Aggie99
04-15-2007, 02:58 AM
Today (April 14, 2007) was Texas A&M's Spring Game. I just thought I would post a few observations for those who might be interested. It seems strange (at least to me) that Spring Ball gets so little coverage, considering how much we College Football fans follow it.
Anyway, for those who might care....
Offense:
There might be a QB controvery in the making. Junior QB Stephen McGee is more than capable of running the offense and should be even better this season. Last year (Aug. '06) McGee suffered an injury in fall camp that hampered his development as a passer during the 2006 season, but by the time the 2007 season rolls around, he should have enough time to get caught up to where he should be as a QB. However, Freshman QB Jerrod Johnson is creating quite a "buzz" around campus as a very athletic QB who can run and throw with some serious finness (opposed to McGee's hard nose style of play). Last year, many fans got tired of seeing McGee make mistakes, not knowing it was due to an injury, and the idea of a "better" QB being on campus is only going to shorten the patience of the crowd. The "party-line" of the entire coaching staff seems to be that Johnson is not ready to play, and has a long way to go (in his development) before he is anywhere close to being as good as McGee. I tend to agree, and think McGee is the way to go, but we all know the 2nd String QB is the "best" player on the roster (if you were to poll the fans).
Regardless of who is taking the snaps, it appears that the offensive game plan is going to be the same as last years. Coach Fran has slowly improved his power running game (and option) and intends on grinding out the game by keeping the ball on the ground. Although it would be nice to have a passing game that would help out this power ground attack, the Aggies were able to win 9 games last season without it.
If you are looking for a weakness with the offense, I would have to say it lies with the Wide Receivers. There are many solid and capable wide-outs, but no one has emerged as the "go-to" guy. I think the Wide Receivers will be the biggest question mark on the offense until the Aggies take the field vs. a "real" opponent. As far as surprises go, Senior WR Michael Corey (an unknown) from Delta Utah caught two TD passes in the spring game, and looks to be one that could catch a lot of people by surprise.
Knowing that a real WR threat may never emerge at all in the 2007 season, it is good to know that the ground game is probably going to be even stronger this season. Most of the OL returns this season along with two TEs who excell as blockers.
As far as who will be there to carry the ball, Jorvorskie Lane (Jr.) and Michael Goodson (So.) both return, and look better than they did last year. Those who have not heard of these two, will probably be served notice before the 2007 season is over.
Two more sensational RBs are being added to the mix in Latrael Cooper and Cornell Tarrant. Both have had amazing springs, and look ready to take over the position!! That is a pretty bold statement considering I think the RB position was already one of the strongest on the team.
Defense:
The defense looked pretty solid, but there are still a lot of question marks all over the field. This will be the 2nd season under Coach Gary Darnell's 4-2-5, and although last season showed drastic improvement, that is not saying much considering how far the "Wrecking Crew" had fallen.
The 5th position in the secondary (Whip) seems to be still up in the air. There is a starting 5 back there, but all throughout the spring the coaching staff tried many different options, and who gets the official starting nod is still "technically" unclear. Fortunately, most everyone being considered for the job (especially at Safety) are all Juniors and Sophomores. I say "fortunately" because I am hoping they can nail down the job for the entire year, and come back (all 5 together) for at least one more year. The secondary has been a trouble-some area for A&M as of late, and the 2007 season doesn't look to have all the answers yet.
The Defensive Line took a hit when Junior DE Jason Jack declared for the NFL Draft. However, the rest of the unit is a solid one. The two biggest problems have been stopping the run and getting pressure on the QB. DE Michael Bennett could be the answer to Jack's departing, but other members of the unit such as Kellen Heard and Chris Harrington are also expected to make serious contributions. Harrington missed spring practice due to his recovery from surgery after the 2006 season, however, of all the members of the DL, he is the one that I would expect everyone to be least worried about.
Finally, the LB spot has its two starters, plus one! Considering the fact that this defense only has two LBs at any given time, this is definitely a strength. Don't misunderstand me, as I am not saying the Aggie Defense is "back" as a unit. I am only stating that the LB position is the one with the least amount of questions. Senior Mark Dodge ended the 2006 season on a high note, and followed that with a very good spring. I look for him to lead this defense and have a great Senior Campaign.
Special Teams:
Special teams have not been great in Aggieland the past couple years, and so far, it still seems to be the unit that will be most problematic. Both kicking and punting have been a cause for concern over the past several years, and no real solution has been found. Both return games (kick and punt) have also been a "head-scratcher." This will be a real wait-and-see area, as there is talent on the team that should be able to handle any of these job duties listed, but for some reason, it just hasn't come together.
Overall:
All things considered equal, the 2007 Aggies should be pretty similar to the 2006 team. This will be a team improving as it goes, and will surely beat a few teams that most expect them not too (just like last years win over Texas in Austin). However, in 2006, the Aggies lost games due to inexperience at several positions, and other mistakes on the field. This season I think most of those mistakes will be fixed, and we will see a "cleaner" Aggie team. But that is the team...what about the season?
What will end up making this season so tough (if anything) will be the grueling road schedule that will wear down as the season goes on. Again, don't get me wrong, as if this group of guys have shown me anything (especially players like McGee) is that they are tough, and like to play physical football (McGee constantly takes defenders head on into nasty collisions only to keep getting up and continue playing). The schedule opens at home with Montana State, and of the other 3 OOC games, only one should be considered "easy" (Louisiana-Monroe).
Two more games in the OOC schedule are Fresno State and Miami. Fresno State will be in College Station at Kyle Field, so I think the Aggies come out on top, but the biggest problem here is that Pat Hill's teams are not what you would consider a "cake-walk" when putting together your schedule. Regardless of whether or not the Aggies win against the Bulldogs, I am more concerned with how banged up they will be after playing such a physical team. Two weeks later, the Maroon and White flies to South Beach to take on the Hurricanes. Fortunately for A&M, this is not the 'Canes of 3-4 years ago, and there is no telling how ready they will be under new coach Shannon. Of course, there is no real reason to believe that the Hurricanes will be anything but another strong Miami football team.
The Aggies come back for two home games with Baylor and Oklahoma State. Baylor has given A&M fits over the past couple years, but they should not be a problem any more. Ok. State has been improving, and should be a solid home opponent.
Next the Aggies take to the road again and head to Lubbock to play Texas Tech and Nebraska. If the Aggies didnt take care of business in Miami, and if history stands strong, the Aggies could be coming home for a much needed home game with Kansas and a record of 5-3 (2-2). KU should help the Ags get to 6-3 (3-2).
After the Jayhawks, the "Farmers" hit the road again for stops in Norman Oklahoma and then Missouri (Tigers). Trying my best to be realistic, the Aggies should be 7-4 (4-3) when they come back to Kyle Field for their final game against the Longhorns. The Horns will be looking to get even after last years defeat, but I think that two weeks off will work in the Aggies favor, helping A&M to a final pre-bowl record of 8-4 (5-3).
The abosulte worst thing about A&M's schedule is that after October 6th, the Aggies only play at home two more times before seasons end!!
Alright, hope you enjoyed......
Anyway, for those who might care....
Offense:
There might be a QB controvery in the making. Junior QB Stephen McGee is more than capable of running the offense and should be even better this season. Last year (Aug. '06) McGee suffered an injury in fall camp that hampered his development as a passer during the 2006 season, but by the time the 2007 season rolls around, he should have enough time to get caught up to where he should be as a QB. However, Freshman QB Jerrod Johnson is creating quite a "buzz" around campus as a very athletic QB who can run and throw with some serious finness (opposed to McGee's hard nose style of play). Last year, many fans got tired of seeing McGee make mistakes, not knowing it was due to an injury, and the idea of a "better" QB being on campus is only going to shorten the patience of the crowd. The "party-line" of the entire coaching staff seems to be that Johnson is not ready to play, and has a long way to go (in his development) before he is anywhere close to being as good as McGee. I tend to agree, and think McGee is the way to go, but we all know the 2nd String QB is the "best" player on the roster (if you were to poll the fans).
Regardless of who is taking the snaps, it appears that the offensive game plan is going to be the same as last years. Coach Fran has slowly improved his power running game (and option) and intends on grinding out the game by keeping the ball on the ground. Although it would be nice to have a passing game that would help out this power ground attack, the Aggies were able to win 9 games last season without it.
If you are looking for a weakness with the offense, I would have to say it lies with the Wide Receivers. There are many solid and capable wide-outs, but no one has emerged as the "go-to" guy. I think the Wide Receivers will be the biggest question mark on the offense until the Aggies take the field vs. a "real" opponent. As far as surprises go, Senior WR Michael Corey (an unknown) from Delta Utah caught two TD passes in the spring game, and looks to be one that could catch a lot of people by surprise.
Knowing that a real WR threat may never emerge at all in the 2007 season, it is good to know that the ground game is probably going to be even stronger this season. Most of the OL returns this season along with two TEs who excell as blockers.
As far as who will be there to carry the ball, Jorvorskie Lane (Jr.) and Michael Goodson (So.) both return, and look better than they did last year. Those who have not heard of these two, will probably be served notice before the 2007 season is over.
Two more sensational RBs are being added to the mix in Latrael Cooper and Cornell Tarrant. Both have had amazing springs, and look ready to take over the position!! That is a pretty bold statement considering I think the RB position was already one of the strongest on the team.
Defense:
The defense looked pretty solid, but there are still a lot of question marks all over the field. This will be the 2nd season under Coach Gary Darnell's 4-2-5, and although last season showed drastic improvement, that is not saying much considering how far the "Wrecking Crew" had fallen.
The 5th position in the secondary (Whip) seems to be still up in the air. There is a starting 5 back there, but all throughout the spring the coaching staff tried many different options, and who gets the official starting nod is still "technically" unclear. Fortunately, most everyone being considered for the job (especially at Safety) are all Juniors and Sophomores. I say "fortunately" because I am hoping they can nail down the job for the entire year, and come back (all 5 together) for at least one more year. The secondary has been a trouble-some area for A&M as of late, and the 2007 season doesn't look to have all the answers yet.
The Defensive Line took a hit when Junior DE Jason Jack declared for the NFL Draft. However, the rest of the unit is a solid one. The two biggest problems have been stopping the run and getting pressure on the QB. DE Michael Bennett could be the answer to Jack's departing, but other members of the unit such as Kellen Heard and Chris Harrington are also expected to make serious contributions. Harrington missed spring practice due to his recovery from surgery after the 2006 season, however, of all the members of the DL, he is the one that I would expect everyone to be least worried about.
Finally, the LB spot has its two starters, plus one! Considering the fact that this defense only has two LBs at any given time, this is definitely a strength. Don't misunderstand me, as I am not saying the Aggie Defense is "back" as a unit. I am only stating that the LB position is the one with the least amount of questions. Senior Mark Dodge ended the 2006 season on a high note, and followed that with a very good spring. I look for him to lead this defense and have a great Senior Campaign.
Special Teams:
Special teams have not been great in Aggieland the past couple years, and so far, it still seems to be the unit that will be most problematic. Both kicking and punting have been a cause for concern over the past several years, and no real solution has been found. Both return games (kick and punt) have also been a "head-scratcher." This will be a real wait-and-see area, as there is talent on the team that should be able to handle any of these job duties listed, but for some reason, it just hasn't come together.
Overall:
All things considered equal, the 2007 Aggies should be pretty similar to the 2006 team. This will be a team improving as it goes, and will surely beat a few teams that most expect them not too (just like last years win over Texas in Austin). However, in 2006, the Aggies lost games due to inexperience at several positions, and other mistakes on the field. This season I think most of those mistakes will be fixed, and we will see a "cleaner" Aggie team. But that is the team...what about the season?
What will end up making this season so tough (if anything) will be the grueling road schedule that will wear down as the season goes on. Again, don't get me wrong, as if this group of guys have shown me anything (especially players like McGee) is that they are tough, and like to play physical football (McGee constantly takes defenders head on into nasty collisions only to keep getting up and continue playing). The schedule opens at home with Montana State, and of the other 3 OOC games, only one should be considered "easy" (Louisiana-Monroe).
Two more games in the OOC schedule are Fresno State and Miami. Fresno State will be in College Station at Kyle Field, so I think the Aggies come out on top, but the biggest problem here is that Pat Hill's teams are not what you would consider a "cake-walk" when putting together your schedule. Regardless of whether or not the Aggies win against the Bulldogs, I am more concerned with how banged up they will be after playing such a physical team. Two weeks later, the Maroon and White flies to South Beach to take on the Hurricanes. Fortunately for A&M, this is not the 'Canes of 3-4 years ago, and there is no telling how ready they will be under new coach Shannon. Of course, there is no real reason to believe that the Hurricanes will be anything but another strong Miami football team.
The Aggies come back for two home games with Baylor and Oklahoma State. Baylor has given A&M fits over the past couple years, but they should not be a problem any more. Ok. State has been improving, and should be a solid home opponent.
Next the Aggies take to the road again and head to Lubbock to play Texas Tech and Nebraska. If the Aggies didnt take care of business in Miami, and if history stands strong, the Aggies could be coming home for a much needed home game with Kansas and a record of 5-3 (2-2). KU should help the Ags get to 6-3 (3-2).
After the Jayhawks, the "Farmers" hit the road again for stops in Norman Oklahoma and then Missouri (Tigers). Trying my best to be realistic, the Aggies should be 7-4 (4-3) when they come back to Kyle Field for their final game against the Longhorns. The Horns will be looking to get even after last years defeat, but I think that two weeks off will work in the Aggies favor, helping A&M to a final pre-bowl record of 8-4 (5-3).
The abosulte worst thing about A&M's schedule is that after October 6th, the Aggies only play at home two more times before seasons end!!
Alright, hope you enjoyed......