2007 Opponent Preview…Texas A&M
20 comments so far
July 26, 2007 by
When you think how close the Aggies came to a perfect regular season and look at their perfect road record (excluding the bowl game) it’s easy to be concerned about what might happen in Lincoln. But as close as the Aggies were to glory, they were also close to disaster. They won their game against Missouri by six points, their game at Texas by five points, their game at Army by four points, their game at Kansas by three points, and their game at Oklahoma State by a point in overtime.
That’s another five games the Aggies were within a touchdown of losing, which would have left them 4-8 overall and 1-7 in conference. But A&M scored those touchdowns just like Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Nebraska outscored the Aggies. You are what your record says you are as they say.
The Aggies were 8th in scoring offense and 5th in scoring defense among Big 12 teams which gives you a sense of why they had so much trouble distancing themselves from opponents. You’d think they gained some confidence and toughness from those dogfights, but that ugly loss to Cal (45-10) could easily have killed any momentum the program had.
Because of all this, A&M is probably the toughest team to forecast. They could be Big 12 champs, finish out of bowl eligibility or anywhere in between. What’s certain is that they’ll be one of the better rushing teams in the conference and with Jorvorskie Lane in the backfield among the better teams in short yardage situations.
Will they get their first win in Lincoln in over fifty years or will their frustrations against the Huskers continue? It’s a sure bet they won’t be taken lightly and for better or worse it will be fun to see some option football in Lincoln again.
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doombob Jul 26 07
Sat, Oct 18, 2003. Texas A&M at Memorial Stadium against an 18th ranked Huskers. Most memorable period in the 48-12 Aggie loss... their band was totally awesome. Only time I think I saw a marching band equal or surpass the Pride of all Nebraska in their home stadium. It's too bad we can't be playing against that team again. I don't think anyone's even going to be thinking about the bands this game. Yeah, their scoring may not have been great, but A&M scares me with how easily they seem to move the ball. Last year, I was just praying for the Huskers to stop those drives.
Todd Jul 27 07
As an Aggie who bleeds maroon, I can't wait for the Ags and Huskers game. It is the road game that I am looking forward to the most. It was great to see the mutual respect that the two programs and fans had for each other last year at Kyle Field. The football programs are very similar, and I think A&M and Nebraska have the best fans in the Big XII, if not all of college football. It's definitely gonna be a classic!
kyle grant (dallas) Jul 27 07
I cant wait for this game, i am a huge aggie, but when we arent playing i always root for nebraska. if i would have gotten accepted there, i would have gone there instead of A&M.
Nick Jul 27 07
How nice to feel the love of mutual respect! Two programs with enough talent in place to really excite the imaginations of their fanbases. Should be a great ride...
Nathan P. Jul 27 07
Thanks for the compliment doombob. I was in the band at the time and it was a game I will always remember (not for the score obviously). As a member of the Aggie Band from '97-'01 I had the opportunity to travel all over the nation, and to most Big XII venues. The fans at Nebraska (minus the usual few students) are by far the most polite I witnessed and a credit to your university.
Here's to a better football game this time!
Mark S. Jul 27 07
I am absolutely stoked about our game at Nebraska. This is my first year working in sports radio, and all of our radio personalities and writers say Nebraska are easily the nicest fans anywhere...Im excited about going to a game where two teams can yell for their own teams and after, regarless of outcome, can still talk to a fan fom the other team without feeling the necessity to defend your reason for being a fan of your team.
Logan W. Jul 27 07
Texas A&M and Nebraska are both great programs and I like fans with class and thats why I like it when A&M plays Neb cause most of the time it will be a good game who knows maybe the two will square off twice next season.
Nathan Harvey Jul 27 07
My Aggie roots run deep, but I think the Cornhuskers have the best fans in the nation. I love that Nebraska is returning to their old ways and would love nothing more to have two close games with y'all this year. Hope to see y'all again in the post season!
Jimmy Felbaum (Dallas) Jul 27 07
Whoop Big Red!!!!!!!!!
Gregory Morrow Jul 27 07
Wow! Now THIS is what (for fans) college football is all about.
Since some Aggie fans will look at this blog again, I'd like to say that A&M is my second favorite team in the conference. The legacy of the 12th man along with the Yell Leaders is the obvious reason.
Like you, I was heart broken during the bonfire tragedy, I just got a little teary eyed even typing this in.
Anyway, I always thought A&M hit it "out da park" when Franchione was hired. He's had a full recruiting cycle now and it looks like the talent is there- to play Nebraska TWICE this season!
Matt Jul 27 07
Great to see Husker fans... I went to the Big 12 championship game which the Aggies lost 48-12, or something to that effect... I'm an Aggie thru and thru, but I have never met better fans than Cornhuskers... Many of them were better sports than my fellow Aggies. Just want to take my hat off to two great programs, can't wait for the game.
Matt Jul 27 07
Great to see Husker fans... I went to the Big 12 championship game which the Aggies lost 48-12, or something to that effect... I'm an Aggie thru and thru, but I have never met better fans than Cornhuskers... Many of them were better sports than my fellow Aggies. Just want to take my hat off to two great programs, can't wait for the game.
Joseph T. Jul 27 07
I remember the early years of the Big XII when Nebraska was the team to beat year in and year out!!! I am and always will be a diehard Aggie Fan. But I have to admit I admire the huge fan base that makes up Husker Nation!! I am looking forward to our matchup again this year after last year's game went down to the final wire. Good luck to both programs and I am truly hoping that we get the chance to play the Huskers two times this season!!!
Ag BQ Jul 28 07
A&M fan here. I must admit; Husker fans are hard to hate. At the end of last year's game, I was waiting for a Nebraska fan to rub it in while we were leaving the stadium. But nobody stooped down to that level. So, kudos to y'all.
Man, that road schedule is tough. However, I got a feeling that A&M will go 3-2 in those games, winning in Norman, Columbia, and (sorry NU fans) Lincoln. I'm a stout believer in the law of averages and I think the Ags will win by double digits at Oklahoma and Missouri and will hold off a furious 4th quarter rally against the Big Red. They will lose a close one to Miami and get blown out in Lubbock because, for whatever reason, Tech pulls out eveything it has against A&M and will run the score up.
Mark my words: the winner between Nebraska and Mizzou showdown in Columbia will be the Big 12 North representative in San Antonio.
Another prediction: Texas and A&M finish with 7-1 in conference. A&M goes to the title game being the victor of the head-to-head matchup.
But, of course, we'll see it all unfold in the next few months.
Bring on college footbll!
scott Jul 28 07
its so refreshing to see fans just enjoying the game. I must say i have even more respect for the Aggies and their fans after all the great posts on this article. of course i'll be pulling for Nebraska, but I'll root for A&M in all their other games now too. here's to a great game and a great season for both teams.
ze bop Jul 29 07
I also have a healthy respect for TAM and just love it when they beat other hated south C foes--TX and T Tech and OK(have they beaten OK?).
This will be a tough game, TAM always brings a strong defense and that will keep this a nailbiter into the 4th qtr:
NE 24
TAM 17
Jack Rains Jul 30 07
Two great universities, rich in tradition and sportsmanship......examples for other Big 12....looking forward to the game.
Al Yantis Jul 30 07
It hasn't been 50 years since A & M beat Nebraska in their own stadium. It was in the late 60 or early to mid-70's when we beat Neberaka with a player named Tooms. Check it out.
Steve Jul 30 07
Al,
Here's the entire history of Nebraska versus Texas A&M. (H) = Lincoln, (A) = College Station
Series history
(10-2-0) NU TAM
1930 13 0 (H)
1955 0 27 (H)
1969 14 0 (H)
1971 34 7 (H)
1972 37 7 (H)
1988* 23 14 (-)
1997** 54 15 (-)
1998 21 28 (A)
1999 37 0 (H)
2002 38 31 (A)
2003 48 12 (H)
2006 28 27 (A)
Al Yantis Jul 30 07
Thanks. Interesting!