Texas A&M Aggies
Big 12
Texas A&M had high hopes heading into the 2011 campaign, but a brutal schedule and some bad breaks led to a 6-6 regular season. This is a team that lost five games in either overtime or by four points or fewer. The only loss that the Aggies were never really in was the game was at Oklahoma…and even that game they only lost 41-25. Coach Mike Sherman has a good team here, but the ball just did not bounce right for them this year. Against any competition, they should be able to stick around as long as they are prepared to play instead of simply being disappointed that things did not work out their way. And the firing of Coach Sherman may make the mental aspect even more intriguing. Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will be the interim head coach during the bowl game.
2011 Record: 6-6, 4-5
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Cotton Bowl vs. LSU (L 24-41)
Big Wins: 10/15 Baylor (55-28), 10/22 at Iowa State (33-17)
Bad Losses: 10/29 Missouri (31-38), 11/24 Texas (25-27)
Coach: Tim DeRuyter (0-0 at Texas A&M, 0-0 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Texas A&M, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Sherman
Defensive Coordinator: Tim DeRuyter
Strengths:
The offense has been dynamic at times. Running backs Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael have rushed for 1,045 and 899 yards, respectively, and totaled 20 rushing touchdowns. Michael was the starting back, but Gray took that job over later in the year and did a superb job. Michael is injured and will not be available for the bowl game, but Ben Malena has gotten some good reps while Michael has been out and is more than ready to backup Gray. In fact, Malena got all of the carries on Thanksgiving against Texas when Gray was out. With Gray back in action for the bowl game, the ground attack should be very strong like it has been most of the season. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 3,415 yards and 28 touchdowns on the year and he has a couple great targets in Ryan Swope and Jeff Fuller. With those two catching his passes, Tannehill has had a lot of huge plays. However, Tannehill does throw too many interceptions and completes a mere 61.1 percent of his passes.
Weaknesses:
The defense does not help make up for all of those turnovers. This is a team that has only picked off seven passes in 12 regular season games. They have only recovered eight fumbles as well. The negative turnover margin is a huge problem for Texas A&M and they will need to hang onto the ball if they hope to have any postseason success. The defense has other problems too. The Aggies secondary allows over 280 yards per game through the air. That is bad…even by Big 12 standards. Terrence Frederick is a fine, experienced corner and safety Trent Hunter can make some big plays, but this team has to do a better job against the pass. It was their undoing in the Big 12 and could be again in the bowl game. The good news is that the Aggies do get to the quarterback with great consistency. They average 3.58 sacks per game. Sean Porter and Damontre Moore are always in the backfield and the poor pass defense can be good if the opposing quarterback cannot get many passes off.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Cyrus Gray, RB, 1,045 yards
Passing: Ryan Tannehill, QB, 3,415 yards
Receiving: Ryan Swope, WR, 1,102 yards
Tackles: Jonathan Stewart, LB, 89
Sacks: Sean Porter, LB, 8.5
Interceptions: Trent Hunter, S, 2; Steven Terrell, S, 2
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 209.08 (22nd in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 287.92 (18, 5)
Total Offense: 497.00 (7, 4)
Scoring Offense: 39.58 (11, 4)
Rushing Defense: 106.00 (15, 2)
Pass Defense: 280.50 (112, 10)
Total Defense: 386.50 (66, 4)
Scoring Defense: 28.67 (76, 6)
Turnover Margin: -.67 (102, 10)
Sacks: 3.58 (1, 1)
Sacks Allowed: .67 (4, 2)
