I can't really complain about any basketball game when we hold the opposition to 39 total points.
Frosh phenom DeAndre Jordan led the way with 14 pts and 8 rebounds.
The Ags face UC-Irvine on Saturday.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Post-season review
Well, Fran is gone, hallelujah, pass the peanut butter. Mike Sherman is in. I think Sherm is a solid hire (no real 'wow' factor there), and I'm willing to wait and see what he does.
The Ags will play Penn State in the Alamo Bowl, with Gary Darnell acting as interim head coach. Hopefully, the wide-open offensive attack we featured against texas will be seen again in San Antonio.
The good news is, we beat Nebraska at Nebraska, and walloped texas at Kyle this year. 7-5 is nothing to be thrilled about, but it could have been worse.
The Ags will play Penn State in the Alamo Bowl, with Gary Darnell acting as interim head coach. Hopefully, the wide-open offensive attack we featured against texas will be seen again in San Antonio.
The good news is, we beat Nebraska at Nebraska, and walloped texas at Kyle this year. 7-5 is nothing to be thrilled about, but it could have been worse.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Fran is selling player injury info to boosters
This makes me sick.
As if I didn't need another reason to want Fran fired, we find out he's been selling information about our players to boosters, and benefitting financially from it.
I wonder how our players' parents feel about this?
As if I didn't need another reason to want Fran fired, we find out he's been selling information about our players to boosters, and benefitting financially from it.
I wonder how our players' parents feel about this?
Friday, September 21, 2007
More single-wing football, this time from Pitt
Here is Pitt running their version of the Wildcat, although they feature the power sweep more than the regular sweep (Steeler, in Arkansas' terminology) that Arkansas uses.
Pitt running their version of Wildcat (HT to Single-Wing Sentinel)
Pitt running their version of Wildcat (HT to Single-Wing Sentinel)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Arkansas' Wild Hog Series
This is too awesome not to post here.
As a fan of the single wing, how can I neglect this beautiful Motion series?
David Lee diagrams the Wild Hog series
As a fan of the single wing, how can I neglect this beautiful Motion series?
David Lee diagrams the Wild Hog series
Monday, September 10, 2007
Good games coming Saturday
USC @ Nebraska. Tennessee @ Florida. Arkansas - Alabama. There will be some fun games to watch this coming Saturday.
Monday Night Football doubleheader
I really wish college football would consider having a double-header of lesser known teams playing on Monday nights. It would be good exposure for some programs, and would bring us closer to games all seven days of the week.
I know they'll never do this b/c they don't want to compete with the NFL, but I can dream.
I know they'll never do this b/c they don't want to compete with the NFL, but I can dream.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Secondary in zone coverage inside our 20 yd line
That's all you need to know about our triple overtime win over Fresno State on Saturday. We were playing zone inside our own 20. Our defensive braintrust(?) has so little faith in our cornerbacks and safeties, they don't even trust them to cover WRs when they are compacted down inside the red zone, and have nowhere to go but straight at the defense.
I fear we are in for another one of Fran's "odd year defensive swoons".
I fear we are in for another one of Fran's "odd year defensive swoons".
Friday, September 7, 2007
Navy-Rutgers thoughts
Yes, Navy lost to Rutgers. Yes, they were blown out. But there is something to be said for playing your ass off, executing your offense til the end of the game, and Navy was doing that. It makes me proud to know that those kids on the field who refused to give up will be defending my country in the coming years.
Besides, I love watching Paul Johnson's flexbone offense.
Besides, I love watching Paul Johnson's flexbone offense.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Middle Tennessee-Louisville thoughts
You know, if you spend a whole week getting your butt kissed by adoring fans and media, it is kind of hard to take a little school from the Sun Belt Conference like Middle Tennessee seriously. This is what I think happened to Louisville Thursday night.
Don't get me wrong, Louisville has some defensive issues on their team. But in a first half in which they gave up 35 points to the Middle Tennessee offense, their defense looked lackadaisical, not hustling and out of position. They looked like what they were, a top 10 team that spent the past week begin told how awesome they were by their classmates.
Fortunately, they were able to wake up and find religion at halftime, holding UMT to only one TD in the second half. Middle Tennessee is probably a lot better than many people think they are; they would have scored some points on Louisville tonight even if the Cardinals' defense was in their right frame of mind. I just don't think they're 42 points better than Louisville's best effort.
Don't get me wrong, Louisville has some defensive issues on their team. But in a first half in which they gave up 35 points to the Middle Tennessee offense, their defense looked lackadaisical, not hustling and out of position. They looked like what they were, a top 10 team that spent the past week begin told how awesome they were by their classmates.
Fortunately, they were able to wake up and find religion at halftime, holding UMT to only one TD in the second half. Middle Tennessee is probably a lot better than many people think they are; they would have scored some points on Louisville tonight even if the Cardinals' defense was in their right frame of mind. I just don't think they're 42 points better than Louisville's best effort.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Fran wants defense to be more aggressive
Fran thought A&M's defensive secondary should have been more aggressive against Montana State. I think Fran should have hired a better defensive coordinator than his buddy, Gary Darnell. I also think that anyone who needed three years to see that Carl Torbush couldn't scheme his way out of a paper bag shouldn't comment on deficiencies in a defense.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Fresno State working on their option defense
Fresno State's defense is preparing for A&M's option attack by having their backs play without the ball. This is actually a good scheme, b/c it forces the defenders to stick to their assignments, and stay disciplined. The defenders aren't watching the ball, and flowing playside, which is what the offense wants; they're just going to their assignments and getting after it. The only problem with this drill is that you can't account for the blocking scheme of your opponent when running it.
Monday, September 3, 2007
SMU-Texas Tech thoughts
- Tech still can't stop the run.
- DeMyron Martin is a hoss. SMU should have ran him more.
- There is a distinct difference in the size and speed of players in Conference USA and players in the Big 12. It was glaringly obvious in this game.
- SMU's Gerald Ford Stadium is a jewel. If they could ever get a strong program going there, they have the perfect place to showcase their school and team.
- SMU's DBs need to learn how to tackle.
Florida State-Clemson Thoughts
- Regardless of who their offensive coordinator is, Florida State is going to have issues until their offensive line learns to block someone.
- Drew Weatherford is still a marginal D-IA QB, if that.
- FSU's defense is solid, not spectacular.
- Clemson came VERY close to choking this game away.
- I doubt either of these teams will end the season with fewer than 3 losses.
- It is always fun to watch games played at Death Valley.
- I was surprised Clemson fans stormed the field after a win over a 19th ranked team.
- Florida and Miami have both picked up their recruiting, causing FSU's drop-off.
- I was unimpressed by Florida State's defensive backs.
- I did like the trickery employed by Clemson.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Reviewing the BTN
Apparently in a marketing push, the Big Televen has decided to offer its television network free to television viewers as a sort of preview. This afternoon, I found that I now have the BTN available to me on my dish satellite system. I was able to watch the replay of the Michigan-Appalachian State game, which was nice.
I do believe the BTN lucked out somewhat, b/c the first football game they televised is the biggest upset in college football in the last twenty years, if not ever.
I do like being able to watch the game replays of all of the Big Televen games from the previous weekend, which will be the allure of the network to many college football junkies.
Looking forward, I think the SEC and the Big 12, should they start their own networks, will experience the same type of subscriber attitude, people subscribing simply to be able to watch game replays that don't happen on regular cable.
The one group I would think who would be hurt by this would be the school video labs which offer season video subscriptions, sending game films via DVD or VHS format to diehard fans. With a ready source for game replays, and the ability to Tivo the games they want to keep for later, the need for those video subscriptions would disappear.
I do believe the BTN lucked out somewhat, b/c the first football game they televised is the biggest upset in college football in the last twenty years, if not ever.
I do like being able to watch the game replays of all of the Big Televen games from the previous weekend, which will be the allure of the network to many college football junkies.
Looking forward, I think the SEC and the Big 12, should they start their own networks, will experience the same type of subscriber attitude, people subscribing simply to be able to watch game replays that don't happen on regular cable.
The one group I would think who would be hurt by this would be the school video labs which offer season video subscriptions, sending game films via DVD or VHS format to diehard fans. With a ready source for game replays, and the ability to Tivo the games they want to keep for later, the need for those video subscriptions would disappear.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
We have college football now.
Appalachian State upsets Michigan AT the Big House. TCU shuts out Baylor, 27-0. texas scratches out a win over Arkansas State, 21-13. A&M's defense looks shaky in a 38-7 win over Montana State. Colorado wins a wild one in overtime over Colorado State. Missouri wins a shootout over Illinois.
Yes, boys and girls, we have college football again, and it is wonderful.
Yes, boys and girls, we have college football again, and it is wonderful.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
5 days left until we have college football
In 5 days, we can see WRs like Howard Morrow stretch out to make a catch.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Single back option offense without a running QB
One of the difficulties of running a run-n-shoot or spread offense was the lack of a true option game out of a four wide receiver set. Yes, you could run speed option with the QB and RB, or even a triple option using the RB as the dive player and a motioning WR as the pitch man, but you then lost the advantage of having four WRs in a pattern.
The solution to this problem was the creation of the Dart series, which gave the offensive line the advantage of zone-blocked double teams on the playside, while leaving the backside DE, the read man, unblocked. The QB read the unblocked DE, and either gave the ball to the RB, who attacked the playside 1-tech, or he kept, and ran a sweep outside the crashing DE. You could run inside and outsize zone, as well as traps, in the Dart series.
The problem then became what to do when you didn't have an incredibly mobile QB. Defenses could tell their Ends to crash every time, forcing the Take read by the QB, and giving their LBs a free shot at a lumbering QB.
Using Orbit motion, I think I may have found a solution to this problem.
One of the wide receivers will go in motion as the QB calls the plays; when the ball is snapped, the orbiting receiver speeds back and around into the backfield in a half-circle motion, like a planet in orbit, gaining depth and speed. The QB fakes the hand-off to the RB, who crosses in front of him to sell the fake and runs behind the trap block of the backside guard, as the line blocks this play the same as they would a Dart Trap. The playside DE now has a decision; he can crash down to stop the trap, or he can come upfield and attack the QB. Both decisions are wrong. As the orbiting receiver hits the outside of his arc to playside, the QB simply tosses the ball to the receiver, like a normal sweep play. The orbiting back is far enough outside the DE that he can't reach hm as he speeds past the line of scrimmage, and into the secondary.
The A-receiver goes in orbit motion around the backfield, receives the toss, and sweeps upfield
The advantage of this play is that it doesn't require a read by the QB, you can just use a Give (for the Trap) or Pitch playcall, so you don't have to teach a read. The QB doesn't have to learn the footwork or the technique to run option, nor does he have to attack the DE, putting himself in jeopardy. This play also takes advantage of a speed burner at WR, and allows every single one of your WRs to become a possible ballcarrier in the running game.
With a Trap option for the RB, Toss for any of the four WRs, and a Keep option if you do have a mobile QB, you have a nice robust series of 6 plays off of that one motion. And we haven't even looked at using counter motion to cut back and use the trap blocking backside.
The solution to this problem was the creation of the Dart series, which gave the offensive line the advantage of zone-blocked double teams on the playside, while leaving the backside DE, the read man, unblocked. The QB read the unblocked DE, and either gave the ball to the RB, who attacked the playside 1-tech, or he kept, and ran a sweep outside the crashing DE. You could run inside and outsize zone, as well as traps, in the Dart series.
The problem then became what to do when you didn't have an incredibly mobile QB. Defenses could tell their Ends to crash every time, forcing the Take read by the QB, and giving their LBs a free shot at a lumbering QB.
Using Orbit motion, I think I may have found a solution to this problem.
One of the wide receivers will go in motion as the QB calls the plays; when the ball is snapped, the orbiting receiver speeds back and around into the backfield in a half-circle motion, like a planet in orbit, gaining depth and speed. The QB fakes the hand-off to the RB, who crosses in front of him to sell the fake and runs behind the trap block of the backside guard, as the line blocks this play the same as they would a Dart Trap. The playside DE now has a decision; he can crash down to stop the trap, or he can come upfield and attack the QB. Both decisions are wrong. As the orbiting receiver hits the outside of his arc to playside, the QB simply tosses the ball to the receiver, like a normal sweep play. The orbiting back is far enough outside the DE that he can't reach hm as he speeds past the line of scrimmage, and into the secondary.
The A-receiver goes in orbit motion around the backfield, receives the toss, and sweeps upfield
The advantage of this play is that it doesn't require a read by the QB, you can just use a Give (for the Trap) or Pitch playcall, so you don't have to teach a read. The QB doesn't have to learn the footwork or the technique to run option, nor does he have to attack the DE, putting himself in jeopardy. This play also takes advantage of a speed burner at WR, and allows every single one of your WRs to become a possible ballcarrier in the running game.
With a Trap option for the RB, Toss for any of the four WRs, and a Keep option if you do have a mobile QB, you have a nice robust series of 6 plays off of that one motion. And we haven't even looked at using counter motion to cut back and use the trap blocking backside.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Nice article on Matt Featherston
Not a fan of Robert Cessna, but he pens a nice piece on LB Matt Featherston. I've been a fan of Matt's ever since I saw his recruiting picture on signing day, and it looked like a prison mug shot. You knew when you saw the picture that this kid was a linebacker.
An interesting note on Featherston is that A&M offensive coordinator Les Koenning's father coached him in the HS All-American game that got him noticed by A&M, and that relationship helped in his recruitment.
I guess that is one thing I can give Koenning Jr. credit for, which is more than I would have given him credit for before today.
An interesting note on Featherston is that A&M offensive coordinator Les Koenning's father coached him in the HS All-American game that got him noticed by A&M, and that relationship helped in his recruitment.
I guess that is one thing I can give Koenning Jr. credit for, which is more than I would have given him credit for before today.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Cody Wallace on the Playboy All-American Team
I hope Cody had fun partying at the Playboy Mansion. The only thing I'm really curious about is the exclusion of Mississippi's standout left tackle, Michael Oher. Oher might be the first offensive lineman taken in the 2008 NFL Draft, but the writers at Playboy don't think he is good enough to be on their list?
Limas Sweed is on their list, if they're going to have an overrated player like him on there, they can put a guy who actually produces (Oher) on there.
Limas Sweed is on their list, if they're going to have an overrated player like him on there, they can put a guy who actually produces (Oher) on there.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Aggies appear to still be looking for a backup FB
Jodie Richardson came out of Spring Practice as the back-up fullback to starter Chris Alexander; now comes word that the Aggies are looking at walk-on Nick LaMantia as a possible back-up for Alexander. I don't know what Fran is thinking here, but I think this means that we need to really, really hope Chris Alexander stays healthy throughout the season.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
texas WRs dropping like flies
Billy Pittman is the third texas wide receiver to go down with injuries this off-season, joining Jordan Shipley (hamstring pull) and Limas Sweed (wrist). Pittman joined them this week, when he injured his shoulder. Pittman is out indefinitely, Sweed will probably be back in time for TCU, and who knows what is going on with Shipley.
I think if they have one more WR go down, they can use their injured receivers as an explanation for their poor secondary play, just like Fran did for us in 2005.
I think if they have one more WR go down, they can use their injured receivers as an explanation for their poor secondary play, just like Fran did for us in 2005.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Possible replacements for Fran
I always like to keep a list of candidates ready for the A&M football job, just in case we need to fire our head coach.
My current list:
1. Rich Rodriguez - West Virginia: Yes, I know he turned down the Alabama job and the multi-millions that would have gone with acceptance to stay in his native West Virginia, but I still feel he is someone you have to approach. I am someone who believes that 'perception' really doesn't matter when you conduct your coaching search, so if your #1 candidate says he isn't interested, it doesn't doom your program. The important thing is to hire a winner, not worry about what sportswriters think. Rodriguez is a winner.
2. Bill Cowher - retired, former head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers: He won a Super Bowl and was a very successful coach in the NFL for many years. His NFL pedigree and winning ways would attract recruits galore, and his defensive-minded, ball control style would fit in with many die-hards at A&M. Only knock against him is I've heard rumors that Penn State may be looking at him to eventually replace Joe Paterno, whenever he decides to leave. Cowher may also be looking for another NFL job whenever he ends his current 'sabbatical'.
3. Steve Kragthorpe - Louisville: Krag did an outstanding job building Tulsa into a respectable program, and is stepping into the bigtime in a BCS conference with the Louisville job. Coach Krag has a history with A&M, having spent time here as our offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach from 1997-2000. Only knock on Krag is that he would be a one-year guy at a 'major' program before we hired him.
4. dark horse - Todd Dodge, University of North Texas: Todd Dodge has been the best high school coach in the State of Texas in the last 5 years, leading Southlake Carroll High School to a 79-1 record, including three consecutive undefeated seasons and three straight state titles before leaving after last season. I think Coach Dodge is going to be very successful at UNT, making him a candidate for bigger and better jobs. Similar to Krag, only knock on hiring Dodge would be that he has only been the head man for one year at a minor program. Also, with such a short tenure, we would have no idea of how well his program develops/his recruiting benefits the program. However, if UNT wins 8 games this season and goes to a bowl, I think you're going to see plenty of people after Coach Dodge.
Those are just a few names at the top of my list. Who is on yours?
My current list:
1. Rich Rodriguez - West Virginia: Yes, I know he turned down the Alabama job and the multi-millions that would have gone with acceptance to stay in his native West Virginia, but I still feel he is someone you have to approach. I am someone who believes that 'perception' really doesn't matter when you conduct your coaching search, so if your #1 candidate says he isn't interested, it doesn't doom your program. The important thing is to hire a winner, not worry about what sportswriters think. Rodriguez is a winner.
2. Bill Cowher - retired, former head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers: He won a Super Bowl and was a very successful coach in the NFL for many years. His NFL pedigree and winning ways would attract recruits galore, and his defensive-minded, ball control style would fit in with many die-hards at A&M. Only knock against him is I've heard rumors that Penn State may be looking at him to eventually replace Joe Paterno, whenever he decides to leave. Cowher may also be looking for another NFL job whenever he ends his current 'sabbatical'.
3. Steve Kragthorpe - Louisville: Krag did an outstanding job building Tulsa into a respectable program, and is stepping into the bigtime in a BCS conference with the Louisville job. Coach Krag has a history with A&M, having spent time here as our offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach from 1997-2000. Only knock on Krag is that he would be a one-year guy at a 'major' program before we hired him.
4. dark horse - Todd Dodge, University of North Texas: Todd Dodge has been the best high school coach in the State of Texas in the last 5 years, leading Southlake Carroll High School to a 79-1 record, including three consecutive undefeated seasons and three straight state titles before leaving after last season. I think Coach Dodge is going to be very successful at UNT, making him a candidate for bigger and better jobs. Similar to Krag, only knock on hiring Dodge would be that he has only been the head man for one year at a minor program. Also, with such a short tenure, we would have no idea of how well his program develops/his recruiting benefits the program. However, if UNT wins 8 games this season and goes to a bowl, I think you're going to see plenty of people after Coach Dodge.
Those are just a few names at the top of my list. Who is on yours?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Red Bryant and Chris Harrington ready to play pain-free in 2007
Red Bryant blew out his knee in game 9, and missed the final four games of the season last year. Chris Harrington played the second half of the season with a bum shoulder. Now, both are ready to play without pain in '07, and lead the Ags to a Big 12 Championship.
I'm just thrilled we have Bryant's leadership back for '07. I believe Harrington can have an All-American type season for A&M this year, if we win enough games to get him the media attention he deserves.
I'm just thrilled we have Bryant's leadership back for '07. I believe Harrington can have an All-American type season for A&M this year, if we win enough games to get him the media attention he deserves.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Football notes
Jerrod Johnson is making progress at QB, there is less drop-off between the second team and the first team, the coaches have a new way to signify the play ending on game film, and more..
I'm happy Jerrod is making progress, but knowing Fran, I don't think this means we'll be seeing more playing time from him than the token garbage duty at the end of blowouts. This is Fran's time to blow smoke up everyone's rear.
I did enjoy the new method to signify the end of the play on film:
" Throwing in the towel: A&M coaches created a way while watching film during spring drills to know when the whistle blew, so they could know if the players were going full tilt until the play ended.
"A manager holds a towel up when the ball is snapped and when we have a coach blow the whistle, [the manager] throws up the towel at the end the whistle," A&M offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. said. "So we can tell who is loafing on the play. "
I need to take note of that, b/c it may prove useful later on, when filming games.
I'm happy Jerrod is making progress, but knowing Fran, I don't think this means we'll be seeing more playing time from him than the token garbage duty at the end of blowouts. This is Fran's time to blow smoke up everyone's rear.
I did enjoy the new method to signify the end of the play on film:
" Throwing in the towel: A&M coaches created a way while watching film during spring drills to know when the whistle blew, so they could know if the players were going full tilt until the play ended.
"A manager holds a towel up when the ball is snapped and when we have a coach blow the whistle, [the manager] throws up the towel at the end the whistle," A&M offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. said. "So we can tell who is loafing on the play. "
I need to take note of that, b/c it may prove useful later on, when filming games.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Chris Alexander gets some love
Robert Cessna often annoys me with the myopic drivel he writes, but not today. He pens a wonderful piece on the Aggies' unsung backfield hero, Chris Alexander. Alexander was the lead blocker on many key plays last season, most notably the load option play that gave A&M the 1st quarter TD to take the lead against texas.
I also had the chance to meet Alexander's mom after a few games in the 2004 season who is a wonderful lady, so Chris has always been a favorite player of mine.
Since Chris was second team All-Big 12 last season at FB, there is a pretty decent chance he'll make first team this season.
It would be some nice recognition for a very deserving player.
I also had the chance to meet Alexander's mom after a few games in the 2004 season who is a wonderful lady, so Chris has always been a favorite player of mine.
Since Chris was second team All-Big 12 last season at FB, there is a pretty decent chance he'll make first team this season.
It would be some nice recognition for a very deserving player.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Big 12 to study Big Televen's new network
The Big 12 Conference is perfectly happy to let the Big Televen be the guinea pig in an experiment of a major BCS conference forming its own television network.
While I am still majorly skeptical that a television network featuring women's gymnastics and men's wrestling as its feature attractions will be successful, the whole experiment has me morbidly curious, to see if Big Televen fans will actually watch non-revenue sports on television in numbers large enough to sustain a network.
I don't think carrying Purdue/Northwestern football games will make the network a success, but I'm willing to wait and see.
I think the Big 12 and SEC Conferences are doing the right thing by letting the Big Televen put their money up to see if they can make a go of this network.
The unwitting beneficiary of such a network may be college baseball; they may get more time on television, and help attract more fans to the college game.
While I am still majorly skeptical that a television network featuring women's gymnastics and men's wrestling as its feature attractions will be successful, the whole experiment has me morbidly curious, to see if Big Televen fans will actually watch non-revenue sports on television in numbers large enough to sustain a network.
I don't think carrying Purdue/Northwestern football games will make the network a success, but I'm willing to wait and see.
I think the Big 12 and SEC Conferences are doing the right thing by letting the Big Televen put their money up to see if they can make a go of this network.
The unwitting beneficiary of such a network may be college baseball; they may get more time on television, and help attract more fans to the college game.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
CBS Sportsline gives a projected starting line-up
CBS Sportsline gives a projected starting line-up for the 2007 Aggies, as well as offering some other predictions on the team.
While I normally ignore semi-informed fluff about the program on sites such as these, their projections aren't bad, if a little disappointing.
Their projection:
Offense -- QB Stephen McGee, RB Jorvorskie Lane, FB Chris Alexander, WR Pierre Brown, WR Earvin Taylor, TE Martellus Bennett, QT Yemi Babalola, QG Kirk Elder, C Cody Wallace, SG Chris Yoder, ST Corey Clark.
Defense -- DE Chris Harrington, DT Red Bryant, NT Henry Smith, DE Cyril Obiozor, SLB Mark Dodge, MLB Misi Tupe, WHIP Jordan Pugh, CB Danny Gorrer, CB Jordan Peterson, FS Devin Gregg, SS Alton Dixon.
I'll be somewhat disappointed if Kellen Heard doesn't break into the starting lineup at NT at some point this season. Ignoring his problems with late hit penalties last season, the kid is a beast inside.
While I normally ignore semi-informed fluff about the program on sites such as these, their projections aren't bad, if a little disappointing.
Their projection:
Offense -- QB Stephen McGee, RB Jorvorskie Lane, FB Chris Alexander, WR Pierre Brown, WR Earvin Taylor, TE Martellus Bennett, QT Yemi Babalola, QG Kirk Elder, C Cody Wallace, SG Chris Yoder, ST Corey Clark.
Defense -- DE Chris Harrington, DT Red Bryant, NT Henry Smith, DE Cyril Obiozor, SLB Mark Dodge, MLB Misi Tupe, WHIP Jordan Pugh, CB Danny Gorrer, CB Jordan Peterson, FS Devin Gregg, SS Alton Dixon.
I'll be somewhat disappointed if Kellen Heard doesn't break into the starting lineup at NT at some point this season. Ignoring his problems with late hit penalties last season, the kid is a beast inside.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Suggested reading
I am currently reading When the Game Stands Tall, a book on Concorde De La Salle High School's improbable 151-game winning streak in football, and their coach, Bob Ladoceur.
I'm only a hundred pages into the book, but it is riveting reading. It covers the 2002 season, when they play national powers Hawaii St. Louis HS, Long Beach Poly HS, and others.
Of course, it is nice to see that De La Salle runs the split-veer option as their offense of choice. Ladoceur believed it gave his kids the best chance to win against teams with superior talent, and he was right. His emphasis on fundamentals, especially on the offensive line, which he coaches, is integral.
Former Spartan and UCLA star Maurice Jones-Drew is featured on the cover.
I'm only a hundred pages into the book, but it is riveting reading. It covers the 2002 season, when they play national powers Hawaii St. Louis HS, Long Beach Poly HS, and others.
Of course, it is nice to see that De La Salle runs the split-veer option as their offense of choice. Ladoceur believed it gave his kids the best chance to win against teams with superior talent, and he was right. His emphasis on fundamentals, especially on the offensive line, which he coaches, is integral.
Former Spartan and UCLA star Maurice Jones-Drew is featured on the cover.
Notes to self
In the future, when volunteering to coach at a youth football clinic, make sure the organizers have enough sense to cut back the planned hours of instruction when the heat index travels to over a hundred.
We don't have high school athletes, those kids who we assume actually know the game, and are in some semblance of physical shape, stay out in the blazing sun for over three hours during two-a-days; there is no reason to have 6-12 yr olds out in the sun from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Next time we're at an event where an Aggie great like two-time Super Bowl winner Detron Smith is present to speak, bring a camera.
Detron spoke to several different groups, delivering a great message about the value of teamwork, goal setting, and believing in yourself.
I was able to talk to him briefly, but a picture for my brother would have been nice. Detron was one-half of my brother's all-time favorite fullback duo, Detron Smith and Cliff Groce.
Looks a lot meaner than he is.
We don't have high school athletes, those kids who we assume actually know the game, and are in some semblance of physical shape, stay out in the blazing sun for over three hours during two-a-days; there is no reason to have 6-12 yr olds out in the sun from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Next time we're at an event where an Aggie great like two-time Super Bowl winner Detron Smith is present to speak, bring a camera.
Detron spoke to several different groups, delivering a great message about the value of teamwork, goal setting, and believing in yourself.
I was able to talk to him briefly, but a picture for my brother would have been nice. Detron was one-half of my brother's all-time favorite fullback duo, Detron Smith and Cliff Groce.
Looks a lot meaner than he is.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Sorry for the delay between posts
Technical difficulties prevented me from posting yesterday.
Today's news......
Jorvorskie Lane says he wants to rush for 1,000 yds and 24 TDs this season. If Lane keeps his weight down, and Fran gives him the necessary number of carries, especially in short yardage and goal-to-go, Lane can make those numbers.
Fran is 'intrigued' by true freshman safety Billy Chavis. At 6'5, 231 lbs, Chavis' size and the hitting ability he's displayed so far in practice have Fran touting him early. At that size, he sounds like a true OLB for a 3-4 defense, although we'll never run that.
I just don't want Fran to get cute, and do something that screws up the kid's development.
Fran is going to design some plays specifically for Jerrod Johnson. While this may cause some fans to overflow with optimism about the possibilities with Johnson and McGee in the same backfield, I'm fairly certain we're just talking about a few inside zone plays for a goal-line package. If we actually use Johnson like Florida used Tim Tebow in the 'Tim series' last season, I'll be pleasantly surprised.
QBs Stephen McGee, T.J. Sanders, and Jerrod Johnson at practice
Today's news......
Jorvorskie Lane says he wants to rush for 1,000 yds and 24 TDs this season. If Lane keeps his weight down, and Fran gives him the necessary number of carries, especially in short yardage and goal-to-go, Lane can make those numbers.
Fran is 'intrigued' by true freshman safety Billy Chavis. At 6'5, 231 lbs, Chavis' size and the hitting ability he's displayed so far in practice have Fran touting him early. At that size, he sounds like a true OLB for a 3-4 defense, although we'll never run that.
I just don't want Fran to get cute, and do something that screws up the kid's development.
Fran is going to design some plays specifically for Jerrod Johnson. While this may cause some fans to overflow with optimism about the possibilities with Johnson and McGee in the same backfield, I'm fairly certain we're just talking about a few inside zone plays for a goal-line package. If we actually use Johnson like Florida used Tim Tebow in the 'Tim series' last season, I'll be pleasantly surprised.
QBs Stephen McGee, T.J. Sanders, and Jerrod Johnson at practice
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Wide receivers will be key this season
The Eagle takes a look at A&M's wide receiver situation this season. If we are going to truly make the spread portion of our spread option scheme work, we need to be able to execute the base scheme of mesh routes, and that means we need our WRs to make plays for us this season.
The running game, with returning starts on the OL and in the backfield, should be stellar.
What we want, though, is an offense that is equally lethal in the air and on the ground, and for that to happen, we need to find some playmakers at WR.
Personally, my money is on Kerry Franks, E.J. Shankle, and Pierre Brown to step it up big for us this season.
WR/KR Kerry Franks goes the distance against Texas Tech
The running game, with returning starts on the OL and in the backfield, should be stellar.
What we want, though, is an offense that is equally lethal in the air and on the ground, and for that to happen, we need to find some playmakers at WR.
Personally, my money is on Kerry Franks, E.J. Shankle, and Pierre Brown to step it up big for us this season.
WR/KR Kerry Franks goes the distance against Texas Tech
Monday, August 6, 2007
Football news
Japhus Brown won't be returning to the team, having failed to qualify academically to play his senior season. While I'm disappointed we lose him as a player, I really hope he sticks it out and finishes his classwork, so he can graduate.
Also, I am impressed so far with what Randy Shannon has done at Miami, from a discipline standpoint. He is cracking down on his players, hard. I only hope their issues on offense continue long enough for us to beat them when we play them in Coral Gables this season.
Miami @ Miami is still the scariest game on our schedule, imo.
Also, I am impressed so far with what Randy Shannon has done at Miami, from a discipline standpoint. He is cracking down on his players, hard. I only hope their issues on offense continue long enough for us to beat them when we play them in Coral Gables this season.
Miami @ Miami is still the scariest game on our schedule, imo.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Big Televen expansion
There are rumors going around that should Notre Dame not accept another overture from the Big Televen to join their conference, The Conference That Can't Count will pursue texas university. Since texas basically won't go anywhere without Texas A&M in tow (I don't think the politicos in the Texas Legislature will allow it), this would be a move that would effect A&M.
However, I believe the travel costs for the non-revenue sports like women's swimming and men's tennis, et al., would make such a move cost prohibitive.
A move to another conference would also mean texas would be playing A&M and Oklahoma as out-of-conference games, which means they would only have two non-conference games to start the season that are already pre-determined. I don't see either A&M or Oklahoma changing the game dates they've had for years now, so it would royally screw with texas' conference schedule, if they made the move.
I wouldn't mind seeing A&M and texas in different conferences, mainly b/c it would strengthen the perception of college football in Texas. With two schools in two different BCS conferences, the schools could play each other at the end of the season, and regardless of who wins, it won't effect their ability to win their respective conferences and go to a BCS bowl. The situation they had in Florida with UF in the SEC, FSU in the ACC, and Miami in the Big East is a perfect example of this situation.
Regardless, I don't see this move happening.
However, I believe the travel costs for the non-revenue sports like women's swimming and men's tennis, et al., would make such a move cost prohibitive.
A move to another conference would also mean texas would be playing A&M and Oklahoma as out-of-conference games, which means they would only have two non-conference games to start the season that are already pre-determined. I don't see either A&M or Oklahoma changing the game dates they've had for years now, so it would royally screw with texas' conference schedule, if they made the move.
I wouldn't mind seeing A&M and texas in different conferences, mainly b/c it would strengthen the perception of college football in Texas. With two schools in two different BCS conferences, the schools could play each other at the end of the season, and regardless of who wins, it won't effect their ability to win their respective conferences and go to a BCS bowl. The situation they had in Florida with UF in the SEC, FSU in the ACC, and Miami in the Big East is a perfect example of this situation.
Regardless, I don't see this move happening.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
A&M ranked #25 in pre-season poll
I don't put much stock in pre-season polls, but A&M is ranked #25 in the USA Today coaches poll. It doesn't mean anything to me, b/c we'll know what kind of team we have after we face Fresno State and Miami, but it is better than being unranked.
Another positive is it guarantees our highlights will make Sportscenter.
I do think it is a joke that we're ranked behind Florida State, Nebraska, and Rutgers, but if we're a good team, we'll move ahead of those teams.
I will enjoy watching texas fall from their perch at #4.
I also think Oklahoma is overrated at #8.
Another positive is it guarantees our highlights will make Sportscenter.
I do think it is a joke that we're ranked behind Florida State, Nebraska, and Rutgers, but if we're a good team, we'll move ahead of those teams.
I will enjoy watching texas fall from their perch at #4.
I also think Oklahoma is overrated at #8.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The philosophy of a series-based offense
The offensive philosophy of a series-based offense is simple: We will run one play, our bread and butter play, that you won't be able to stop. If you over-align yourselves to stop that one play, you leave yourself open to the other plays in that offensive series.
A perfect example of this is the Double Wing Offense, a ground-bound offense that currently holds the national HS record for average points scored in a game, with Don Markham winning a state championship while averaging 63 points per game.
The main play of the Double Wing Offense is the Toss, or Power play.
Double wing power play video
Once the defense has become accustomed to seeing the wingback receive the pitch on Toss, the LBs and DTs will be slanting playside every time they see motion to stop the play. When this happens, the offensive coordinator will call a Counter.
The Counter shows the same motion and backfield action as the Power, but with the backside wingback taking the ball and coming back the other way, away from motion, countering the normal action of the Power play. In this way, you take advantage of the LBs and DTs being out of position watching for Power, and pop the Counter for a big play.
The Double Wing Counter play video
After the defense decides they are tired of getting hammered off-tackle by the Power and Counter, they will bring all their defenders up on the line to stuff the run. Often, they will stack LBs and CBs over and outside the OTs and TEs. The offensive coordinator will then call for the Wedge, having the whole offensive line attack one defensive lineman (usually the NT) as a unit. The five-on-one blocking is brutal, but effective. Wedge-blocking is often used in the NFL and college football in short yardage situations.
The Wedge play
Once the whole defense is packed into the box, and the offense has the defense committed to playing "football in a phone booth", the offensive coordinator can then call on a variety of play-action passes to his TEs or wingbacks, exposing DEs and LBs who are crashing down into the line, expecting a downblock that never materializes.
Passing from the Double Wing
A perfect example of this is the Double Wing Offense, a ground-bound offense that currently holds the national HS record for average points scored in a game, with Don Markham winning a state championship while averaging 63 points per game.
The main play of the Double Wing Offense is the Toss, or Power play.
Double wing power play video
Once the defense has become accustomed to seeing the wingback receive the pitch on Toss, the LBs and DTs will be slanting playside every time they see motion to stop the play. When this happens, the offensive coordinator will call a Counter.
The Counter shows the same motion and backfield action as the Power, but with the backside wingback taking the ball and coming back the other way, away from motion, countering the normal action of the Power play. In this way, you take advantage of the LBs and DTs being out of position watching for Power, and pop the Counter for a big play.
The Double Wing Counter play video
After the defense decides they are tired of getting hammered off-tackle by the Power and Counter, they will bring all their defenders up on the line to stuff the run. Often, they will stack LBs and CBs over and outside the OTs and TEs. The offensive coordinator will then call for the Wedge, having the whole offensive line attack one defensive lineman (usually the NT) as a unit. The five-on-one blocking is brutal, but effective. Wedge-blocking is often used in the NFL and college football in short yardage situations.
The Wedge play
Once the whole defense is packed into the box, and the offense has the defense committed to playing "football in a phone booth", the offensive coordinator can then call on a variety of play-action passes to his TEs or wingbacks, exposing DEs and LBs who are crashing down into the line, expecting a downblock that never materializes.
Passing from the Double Wing
You can now see why a series-based offense is very effective and many coaches run them, especially at the youth and high school level. A good series-based offense will have an answer for whatever the defense throws at them, making it very difficult, if not impossible, for the defense to stop them.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Two former goalies going head-to-head
Melanie Wilson and Kati Jo Spisak, both goalies for A&M's women's soccer team in their times at school here, will be facing each other in the semifinals of the W-League Championship in Rochester, NY tomorrow.
Melanie was at A&M the same time I was, and Kati Jo followed her; I was able to see both of them play, and both of them were and are awesome.
Both are now leading the W-League, Spisak in minutes played, games played, and victories, Wilson in goals against average. Both are tied for the league lead in shutouts.
I have a feeling this game will end 0-0, and go into sudden death overtime.
Melanie was at A&M the same time I was, and Kati Jo followed her; I was able to see both of them play, and both of them were and are awesome.
Both are now leading the W-League, Spisak in minutes played, games played, and victories, Wilson in goals against average. Both are tied for the league lead in shutouts.
I have a feeling this game will end 0-0, and go into sudden death overtime.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Criteria for greatness in college football
You know, there are a lot of fans and sportswriters who call a player at different positions 'great', without really defining greatness. Often, we end up with a player who has less than impressive statistics being called 'great', or even 'the best in the nation at his position', simply b/c a sportswriter believed something a coach said about the player, and doesn't know enough about football to intelligently disagree with that coach's assessment.
I have some criteria for greatness, statistical rules I think we should hold a player to before we call him 'great':
I have some criteria for greatness, statistical rules I think we should hold a player to before we call him 'great':
- Quarterback: Must pass for over 2500 yds, minimum, and average more than 200 yds total offense per game, minimum. For example, texas' Colt McCoy, he of the sub-200 yds passing average per game, is not great.
- Running back: Must average at least 5 yds per carry to be considered great. Must average 100 yds per game over the course of a season. Only exceptions are if the running back in question is playing behind an injury-depleted offensive line, after having shown greatness in a previous season.
- Wide receiver: Must have over 1000 yds receiving in a season. Only exception is if the WR is in a true spread offense, with 3 or more other receivers averaging over 700 yds receiving, also. In that case, he must have a minimum of 40 receptions for 800 yds, or 20 yds per catch or better.
- Offensive Line: I'm kind of simplifying this, I know, but must be a dominant run-blocker, and cannot give up more than 1 sack in a season. Greatness is difficult to achieve for linemen.
- Defensive Tackle: Must have at least 5 sacks and/or 10 tackles for loss before he can be considered great. DTs often face double-teams, but that doesn't mean they should be shutout every game. Great players still make plays.
- Defensive Ends: Must have 10 or more sacks, and double-digit tackles for loss to be considered great.
- Linebackers: Minimum 80 tackles to be considered great. Must be dominant in stopping the run game.
- Cornerbacks: Must get 3 or more interceptions in a season, minimum, before you can be considered for greatness. May not get beat more than once a season, unless it is by an equally great wide receiver.
- Safeties: Must hit like a truck. Must not get beaten deep, must be able to cover opposing deep threats well. Must make at least 30 tackles over the course of the season. If teams are constantly trying to go deep on you when they aren't behind on the scoreboard, that's a sign of a safety who isn't great.
So, there you have it; my criteria for greatness. I know it doesn't mean anything to sportswriters, but I think if we had more actual criteria to judge players by, we wouldn't see so much bias in sports commentary.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Bradley Stephens plays in 2007 THSCA All-Star Game
Bradley Stephens played for the victorious South team in today's Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. I haven't yet been able to find stats for Stephens online, but the last I saw, he had 7 carries for 16 yds, 1 rushing TD. He scored a TD on the South's first offensive drive of the game, enough points to win in a game that ended, 14-0.
Stephens showed some good speed, but wasn't able to do much inside with an offensive line that has only been playing together for four days.
I'm just glad he didn't get injured.
Bradley Stephens running for a TD in a HS game last season.
Stephens showed some good speed, but wasn't able to do much inside with an offensive line that has only been playing together for four days.
I'm just glad he didn't get injured.
Bradley Stephens running for a TD in a HS game last season.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Fran actually explains some Xs and Os to fans
According to his Fridays with Fran report from July 27, Fran actually answered that question that seems to be asked by a lot of Aggie fans, "Why do we run option to the short side of the field so often?"
Fran's explanation:
"One of the more interesting aspects of that is the reaction to the plays where we demonstrate when and why we run the option to the short side of the field. One example is Mike Goodson’s touchdown run in Austin last November when he ran around right end, to the wide side, or what we call running to the field. Then, when Stephen McGee ran the game-winning touchdown on the same play, he ran to the short side, or what we call running to the boundary.
In Austin this Tuesday I told anyone in the audience to ‘fess up if they were one of the fans who asks the question of why we “always” run to the boundary on the option. A large number of people raised their hands. (You know, the Aggie Code of Honor is for real – Aggies never lie ?)
The answer, of course, is that we don’t “always,” and when we do, it usually – not every time, but normally – has nothing to do with it the ball placement on the hash mark instead of the middle of the field. It always has to do with what the defense chooses to do, and Stephen’s ability to recognize it and get us in the right play.
Most folks are surprised when they find out that in many cases, such as those in “The Drive,” we actually break the huddle with four plays called. That is, it could be a run either direction, or either of two passes. Stephen checks us into the right play when he sees, for example among several things, where the safeties are shaded. They might be favoring the field side, which is often the case because a defense will try to use the sideline as a defender and protect where the offense has more room to operate. Based on that and a couple of other things, Stephen would check us into the boundary call.
Either way, we have to execute the play properly. When we don’t and the play doesn’t work, it leaves the impression we’ve called the “wrong” play, and if that’s to the boundary then it feeds the perception about running to the short side. "
If Fran would talk more Xs and Os, I really think he would endear himself more to the rank and file fanbase. That, and avoid making idiotic statements like, "We may be a better team than we were last season, but have a worse record."
Fran's explanation:
"One of the more interesting aspects of that is the reaction to the plays where we demonstrate when and why we run the option to the short side of the field. One example is Mike Goodson’s touchdown run in Austin last November when he ran around right end, to the wide side, or what we call running to the field. Then, when Stephen McGee ran the game-winning touchdown on the same play, he ran to the short side, or what we call running to the boundary.
In Austin this Tuesday I told anyone in the audience to ‘fess up if they were one of the fans who asks the question of why we “always” run to the boundary on the option. A large number of people raised their hands. (You know, the Aggie Code of Honor is for real – Aggies never lie ?)
The answer, of course, is that we don’t “always,” and when we do, it usually – not every time, but normally – has nothing to do with it the ball placement on the hash mark instead of the middle of the field. It always has to do with what the defense chooses to do, and Stephen’s ability to recognize it and get us in the right play.
Most folks are surprised when they find out that in many cases, such as those in “The Drive,” we actually break the huddle with four plays called. That is, it could be a run either direction, or either of two passes. Stephen checks us into the right play when he sees, for example among several things, where the safeties are shaded. They might be favoring the field side, which is often the case because a defense will try to use the sideline as a defender and protect where the offense has more room to operate. Based on that and a couple of other things, Stephen would check us into the boundary call.
Either way, we have to execute the play properly. When we don’t and the play doesn’t work, it leaves the impression we’ve called the “wrong” play, and if that’s to the boundary then it feeds the perception about running to the short side. "
If Fran would talk more Xs and Os, I really think he would endear himself more to the rank and file fanbase. That, and avoid making idiotic statements like, "We may be a better team than we were last season, but have a worse record."
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Aggie Roundtable II
This is my second time doing the Aggie Roundtable, the first time the questions are my own. Be sure to check out the responses of the other Round Table members: Aggie Sports Blog, 12thManchild, TAMABINPO, and Offtackle.
1. What play in our offense would you like to eliminate or see called less often? Give a valid replacement play or series that will attack the same area, i.e. if you hate the option to the short side of the field, how do you propose we attack the C & D gaps shortside to keep the defense honest?
I actually don't have many complaints with our playcalling, save a few 3rd and short situations last season here we didn't give J-Train the ball, or where he wasn't carrying the ball in the 4th quarter to run out the clock at the end of a game.
If anything, I would like to bring BACK a series we used back in 2004. We had a nice Power-T goal line series that we used effectively to punch it into the end zone, which I'd like to see more of. I'd also install a Belly Series from a shotgun-T backfield formation, and run Inside and Outside Belly, as well as a true quadruple option. First read is inside belly, attacking the A gap. Second read is outside belly, attacking the B gap. Third read is option, attacking C and D gaps.
2. What was your favorite season of Aggie offensive football? Give a year and explain why.
I'll have to go with the 2000 season. We had Robert Ferguson at WR, Ja'Mar Toombs at TB, and Mark Farris at QB. We had the Steve Kragthorpe-Pete Hoener-Larry Kirksey braintrust guiding our offense. We ran a beautiful Fly series, which was installed by Pete Hoener. We were a fun offense to watch, and we scored plenty of points. All three coaches (Kragthorpe, Hoener, Kirksey) were snagged by the NFL, and left after the season was over.
3. If you could steal any assistant coach from one of our conference opponents, either to improve our program or weaken their program, which coach would you take and why.
I would take Kevin Sumlin away from Oklahoma. Two reasons: First, he coached at A&M from 2001-02, leaving after Fran arrived, so he knows A&M and knows our traditions. Second, he was an outstanding recruiter, as well as an incredible offensive coordinator. He turned around our 2002 offense in one short week, eventually leading us to an upset win over then-#1 ranked Oklahoma at Kyle Field. I'd love to steal him back from OU.
4. Given that we have gone back to the old timing rules during games, do you expect our defense to experience a slight setback in total yardage given up per game? What about points per game?
I expect to see ~12 more plays per game, which comes out to roughly 6 more plays per team on offense, or 24-30 more yds given up per game. I expect to see A&M's yards per game numbers go up by ~15 yds per game, but average points given up per game to go down to <20 per game. Hopefully, experience on defense will help us.
5. Playing athletic director for a day, if given the chance, what sport would you add to A&M's athletic department, assuming the funding is there for scholarships, facilities, support, etc.
Women's hockey. It would even out all the Title IX issues with football, and would put A&M at the forefront of the women's college hockey in the South, meaning we'd get all the good female players from this region. Besides, can you imagine the brawls that would erupt when we'd play t.u.? A game might break out!!!
6. Fran tells you he's going to let you coach a whole game as an assistant coach. You can coach any position you want, including both coordinator positions. Which coaching job would you take, and why?
Offensive Coordinator/QB coach. Basically, I'd take over playcalling duties from Fran, to make sure we didn't get stupid, and pass the ball on 3rd and goal from the 2 yd line.
7. Ignoring LSU, Arkansas, and the former SWC teams, what BCS team would you like to see A&M start a non-conference series with? Do you want to play home-and-home or at a neutral site?
No question about it, I want Notre Dame in Arlington at Jerryland. A non-conference game with Notre Dame would get us national attention, and give us a big leg up in the national championship race whenever we beat them. I think Notre Dame would go for that deal, b/c it would be a guaranteed game in Texas every year, opening the state to them for recruiting.
1. What play in our offense would you like to eliminate or see called less often? Give a valid replacement play or series that will attack the same area, i.e. if you hate the option to the short side of the field, how do you propose we attack the C & D gaps shortside to keep the defense honest?
I actually don't have many complaints with our playcalling, save a few 3rd and short situations last season here we didn't give J-Train the ball, or where he wasn't carrying the ball in the 4th quarter to run out the clock at the end of a game.
If anything, I would like to bring BACK a series we used back in 2004. We had a nice Power-T goal line series that we used effectively to punch it into the end zone, which I'd like to see more of. I'd also install a Belly Series from a shotgun-T backfield formation, and run Inside and Outside Belly, as well as a true quadruple option. First read is inside belly, attacking the A gap. Second read is outside belly, attacking the B gap. Third read is option, attacking C and D gaps.
2. What was your favorite season of Aggie offensive football? Give a year and explain why.
I'll have to go with the 2000 season. We had Robert Ferguson at WR, Ja'Mar Toombs at TB, and Mark Farris at QB. We had the Steve Kragthorpe-Pete Hoener-Larry Kirksey braintrust guiding our offense. We ran a beautiful Fly series, which was installed by Pete Hoener. We were a fun offense to watch, and we scored plenty of points. All three coaches (Kragthorpe, Hoener, Kirksey) were snagged by the NFL, and left after the season was over.
3. If you could steal any assistant coach from one of our conference opponents, either to improve our program or weaken their program, which coach would you take and why.
I would take Kevin Sumlin away from Oklahoma. Two reasons: First, he coached at A&M from 2001-02, leaving after Fran arrived, so he knows A&M and knows our traditions. Second, he was an outstanding recruiter, as well as an incredible offensive coordinator. He turned around our 2002 offense in one short week, eventually leading us to an upset win over then-#1 ranked Oklahoma at Kyle Field. I'd love to steal him back from OU.
4. Given that we have gone back to the old timing rules during games, do you expect our defense to experience a slight setback in total yardage given up per game? What about points per game?
I expect to see ~12 more plays per game, which comes out to roughly 6 more plays per team on offense, or 24-30 more yds given up per game. I expect to see A&M's yards per game numbers go up by ~15 yds per game, but average points given up per game to go down to <20 per game. Hopefully, experience on defense will help us.
5. Playing athletic director for a day, if given the chance, what sport would you add to A&M's athletic department, assuming the funding is there for scholarships, facilities, support, etc.
Women's hockey. It would even out all the Title IX issues with football, and would put A&M at the forefront of the women's college hockey in the South, meaning we'd get all the good female players from this region. Besides, can you imagine the brawls that would erupt when we'd play t.u.? A game might break out!!!
6. Fran tells you he's going to let you coach a whole game as an assistant coach. You can coach any position you want, including both coordinator positions. Which coaching job would you take, and why?
Offensive Coordinator/QB coach. Basically, I'd take over playcalling duties from Fran, to make sure we didn't get stupid, and pass the ball on 3rd and goal from the 2 yd line.
7. Ignoring LSU, Arkansas, and the former SWC teams, what BCS team would you like to see A&M start a non-conference series with? Do you want to play home-and-home or at a neutral site?
No question about it, I want Notre Dame in Arlington at Jerryland. A non-conference game with Notre Dame would get us national attention, and give us a big leg up in the national championship race whenever we beat them. I think Notre Dame would go for that deal, b/c it would be a guaranteed game in Texas every year, opening the state to them for recruiting.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Big 12 is loaded with second year QBs
The Houston Chronicle has a nice piece on how Stephen McGee, Colt McCoy, Chase Daniel, and Graham Harrell will all try to produce an encore to the spectacular year they had in 2006.
Notably absent among those list is Bobby Reid of Oklahoma State, who might have the most returning skill position talent surrounding him of anyone not name Stephen McGee.
Ir will be interesting to see who will improve on next season (I believe Reid will), and who might suffer a sophomore jinx (Colt McCoy is my pick there).
McGee will try to lift the Aggies to new heights in 2007.
Notably absent among those list is Bobby Reid of Oklahoma State, who might have the most returning skill position talent surrounding him of anyone not name Stephen McGee.
Ir will be interesting to see who will improve on next season (I believe Reid will), and who might suffer a sophomore jinx (Colt McCoy is my pick there).
McGee will try to lift the Aggies to new heights in 2007.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Parity here now in the Big 12
Robert Cessna of The Bryan Eagle quotes Mack Brown talking about parity in the Big 12. I think this is just Brown covering his butt, trying to assuage the anger of texas fans who were disappointed by late-season losses to A&M and Kansas State last year. Whenever a coach talks about 'parity', my bullsh*t sensors go off, b/c it always sounds like an excuse.
It's funny how I never hear Urban Meyer or Pete Carroll talk about parity; the great coaches of the great teams don't worry about the rest of the conference, they just concentrate on making their own program better.
The sad thing is, some fans will read this, and use it as an excuse for any losses this season, just like they do every other year.
It's funny how I never hear Urban Meyer or Pete Carroll talk about parity; the great coaches of the great teams don't worry about the rest of the conference, they just concentrate on making their own program better.
The sad thing is, some fans will read this, and use it as an excuse for any losses this season, just like they do every other year.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A veritable treasure trove of Aggie football talk today
With A&M being on of the featured teams in today's Big 12 Media Day in San Antonio, there is a lot of media coverage of the Ags available.
To wit:
To wit:
- The Topeka Capitol-Journal weighs on in new Strength & Conditioning coach Rod Cole.
- Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman rips Fran for thinking A&M can have a special season.
- More AAS notes, in which they try to say we're 'basking' in our 12-7 win over texas.
- The Dallas Morning News has a nice piece on all of the offseason work our guys have done, and how Stephen McGee and Red Bryant are leading the charge.
- The Kansas City Star says Fran isn't worried about his job security.
In summary: I'm cautiously optimistic about Rob Cole, I'll wait until I see how we perform on the field before I judge the job he has done. I think Bohls knows less about football than my dog, and at least my dog knows we went 9-4 last season. texas fans would love to believe we're 'basking' in our win over them, b/c then they can justify spending the whole offseason stewing about the fact that we kicked their ass up and down the field that day. I'm glad our boys have been busting their butts in the off-season, let's see the results on the field. And finally, Fran should be worried about his job security. If he doesn't win at least 10 games this season, they need to fire him.
This is just proof that the end of the Summer purgatory of no football is approaching. Most of these pieces are fluff and mere hype for the upcoming season, but in the absence of games to over-analyze, we'll take fluff every day of the week.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Fran's remarks from Big 12 Football Media Days
Some comments I liked from Fran:
"We've got some good people on this team. We've got some great leaders on this team. Probably the best leadership we've had since I've been at Texas A&M. Great students. 15 out of our 17 seniors will have their degree by December; 5 of them will have it in about two weeks. And Stephen McGee is with us here today. And I need to mention this. Stephen has two years of eligibility remaining and he'll have his degree in about two weeks also. So pretty unusual for somebody to be in that situation."
I'm thrilled to death that 15 of our seniors will be graduating by December, but just amazed that McGee has been able to earn his degree in only 3 years. He's taken classes every single session they were available without a break since he arrived at A&M, AND balanced that classload with football. That's quite an accomplishment.
Fran addressed McGee's issues throwing the ball last season:
"But with regard to his throwing, we don't spend time talking about injuries at our place. And one of the things that happened to Stephen in two-a-days, in the second day of practice he tore a muscle in the back of his throwing arm. He did not throw again until the week of the first game. So he essentially missed all the throwing during August camp, and as much as anything missed the pocket presence, the feel for the rush, how to move in the pocket, and as a result I think as coaches we were probably trying to make sure that he didn't sit in the pocket and take a beating and take too many sacks, and we encouraged him to run with the football, which may have been a little part of him not finding a second or third receiver sometimes.
"I think that burden needs to go on us more than him and more the circumstances of not being able to throw all through the month of August, which is -- as you all know, fall camp is such a pivotal time, especially for your first-time starter, essentially had he been a senior, wouldn't have maybe been as quite a big issue, but being as young as he was going into the season, it does have to have an impact on him. We all know Stephen McGee can throw the football. He's proven that time and time again.
"So protecting him and letting him now he worked very hard on finding second and third progressions and everything in spring practice. And I think we'll see him better in all those areas."
The bold emphasis is mine. I knew about McGee's injury, and while I can believe what Fran said about telling him to run, I think they also told him to run with the football to avoid making a turnover. Part of McGee's issues passing weren't just not finding a second or third option, it involved not having a second or third option (because of formation/scheme issues), and throwing the ball out of bounds when under pressure to avoid a sack. I think the coaching staff drummed it into McGee that it is better to have an incompletion out of bounds and move on to the next play, than it is to take a sack and risk losing the ball on a turnover.
"We've got some good people on this team. We've got some great leaders on this team. Probably the best leadership we've had since I've been at Texas A&M. Great students. 15 out of our 17 seniors will have their degree by December; 5 of them will have it in about two weeks. And Stephen McGee is with us here today. And I need to mention this. Stephen has two years of eligibility remaining and he'll have his degree in about two weeks also. So pretty unusual for somebody to be in that situation."
I'm thrilled to death that 15 of our seniors will be graduating by December, but just amazed that McGee has been able to earn his degree in only 3 years. He's taken classes every single session they were available without a break since he arrived at A&M, AND balanced that classload with football. That's quite an accomplishment.
Fran addressed McGee's issues throwing the ball last season:
"But with regard to his throwing, we don't spend time talking about injuries at our place. And one of the things that happened to Stephen in two-a-days, in the second day of practice he tore a muscle in the back of his throwing arm. He did not throw again until the week of the first game. So he essentially missed all the throwing during August camp, and as much as anything missed the pocket presence, the feel for the rush, how to move in the pocket, and as a result I think as coaches we were probably trying to make sure that he didn't sit in the pocket and take a beating and take too many sacks, and we encouraged him to run with the football, which may have been a little part of him not finding a second or third receiver sometimes.
"I think that burden needs to go on us more than him and more the circumstances of not being able to throw all through the month of August, which is -- as you all know, fall camp is such a pivotal time, especially for your first-time starter, essentially had he been a senior, wouldn't have maybe been as quite a big issue, but being as young as he was going into the season, it does have to have an impact on him. We all know Stephen McGee can throw the football. He's proven that time and time again.
"So protecting him and letting him now he worked very hard on finding second and third progressions and everything in spring practice. And I think we'll see him better in all those areas."
The bold emphasis is mine. I knew about McGee's injury, and while I can believe what Fran said about telling him to run, I think they also told him to run with the football to avoid making a turnover. Part of McGee's issues passing weren't just not finding a second or third option, it involved not having a second or third option (because of formation/scheme issues), and throwing the ball out of bounds when under pressure to avoid a sack. I think the coaching staff drummed it into McGee that it is better to have an incompletion out of bounds and move on to the next play, than it is to take a sack and risk losing the ball on a turnover.
J-Train getting some love from the NY Times
The New York Times has an excellent article on Jorvorskie Lane, covering his weight issues from a year ago (played at 282 lbs at one point), to his daughter's love of Chuck E. Cheese, to his dreams of begin the next Michael Jordan when he was in junior high school.
Jordanesque on the football field.
One stat I hope Fran notices: Lane had 82 receptions for 1,060 yds in high school. We started to use Lane as a receiver a little bit last season, and I hope we increase that this year.
Jordanesque on the football field.
One stat I hope Fran notices: Lane had 82 receptions for 1,060 yds in high school. We started to use Lane as a receiver a little bit last season, and I hope we increase that this year.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Big 12 media days have started
Big 12 Football Media Days started today in San Antonio. This is a chance for all the sportswriters in Big 12 states to go to San Antonio and drink and eat their fill of Tex-Mex while they act like the coaches and players hyping their teams are providing profound information they've never heard before.
The beginning of Texas A&M's press conference will be televised nationally tomorrow, from 8:45 am - 9:45 am. Fran, Chris Harrington, Red Bryant, and Stephen McGee will be available to answer reporters' questions.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sorry for the absence
I'm back blogging after taking some time off this weekend to celebrate my father's 60th birthday, and to visit with all of the relatives who came to Texas from Florida and New York to celebrate with him.
Back to it....
Nobel Prize winner and Texas A&M professor Dr. Norman Borlaug , who is credited with saving India and Pakistan from starvation, recently received the Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Borlaug now lives in Dallas, and teaches Agriculture at A&M part-time.
Chris Harrington, Mike Goodson, and Cody Wallace have all been named to the pre-season Big 12 All-Conference team. I'm disappointed Jorvorskie Lane, Martellus Bennett, and Stephen McGee didn't merit any mention. It just goes to show you that the people who decide on these honors don't always know everything about the teams and players they are voting on.
Fran and Bill Byrne seem to be insinuating that they expect a special year this season. I'd like to see Fran actually give some concrete predictions, actually say there isn't any reason we shouldn't win and win big this year, but I don't think you'll ever see a coach do that.
Back to it....
Nobel Prize winner and Texas A&M professor Dr. Norman Borlaug , who is credited with saving India and Pakistan from starvation, recently received the Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Borlaug now lives in Dallas, and teaches Agriculture at A&M part-time.
Chris Harrington, Mike Goodson, and Cody Wallace have all been named to the pre-season Big 12 All-Conference team. I'm disappointed Jorvorskie Lane, Martellus Bennett, and Stephen McGee didn't merit any mention. It just goes to show you that the people who decide on these honors don't always know everything about the teams and players they are voting on.
Fran and Bill Byrne seem to be insinuating that they expect a special year this season. I'd like to see Fran actually give some concrete predictions, actually say there isn't any reason we shouldn't win and win big this year, but I don't think you'll ever see a coach do that.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Aggie Roundtable
This weeks question are from Brad at The12thManChild.
1. Which game on the schedule scares you the most?
Missouri Tigers @ Columbia, MO. We had a tough game with them at Kyle last year, and they'll be a better team on offense this season, imo. Chase Daniels is a difference maker, and he'd love nothing more than to beat a team from his home state.
2. Coach Fran: Is he really on the hot seat this season?
1. Which game on the schedule scares you the most?
Missouri Tigers @ Columbia, MO. We had a tough game with them at Kyle last year, and they'll be a better team on offense this season, imo. Chase Daniels is a difference maker, and he'd love nothing more than to beat a team from his home state.
2. Coach Fran: Is he really on the hot seat this season?
I don't think the question is if he's one the hot seat or not, I think you could argue that he's been on the hot seat since the '03 season ended, and he lost the team. He received a reprieve in '04, but many were ready to fire him after the '05 season. The win over texas in '06 was arguably the only thing that kept him from the unemployment line after last season. I believe after this season, even the staunchest Fran Apologists won't be able to defend Fran, because it will be his players, and his precious redshirts will be 5th year seniors. He is out of excuses.
The only question, does Byrne have the balls to fire him if he only wins 7 or 8 games, and finishes over .500? I don't think Byrne has the guts to do that, personally.
3. It's game day in Aggieland and you're on campus tailgating. Where are you? What's in your right hand, and what's in your left hand?
I'm outside the Heep Building, across the railroad tracks near Wellborn Rd, where my tailgate party is always located. In my right hand, I'm holding my barbecue tongs, as I tend to my smoker. In my left hand, I'm holding a cold beverage of my choice; it's usually either a Michelob Ultra or a Coke Zero.
Texas A&M University to receive 11.6% increase in funding
According to The Battalion, A&M will be receiving an 11.6% increase in funding from the State Legislature. The increase will take place starting in 2008. While I'm happy to see the legislature is giving A&M more money, I don't see it causing a decrease in tuition or fees, so it doesn't really help students, who have been overburdened financially in this era of tuition deregulation. The University will most likely look at it as a financial bonus, and budget it that way.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Blue Bell Ice Cream turns 100
Blue Bell Ice Cream is partying in Brenham today, celebrating their 100th birthday at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Happy Birthday to this Texas institution.
Blue Bell turns 100 years old today.
Blue Bell turns 100 years old today.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Acie Law excelling in Atlanta already
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an excellent piece on how Acie Law is already impressing his coaches and his team while playing in the NBA Summer League. Acie has already assumed a leadership role on the team, and appears well on his way to being their point guard of the future.
Already taking charge in Atlanta.
Already taking charge in Atlanta.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Dat Nguyen, Football Coach
The Corpus Christi Caller-Times has an excellent piece on former Texas A&M All-American and former Dallas Cowboy Pro Bowl LB Dat Nguyen, as he moves into coaching.
Dat's place on the Cowboys' staff won't make me root for Dallas over my beloved 'Skins, but it will make me root for the Cowboy linebacking unit to perform well this season.
Will be kicking ass and taking names from the sidelines from now on.
Dat's place on the Cowboys' staff won't make me root for Dallas over my beloved 'Skins, but it will make me root for the Cowboy linebacking unit to perform well this season.
Will be kicking ass and taking names from the sidelines from now on.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday notes
Texas A&M has one of the best offensive lines in the Big 12, and the conference's best offensive backfield, according to Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune.
In basketball news, the Aggies' Josh Carter made the 2007 USA Pan American Games Team.
The New York Times did a little piece on the role of Internet 'whistleblowers' in keeping NCAA programs on the up-and-up. Texags.com is prominently featured in the article.
Lastly, Keith Randall, Texas A&M's director of marketing, pens an amusing piece for the Bryan Eagle on Aggies and their personalized license plates. Definitely worth checking out.
In basketball news, the Aggies' Josh Carter made the 2007 USA Pan American Games Team.
The New York Times did a little piece on the role of Internet 'whistleblowers' in keeping NCAA programs on the up-and-up. Texags.com is prominently featured in the article.
Lastly, Keith Randall, Texas A&M's director of marketing, pens an amusing piece for the Bryan Eagle on Aggies and their personalized license plates. Definitely worth checking out.
Best wishes to Oklahoma State's Atrell Woods
Oklahoma State WR Artrell Woods, who was expected to be a starter and an impact player this coming season, was seriously injured this past Friday during a voluntary workout. He had emergency surgery on his back, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Woods was a RB/WR at Bryan High School before going to play for Oklahoma State. Beyond the fact that you hate to see anyone seriously injured in the off-season, I was looking forward to watching him play this year for Oklahoma State.
Get well soon, Artrell.
Woods was a RB/WR at Bryan High School before going to play for Oklahoma State. Beyond the fact that you hate to see anyone seriously injured in the off-season, I was looking forward to watching him play this year for Oklahoma State.
Get well soon, Artrell.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Saturday news
DeAndre Jordan scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds as Team USA beat China, 103-77 Friday night at the U19 World Championships.
Elsewhere, Josh Carter is trying out for the Team USA Pan American Games basketball team, to be coached by Villanova's Jay Wright. Team cuts are supposed to take place tonight.
May represent A&M at the Pan Am Games.
Elsewhere, Josh Carter is trying out for the Team USA Pan American Games basketball team, to be coached by Villanova's Jay Wright. Team cuts are supposed to take place tonight.
May represent A&M at the Pan Am Games.
Friday, July 13, 2007
DeAndre Jordan doing well in international play
Top recruit and incoming freshman DeAndre Jordan scored 20 points against Mali in the opening round of the 2007 USA Basketball U19 World Championship, as the U19 Team USA won, 118-56.
Jordan is expected to be an immediate impact player for the Ags this coming season.
Coming soon to B/CS
Jordan is expected to be an immediate impact player for the Ags this coming season.
Coming soon to B/CS
Thursday, July 12, 2007
ESPN/Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook preview Texas A&M
ESPN Insider has teamed with Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook to preview all the 119 Division I-A college football programs. Today, they took a look at Texas A&M.
I read through their preview, and didn't have a problem until I saw this little tidbit:
"That part of the bargain he has certainly held up. After struggling -- expectedly -- in his first season and finishing 4-8, the next season the A&M offense began reaching levels it had not yet seen before Coach Fran's arrival. "
Sorry, maybe Blue Ribbon thinks they have some inside information unknown to Aggie fans at large, but while I don't think many Aggies expected A&M to be world-beaters in 2003, we sure as hell didn't expect to go 4-8. We didn't expect to lose a game 77-0. We didn't expect to end up starting walk-ons at LB because the head coach refused to pull redshirts off freshmen, even when the injuries were mounting, and we didn't have anything close to competitive talent on the field. We didn't expect our head coach to come in and completely give up on the season, just trash the first season of his tenure and say it didn't matter, and lose his team in the process. The idea that Aggies would pony up and buy season tickets despite a 41% increase in price, and then expect to lose, and lose in gruesome fashion, is just asinine.
Blue Ribbon goes on:
"Once a school whose quarterbacks did more damage running the option than throwing the ball downfield, the Aggies have now seen three of the four best seasons of individual total offense under Franchione. In 2004, then quarterback Reggie McNeal set the school mark by accounting for 3,509 yards. McNeal followed that with 2,627 yards in 2005 (fourth best in school history), and last year, junior Stephen McGee had the second-best season at A&M by producing 2,961 yards. "
Now this sounds like Blue Ribbon interviewed resident Fran apologist/PR man Mike McKenzie. 3 of the 4 best individual total offense seasons have come under Fran, huh? What does this stat really means? It means A&M has had complete studs at QB, athletically gifted stars who Fran has failed to translate into wildly successful offenses. Saying "we've had record setting years for individual total offense" is another way of saying "our numbers for team overall offense haven't been that terrific". If one player is racking up all the yards, that means there are 4-5 other players on the field who aren't being used to their full potential. This kind of dubious double-speak is McKenzie forte, though.
All is well, nothing unexpected happened. Here, have some koolaid.
Ignoring the libations of McKenzie's koolaid, it's not a bad overall preview, especially for a non-fan site. They overrate Cody Wallace, imo, and spend too much time listening to Les Koenning's thoughts on the offense, but other than that, they do a good job covering every unit and the vast majority of our key players. For a national publication, I give them an A.
I read through their preview, and didn't have a problem until I saw this little tidbit:
"That part of the bargain he has certainly held up. After struggling -- expectedly -- in his first season and finishing 4-8, the next season the A&M offense began reaching levels it had not yet seen before Coach Fran's arrival. "
Sorry, maybe Blue Ribbon thinks they have some inside information unknown to Aggie fans at large, but while I don't think many Aggies expected A&M to be world-beaters in 2003, we sure as hell didn't expect to go 4-8. We didn't expect to lose a game 77-0. We didn't expect to end up starting walk-ons at LB because the head coach refused to pull redshirts off freshmen, even when the injuries were mounting, and we didn't have anything close to competitive talent on the field. We didn't expect our head coach to come in and completely give up on the season, just trash the first season of his tenure and say it didn't matter, and lose his team in the process. The idea that Aggies would pony up and buy season tickets despite a 41% increase in price, and then expect to lose, and lose in gruesome fashion, is just asinine.
Blue Ribbon goes on:
"Once a school whose quarterbacks did more damage running the option than throwing the ball downfield, the Aggies have now seen three of the four best seasons of individual total offense under Franchione. In 2004, then quarterback Reggie McNeal set the school mark by accounting for 3,509 yards. McNeal followed that with 2,627 yards in 2005 (fourth best in school history), and last year, junior Stephen McGee had the second-best season at A&M by producing 2,961 yards. "
Now this sounds like Blue Ribbon interviewed resident Fran apologist/PR man Mike McKenzie. 3 of the 4 best individual total offense seasons have come under Fran, huh? What does this stat really means? It means A&M has had complete studs at QB, athletically gifted stars who Fran has failed to translate into wildly successful offenses. Saying "we've had record setting years for individual total offense" is another way of saying "our numbers for team overall offense haven't been that terrific". If one player is racking up all the yards, that means there are 4-5 other players on the field who aren't being used to their full potential. This kind of dubious double-speak is McKenzie forte, though.
All is well, nothing unexpected happened. Here, have some koolaid.
Ignoring the libations of McKenzie's koolaid, it's not a bad overall preview, especially for a non-fan site. They overrate Cody Wallace, imo, and spend too much time listening to Les Koenning's thoughts on the offense, but other than that, they do a good job covering every unit and the vast majority of our key players. For a national publication, I give them an A.
Dennis Franchione makes list of worst coaches in college football
A&M head coach Dennis Franchione made CNN Sport's Illustrated's list of the top 5 worst head coaches in college football. I occasionally read Stewart Mandel's Mailbag column when I have time, not really taking most of what he says seriously, but he hit this one right on the head. More importantly, it is out there for high school recruits everywhere to see.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Top 10 Aggie Football Players
I'm just making a list of the top 10 football players on our roster, in what I view as their order of importance:
- Stephen McGee, QB: The unquestioned leader of our team, for offense, defense, special teams, the whole squad. Everyone, including the crowd, feeds off of his toughness and intensity. We'll go as far as his arms and legs will carry us in 2007.
- Yemi Babaloa, LT: Protects the blindside of the unquestioned leader of our team, keeping him healthy and safe in the pocket. Yemi gained my attention with his constant habit of always going downfield to look for more people to destory, er, block out of the way.
- Kirk Elder, LG: Guards are the players who trap and pull on lead plays. A good guard is worth his weight in gold. Elder helps lead our rushing attack.
- Michael Shumard, RG: He's only a redshirt sophomore, but I'm looking for Shumard to replace Grant Dickey, and excel. Dickey was the one weakness on our offensive line last season, and Shumard could help us move from the level of a stellar line to a dominant line.
- Jorvorskie Lane, TB: Our 270+ lb battering ram tied an A&M record with 19 TDs last season. Unstoppable in short yardage (except when Grant Dickey whiffs on a block), the 'J-Train' is the most dominant big back in college football.
- Mike Goodson, TB: A&M's returning rusher from last season averaged 6.7 yds per carry, gaining 847 yds on only 8 starts. Goodson is the most electric player on our team, and could have a breakout season in '07, where he announces his presence on a national level.
- Martellus Bennett, TE: Our leading returning receiver from last season (38 receptions, 497 yds, 3 TDs) , Bennett is a physical specimen who is also the best blocker on the team, and the best blocking TE in the Big 12.
- Joey Thomas, TE: The other half of our dynamic TE duo, dubbed "The Legion of Doom" by Bennett, Thomas is an excellent blocker and solid receiver. He would be starting on any other team in the Big 12; his opportunities are limited only b/c he is on the same team as Bennett.
- Corey Clark, RT: Most teams run to the right side, b/c that is the strong side of the formation due to the fact that most QBs are right-handed. Your RT doesn't have to be as athletic as the LT, but he does have to be a bulldozer, capable of road-grading the burly DTs opposing defenses stick in 4 or 5 techs to stop the running game. Clark is a steamroller.
- Red Bryant, NT: A good NT controls the A-gaps, and stops the opposition's inside running game. A great NT demands a double-team on every play, and still makes plays. Bryant is a great NT.
Now, some may notice that I listed 9 offensive players in my Top 10; this is by necessity more than design. We don't have the Wrecking Crew defenses we used to have, and we've had only one shutout that I can recall under Fran (Wyoming, 2004), so we have to win games with our offense. Hence, I give you an offense-heavy Top Ten.
Oklahoma receives sanctions from the NCAA
The University of Oklahoma finally heard back from the NCAA today, learning it would have to erase the 2005 season record from all record books, including Bob Stoops' personal coaching record, lose 2 scholarships each year in the 2008-'09 and 2009-'10 school years, and extending OU's self-imposed probation until May 23, 2010.
OU was found guilty of a "failure to monitor", rather than the more serious charge of lack of institutional control. While I predicted OU would only lose scholarships over this ordeal, the fact that OU is only being charged with a 'failure to monitor' while A&M was hit with 'lack of institutional control' in 1994, for a similar scandal, is laughable.
IMO, this is just more window-dressing by the NCAA, who really, really REALLY doesn't want to punish anyone, if they can help it.
I know OU suspended Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn, the two players involved in receiving money for work they didn't perform at Big Red Sports and Imports in 2005. Walk-on receiver Jermaine Hardison left the school on his own. That doesn't excuse the school's lack of oversight into the work program at the dealership for the athletes.
Brought the NCAA hammer down on OU. The velvet hammer, that is.
OU was found guilty of a "failure to monitor", rather than the more serious charge of lack of institutional control. While I predicted OU would only lose scholarships over this ordeal, the fact that OU is only being charged with a 'failure to monitor' while A&M was hit with 'lack of institutional control' in 1994, for a similar scandal, is laughable.
IMO, this is just more window-dressing by the NCAA, who really, really REALLY doesn't want to punish anyone, if they can help it.
I know OU suspended Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn, the two players involved in receiving money for work they didn't perform at Big Red Sports and Imports in 2005. Walk-on receiver Jermaine Hardison left the school on his own. That doesn't excuse the school's lack of oversight into the work program at the dealership for the athletes.
Brought the NCAA hammer down on OU. The velvet hammer, that is.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Acie Law signs contract with Hawks
Former Texas A&M point guard Acie Law signed a contract with the Atlanta Hawks yesterday. Law is guaranteed $1.605 million this year, and $1.726 million next year. As an Aggie fan, I am thrilled that Acie is finally realizing his dream of playing in the NBA. Hopefully, this will help our basketball recruiting in Dallas.
Is guaranteed many dollars. Millions of them.
Now, I just need to hope they start selling Law IV jerseys in Dallas.
Is guaranteed many dollars. Millions of them.
Now, I just need to hope they start selling Law IV jerseys in Dallas.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Bethel Johnson signs deal with the Houston Texans
Former Texas A&M WR Bethel Johnson signs a one-year deal with the Houston Texans for $650,000 today. Johnson was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 draft, and won 2 Super Bowls with the Pats in the following two seasons.
The Houston Chronicle is exaggerating his stats, I believe. While Bethel was one of my all-time favorite wide receivers in his time at A&M, I do not think he had 717 receptions in four years, or an average of 179.25 receptions per season. I could believe 217 receptions, though, over four seasons of work.
So fast, they saw him catch 500 more passes.
The Houston Chronicle is exaggerating his stats, I believe. While Bethel was one of my all-time favorite wide receivers in his time at A&M, I do not think he had 717 receptions in four years, or an average of 179.25 receptions per season. I could believe 217 receptions, though, over four seasons of work.
So fast, they saw him catch 500 more passes.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
12 points to remember in the 12th season of the Big 12
Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune pens an excellent piece on 12 intriguing stories in the Big 12 in the upcoming 12th season of play.
Matter's points (which my comments following in parenthesis):
Matter's points (which my comments following in parenthesis):
- 12. Remember the Alamo(dome): San Antonio’s Alamodome plays host to its third Big 12 championship game and its first since 1999. (With a weak Big 12 North, Nebraska might once again represent their division, as they did in the previous two trips to San Antonio, in 1997 & 1999.)
- 11. Is it finally the Year of the Tiger?: Missouri fans have waited since 1969 for a conference championship. These days, they’d be happy with a division title. But with quarterback Chase Daniel throwing to a variety pack of receivers as good as any in the nation - plus a favorable schedule - this might be Missouri’s best chance to capture the North Division. (I'd love to see Missouri win the North, but I'm not yet sold on their defense.)
- 10. Golden receivers: No other conference has a wide receiver trio better than Texas’ Limas Sweed, Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly and Oklahoma State’s Adarius Bowman. Add Missouri’s Will Franklin into the mix - plus his tight end teammates disguised as wideouts, Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman - and the Big 12 might be home to the best pass-catchers in the country. (I don't think Sweed is the best WR on his own team, and think Rucker & Coffman are actually inside receivers disguised as TEs - I never see them block anyone.)
- 9. Sam I Am: Nebraska’s Sam Keller, the country’s most celebrated and scrutinized Division I transfer, has one season to salvage his career. Keller and his NFL arm left a messy situation at Arizona State last year. In Lincoln, he replaces Big 12 player of the year Zac Taylor with the weight of Husker Nation riding on every pass he throws this fall. (Let's be honest: Zac Taylor might have been the most mediocre Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in the 11 year history of the conference, as well as probably the most undeserving. He had a weak arm, and was just as likely to throw an interception as he was a pass to his own teammates. It won't take much for Keller to make fans forget Taylor; one game without a turnover ought to be enough.)
- 8. Ron Prince, Act II: Kansas State probably overachieved a bit last season, winning seven games despite starting freshman quarterback Josh Freeman in eight games during Ron Prince’s first season as a head coach. (By beating texas and going to a bowl, I'd say they most definitely overachieved in Prince's first season at K-State. Their upset win over texas gave Prince a signature win in his rookie year as a head coach. If they win 7-8 games this season, and go to another bowl, Prince will have them headed in the right direction.)
- 7. Dan Hawkins, Act II: Early on, more eyes will be on Dan Hawkins’ second season at Colorado, but only because CU’s brutal nonconference schedule includes nationally televised games against Colorado State, Arizona State and Florida State. (Buff fans aren't going to want to hear this, but even a 5-win season will be a dramatic improvement for Colorado this season. The good news is the Big 12 North is still fairly weak as a division; the bad news is that Colorado is part of that weakness.)
- 6. After Adrian: Just how does Oklahoma replace superstar running back Adrian Peterson, the seventh pick in the NFL draft? That’s easy. The Sooners have done it already. Backup Allen Patrick carried the load just fine when Peterson suffered a broken collarbone last fall, leading OU to victories in all five of his starts. (This has already been covered; the Sooners have their replacement for Peterson in Allen Patrick. The question for OU isn't who will carry the ball; their questions are at QB.)
- 5. A September to remember: In recent years, Big 12 athletic directors came together to beef up their nonconference schedules, collectively adding series against some of the premier teams in the country. Gone are the cupcake slates of years past. This year, Kansas State plays at Auburn, Oklahoma State goes to Georgia and both Oklahoma and Texas A&M face Miami. Nebraska takes on the mother of all nonconference foes, playing host to national champion favorite USC. (Actually, since nonconference games are scheduled years in advance, Matter is giving Big 12 ADs credit for work that was done years ago. Reporters read too much into nonconference schedules, because you don't know four years prior, when you schedule the game, if that team will be a powerhouse when you play them, or an also-ran rebuilding under a new coaching staff. They give too much credit for playing teams on the upswing of the success cycle, and too much blame for playing teams who have fallen on hard times.)
- 4. Gene therapy: The only new head coach in the league is no stranger to the Big 12. Iowa State brought in Texas co-defensive coordinator Gene Chizik to inject some energy into a program that couldn’t sustain the mild success generated by Dan McCarney. (The only head coaching hire in the Big 12 this off-season was also the worst head coaching hire this off-season. Chizik showed an ability to succeed when talent was already there at Auburn and texas, but struggled defending the pass last season. I think Chizik was overrated as a defensive coordinator; his weaknesses were exposed repeatedly by Franchione.)
- 3. Young guns: Question: Which conference has more talent at quarterback than the Big 12?
Answer: The AFC.
A year ago, the conference was full of question marks under center. Now, it’s flooded with superstars. Texas sophomore Colt McCoy is the favorite to earn preseason league honors, but he’ll have competition for the postseason award from Missouri’s Daniel, Texas A&M’s Stephen McGee and Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell. Don’t forget Oklahoma State’s electric junior Bobby Reid, K-State’s budding Freeman and Iowa State’s Meyer, the most experienced quarterback in the league. (People are giving Colt McCoy a lot of hype for a QB who didn't even average 200 yards passing per game last season. The argument for best QB in the Big 12 starts with Chase Daniel and Stephen McGee, and then goes from there.) - 2. Heat is on: In four years at Texas A&M, Dennis Franchione has gone just 25-23. That’s not good enough considering his hefty salary and the enormous expectations in College Station. Will another seven-win season be enough to keep Fran around? The leash won’t be any longer for Baylor’s Guy Morriss, a likable guy who’s led a dismal program to just 15 wins in four seasons. And what about Kansas’ Mark Mangino? He’s had a few big wins, but he’s still 10 games under .500 after five years in Lawrence. Will Lew Perkins settle for another bowl-less December? (After 4 seasons and $7.7 million paid out in salary, Fran needs to deliver at least a 10 win season and a conference championship, or find another job. Guy Morriss should get Baylor to a bowl game, or be sent packing. Mangino may be the most secure of the three; if they can cut down on turnovers, they'll win enough games to make a bowl game, and he should be around another season.)
- 1. Changes all around: The most significant news in the Big 12 probably won’t happen on the field this year. The times, they are a-changing, and the future of the conference could be at stake. Who will succeed outgoing Commissioner Kevin Weiberg, and how will his or her vision of the conference affect the Big 12 dynamics? (I always viewed Weiberg as largely ineffective, and a poor leader. I hope our next conference commissioner has a vision for the Big 12 that extends beyond television coverage on the Versus network.)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Jerrod Johnson to Wide Receiver in the Red Zone?
In yesterday's Friday with Fran column, Fran broaches the subject of a special role in the offense for back-up QB Jerrod Johnson. In answer to a question from Robert '89 from Katy, Fran mentions splitting Johnson out wide on one side, with Martellus Bennett on the other, giving McGee the option of throwing a fade to a 6'6 receiver on the left or a 6'7 receiver on the right.
Personally, as a fan of the single wing, I'd rather see Johnson, McGee, and Lane aligned in shotgun, split-backs in the backfield, with the possibility of a direct snap to any one of the three players and a power sweep with two lead blockers, but I don't call the plays for this team. Those three in the backfield would also make a nice shotgun inside or outside veer threat, as well as a deadly load option combo.
Friday, July 6, 2007
I was thinking about this earlier today: Is 2000-2010 the Decade of the Underdog in college football? Looking at the BCS national title game, it is starting to appear that way.
- In 2000, underdog Oklahoma beat favored Florida State.
- In 2001, heavily favored Miami blew out Nebraska.
- In 2002, underdog Ohio State beat favored Miami.
- In 2003, underdog LSU beat the favorite, Oklahoma, and split the national title with USC.
- In 2004, favored USC blew out Oklahoma.
- In 2005, underdog texas beat favored USC.
- In 2006, underdog Florida blew out favored Ohio State.
That means so far this decade, underdogs are 5-2 over the favorite in the BCS national title game. It begs the question of whether or not the BCS is really working; the BCS is supposed to match up the #1 and #2 teams in the nation to play for the national championship. Given that underdogs have overwhelmingly won the BCS national title game so far, you have to wonder if they are calculating who the correct favorite for these match ups is.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Worst.magazine.cover.EVAH.
Colt's looking for his collector's edition 'special' bus.
It was bad enough when Colt McCoy had to be taken off the field during the 2006 A&M - texas football game on a cart after a hit by Aggie DE Michael Bennett left him woozy, and knocked him out of the game. This caused many Aggies to label him 'Cart' McCoy after the Aggies won the game. A biting nickname is one thing; going on the cover of a national college football preview wearing a helmet without a face mask is quite another. McCoy looks like one of those kids who needs a padded helmet because he's a threat to himself, and can't be trusted when left to his own devices. Either that, or he's modeling his new 'concussion-proof' helmet this off-season.
What photographer thought this concept up? If they wanted to see McCoy's face, you have him take the helmet off and take the picture. Too many Sooners and Aggies are going to have fun with this picture at McCoy's expense, and you can't say he didn't bring it on himself.
A&M has 25th toughest schedule in the nation
According to CNN Sports Illustrated, Texas A&M has the 25th toughest football schedule for the upcoming season, facing 7 bowl teams, and 2 AP top 25 squads. I don't quite agree with their methodology, because they give you credit for your in-conference opponents, which you don't have a choice in, but it's the pre-season, so it gives us something to talk about.
Nebraska is the only other team listed in their Top 25, with their schedule ranked #12.
Nebraska is the only other team listed in their Top 25, with their schedule ranked #12.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
The Sporting News gives their list of the Top 40 players in the Big 12 Conference
This list by Tom Dienhart does a fantastic job of showing why I constantly say most sports reporters know nothing about football. Any list that ranks a) Reggie Smith as the top player in the conference, b) Tony Hills above Martellus Bennett, Mike Goodson, and Stephen McGee, and c) Colt McCoy ahead of Chase Daniel, is suspect.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum possibly getting back into coaching
This article offers details about a new professional football league, set to begin operations next Spring. The All-American Football League will feature former college stars and former pros, playing in states that are college football hotbeds (Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas are mentioned). The league will apparently only use college graduates, and will play a season running from April through the summer, ending just before the college football season begins.
Of note:
What else is going on during the tryouts?
Prospective AAFL coaches will be scoping out the players, including ex-Mississippi State head coach Jackie Sherrill and ex-Texas A&M head coach R.C. Slocum Throughout the night the league will raffle off various prizes and show a laser light show. And of course there'll be fireworks as the AAFL kicks off the fourth of July a couple hours early.
Great to hear R.C. and Jackie may be on the sidelines once again.
Of note:
What else is going on during the tryouts?
Prospective AAFL coaches will be scoping out the players, including ex-Mississippi State head coach Jackie Sherrill and ex-Texas A&M head coach R.C. Slocum Throughout the night the league will raffle off various prizes and show a laser light show. And of course there'll be fireworks as the AAFL kicks off the fourth of July a couple hours early.
Great to hear R.C. and Jackie may be on the sidelines once again.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Les Miles questions the strength of the Big 12
Current LSU head coach (and former Oklahoma State head coach) Les Miles questioned the overall strength of the Big 12 Conference, while touting the strength of the SEC.
From the article:
From the article:
“The Big 12 is a conference that might have two really pretty good teams, maybe
four,” said Miles, who coached in the Big 12 while at Oklahoma State.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
New Adidas uniforms for the football team in '07
(HT to AndyMac67 on Texags.com)
Home jersey
Road jersey
Road pants
Home pants
Alternative home pants
At least they didn't put the beveled-T logo on the helmets.
Black cleats. Not sure if that is supposed to make us look faster or slower, I forget.
Home jerseyRoad jersey
Road pants
Home pantsAlternative home pants
At least they didn't put the beveled-T logo on the helmets. Black cleats. Not sure if that is supposed to make us look faster or slower, I forget.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Antanas Kavaliauskas to Houston
Terrance Harris of the Houston Chronicle blogs that the Rockets have offered Texas A&M's former 6'11 forward a contract as an undrafted free agent. As a fan of AK during his time at A&M, I hope he is able to find a niche with the Rockets, and stick with their team.
AK scoring on Baylor
AK scoring on Baylor
Updating the premature 2008 two-deep
Time for an update to my premature 2008 two-deep which I wrote earlier this week:
Juco defensive end Matt Moss committed to the Ags last May, and could play either DE or DT in the Fall of '08. Assuming he can add some weight to his 6'4 frame, and bulk up from 270, he might make a fair DT prospect for us.
Nice serial killer mug shot
If he comes in and plays DT, this could allow Ben Bass to stay at DE, as Moss would either start or back-up Lucas Patterson. Moss is expected to arrive next January, in time for the 2008 Spring Practice.
Juco defensive end Matt Moss committed to the Ags last May, and could play either DE or DT in the Fall of '08. Assuming he can add some weight to his 6'4 frame, and bulk up from 270, he might make a fair DT prospect for us.
Nice serial killer mug shot
If he comes in and plays DT, this could allow Ben Bass to stay at DE, as Moss would either start or back-up Lucas Patterson. Moss is expected to arrive next January, in time for the 2008 Spring Practice.
Winning in non-revenue sports is celebrated
The Dallas Morning News have a feature article on Bill Byrne and his plan for 'Building Champions'. My problem with this article is that of the 6 conference titles we won, 5 were in women's sports (women's basketball, track & field, soccer, golf, and women's swimming & diving), 1 was the Big 12 baseball conference tournament title. The article notes that we had a $35 million dollar budget in 2002 when Byrne was hired; our budget is now $70 million dollars. Ignoring the fact that our budget increase can be directly tied to exorbitant increases in ticket prices for many sports (football tickets alone went up 41% from 2002 to 2003), shouldn't we be getting more of a return on our investment in the revenue sports, like football and basketball, if we're bringing in so much money? Men's basketball went to the Sweet Sixteen last season, and considering how far we've come as a program in that sport, that is phenomenal, but football has been a glaring disappointment. We've had two losing seasons since Fran was hired, and set a slew of records of the worst-ever variety (worst ever loss, worst bowl loss, biggest margin of victory in a loss to a conference opponent, etc).
Doesn't Bill Byrne deserve some criticism for his lack of leadership in regards to our football program?
Doesn't Bill Byrne deserve some criticism for his lack of leadership in regards to our football program?
McGee underappreciated nationally
The Sporting News' Matt Hayes pens an excellent opinion piece on Aggie QB Stephen McGee, and why he might be overlooked nationally. While I'm all for people underestimating McGee (makes it sweeter when we surprise everyone), it makes for an enjoyable read.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Acie Law is a lottery pick, taken #11 by Atlanta
Former Texas A&M point guard Acie Law was the #11 pick of the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft, becoming Texas A&M's highest ever draft pick.
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has a nice article about Atlanta's two lottery picks, Law and Florida's Al Horford (picked #3 overall).
The Dallas Morning News has coverage of the Big 12's showing in the lottery (3 players taken in the first 13 picks) , including the following quotes from Law:
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has a nice article about Atlanta's two lottery picks, Law and Florida's Al Horford (picked #3 overall).
The Dallas Morning News has coverage of the Big 12's showing in the lottery (3 players taken in the first 13 picks) , including the following quotes from Law:
"We talked about that coming into the draft, the opportunity that we had to
have three players go in the lottery," Law told the Kansas City Star. "It just
speaks volumes of the talent that is in that conference."I think this is not the [last] time you're going to see three players get
drafted in the lottery. I think there are a lot of talented players left in that
conference, and people are going to find out."Sounds like Acie believes we'll still have plenty of terrific players to watch next season, and in the years to come.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Incredibly premature look at our 2008 two-deep
Brent Zwerneman's article yesterday got me thinking about our roster for the 2008 season. I projected out our two-deep going into 2008 (making some wild assumptions on the OL, admittedly, since I don't know who will play where and who might be a backup at Center), and noticed a glaring lack of true interior defensive linemen. Sr. Henry Smith should be starting for the Ags at DT this season, but what happens in '08 is anyone's guess.
(Bold indicates projected returning starter.)
My projections:
Offense
QB - Stephen McGee, Sr
Jerrod Johnson, So
TB - Mike Goodson, Jr or Jorvorskie Lane, Sr
RB - Cornell Tarrant, So
Bradley Stephens, RS-Fr
FB - Jodie Richardson, Jr
WR - E.J. Shankle, Jr
Terrence McCoy, So
WR - Howard Morrow, Sr
Pierre Brown, Sr
TE - Martellus Bennett, Sr
Frank Avery, RS-Fr
LT - Yemi Babaloa, Sr
Danny Baker, RS-Fr
LG - Robbie Frost, Jr
Evan Eike, RS-Fr
C - Travis Schneider, Sr
RG - Lee Grimes, Jr
Cody Wallace, Jr
RT - Michael Shumard, Jr
Vincent Williams, Jr
Defense
DE - Michael Bennett, Sr
Cody Williams, So
DT - Lucas Patterson, So
Ben Bass, RS-Fr
NT - Kellen Heard, Jr
Rod Davis, Fr
DE - Cyril Obiozor, Sr
Paul Freeney, Jr or Von Miller, So
Mike - Matt Featherston, Jr
Charles Young, RS-Fr
Will - Anthony Lewis, Jr
Derrick Stephens, So
CB - Danny Gorrer, Sr
Arkeith Brown, Sr
CB - Jordan Peterson, Jr
Chevar Bryson, So
FS - Alton Dixon, Sr
Billy Chavis, RS-Fr
SS - Devin Gregg, Sr
Lionel Smith, So
WHIP - Jordan Pugh, So
Garrick Williams, RS-Fr
I'm hoping that Rod Davis' commit sticks, and that Ben Bass can put on the weight to play on the interior DL. We're seriously lacking depth there.
(Bold indicates projected returning starter.)
My projections:
Offense
QB - Stephen McGee, Sr
Jerrod Johnson, So
TB - Mike Goodson, Jr or Jorvorskie Lane, Sr
RB - Cornell Tarrant, So
Bradley Stephens, RS-Fr
FB - Jodie Richardson, Jr
WR - E.J. Shankle, Jr
Terrence McCoy, So
WR - Howard Morrow, Sr
Pierre Brown, Sr
TE - Martellus Bennett, Sr
Frank Avery, RS-Fr
LT - Yemi Babaloa, Sr
Danny Baker, RS-Fr
LG - Robbie Frost, Jr
Evan Eike, RS-Fr
C - Travis Schneider, Sr
RG - Lee Grimes, Jr
Cody Wallace, Jr
RT - Michael Shumard, Jr
Vincent Williams, Jr
Defense
DE - Michael Bennett, Sr
Cody Williams, So
DT - Lucas Patterson, So
Ben Bass, RS-Fr
NT - Kellen Heard, Jr
Rod Davis, Fr
DE - Cyril Obiozor, Sr
Paul Freeney, Jr or Von Miller, So
Mike - Matt Featherston, Jr
Charles Young, RS-Fr
Will - Anthony Lewis, Jr
Derrick Stephens, So
CB - Danny Gorrer, Sr
Arkeith Brown, Sr
CB - Jordan Peterson, Jr
Chevar Bryson, So
FS - Alton Dixon, Sr
Billy Chavis, RS-Fr
SS - Devin Gregg, Sr
Lionel Smith, So
WHIP - Jordan Pugh, So
Garrick Williams, RS-Fr
I'm hoping that Rod Davis' commit sticks, and that Ben Bass can put on the weight to play on the interior DL. We're seriously lacking depth there.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday news
Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News wrote an excellent column for today, saying A&M could go 8-4 with a better team than they had last season. Zwerneman also predicts such a record would get Franchione replaced. I predict we'd still have 'fans' saying he deserved 'one more year' to 'see what he can do with a veteran team of his players'. Because 4 years of embarrassing losses isn't enough, right?
The WWL's Mark Schlabach says Miami's Craig Cooper is #4 on his list of freshmen to watch in 2007. The Aggies will get a chance to see how good Cooper is on September 20th in a Thursday night game to be televised on ESPN.
The WWL's Mark Schlabach says Miami's Craig Cooper is #4 on his list of freshmen to watch in 2007. The Aggies will get a chance to see how good Cooper is on September 20th in a Thursday night game to be televised on ESPN.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Running on a 40-Even Front
When coming to the Line of Scrimmage in a double-slot formation versus a 4-2-5 defense, if a QB sees a safety in Cover 1, and all of his WRs have a man-on in press coverage, he's going to audible to a running play, if one hasn't already been called.
With Cover 1 against 10 personnel, he's only facing 6 in the box against a 40-even front, which means he is playing 7-on-6 (QB, TB, 5 OL vs. 2 DE, NT, DT, 2 LBs), so he has the numbers advantage to overwhelm the defense at the point of attack.
Now, what actually happened was that DT Marques Thornton tried to run a stunt around Bryce Reid backside (taking himself completely out of the play), so the LT slides down to block Thornton, finds no one there, and goes to the next level and blocks backside LB Justin Warren.
What actually happened
The result is a nice funnel at the point of attack, and RB Allen Patrick, who is aligned 5 yds behind QB Paul Thompson in the Sooners' backfield, takes the snap and easily follows the trapping RG's block on Mark Dodge, gaining 6 yards on the play, and setting the Sooners up with a nice 2nd and 4 to go. The Sooners run the ball again on second down, make a first down, and go on to score on their run-heavy opening drive, giving them the early lead in the game.
Dart Option vs. 40-even front
You can also conceivably run Outside Zone against a 40-even front, but it's rare, and I've yet to see anyone do it successfully. If I feel up to it, I'll diagram that tomorrow.
With Cover 1 against 10 personnel, he's only facing 6 in the box against a 40-even front, which means he is playing 7-on-6 (QB, TB, 5 OL vs. 2 DE, NT, DT, 2 LBs), so he has the numbers advantage to overwhelm the defense at the point of attack.
6 in the box
On the first play of the 2006 Texas A&M - Oklahoma game, Oklahoma came onto the field with their 11 personnel package, and A&M responded with a Cover 2 look. Seeing Cover 2, the Sooners stuck with a run call. The playcall was a simple TB Trap Off-tackle, with the RT blocking DE Jason Jack, RG trapping the playside LB (Mark Dodge), the Center and LG combo-blocking NT Bryce Reid, LT blocking down on DT Marques Thornton, and the TE blocking DE Chris Harrington.
The original playcall: TB Trap Off-tackle
On the first play of the 2006 Texas A&M - Oklahoma game, Oklahoma came onto the field with their 11 personnel package, and A&M responded with a Cover 2 look. Seeing Cover 2, the Sooners stuck with a run call. The playcall was a simple TB Trap Off-tackle, with the RT blocking DE Jason Jack, RG trapping the playside LB (Mark Dodge), the Center and LG combo-blocking NT Bryce Reid, LT blocking down on DT Marques Thornton, and the TE blocking DE Chris Harrington.
The original playcall: TB Trap Off-tackle
Now, what actually happened was that DT Marques Thornton tried to run a stunt around Bryce Reid backside (taking himself completely out of the play), so the LT slides down to block Thornton, finds no one there, and goes to the next level and blocks backside LB Justin Warren.
What actually happened
The result is a nice funnel at the point of attack, and RB Allen Patrick, who is aligned 5 yds behind QB Paul Thompson in the Sooners' backfield, takes the snap and easily follows the trapping RG's block on Mark Dodge, gaining 6 yards on the play, and setting the Sooners up with a nice 2nd and 4 to go. The Sooners run the ball again on second down, make a first down, and go on to score on their run-heavy opening drive, giving them the early lead in the game.
Teams that run the Dart series can move the ball especially well against a 40-even front.
When running Dart Trap, the Center will downblock the NT, the backside OG will trap the DT, the backside OT will go to the second level and block the WLB, the playside OG will cross-block with the playside OT, and block the DE, while the OT blocks the Mike LB. The QB will read the backside unblocked DE before making his Give of Keep read. If the DE comes upfield, it is a Give read, the TB gets the ball and runs right at the A-gap, which has been cleared by the BSOG's trap block. If the DE crashes down, it is the Keep read, and the QBs runs outside to the C-gap, sweeping upfield.
When running Dart Option against the 40-even front, the BST and BSG will zone-block the NT, the BST going to the second level to block Mike. The C and PSG will zone-block the DT, the C moving to the second level to block Will. The PST will zone the PSDE. The unblocked BSDE is the read man. If he crashes down, QB makes the Keep read, and sweeps outside; if he comes upfield, QB makes the Give read, and the TB attacks the A-gap playside.
Dart Option vs. 40-even front
You can also conceivably run Outside Zone against a 40-even front, but it's rare, and I've yet to see anyone do it successfully. If I feel up to it, I'll diagram that tomorrow.
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