TEXANRED]

Even when A&M was at their peak they were no where near the level that Mack Brown has had UT the past 5yrs.

I don't know if its in them to get there ever.

Things are different not than they were back then. From 1985 to 1996 the Aggs won 6 out of 10 conference championships. There was no BCS (or at least in the form it is now). If you were a good Texas football player you went to either Texas or Texas A&M. Now with the big 12 you either go to Texas or Oklahoma and LSU takes a big chunk of our players.

I personally do not have respect for Brown despite what he has done. He fails his students, his players, year in and year out by preparing them for the next level. He is no Saben.

 

[Esoom]

Jerrod is looking really bad this season, and not just physically on his throws. I feel like his decision making has regressed a ton since last year. Also, our Special Teams is worthless. They might as well just not try to catch any punts for the rest of the season.