SB Nation - Jordan Pugh

Thank You, Seniors - 2009

Beergut — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:42:40 -0000

Today marks the final game at Kyle Field for eighteen senior football players:

#2 Marcus Gold
#2 Jeff Wood
#4 Jamie McCoy
#5 Howard Morrow
#5 Jordan Peterson
#21 Justin McQueen
#25 Jordan Pugh
#27 Chevar Bryson
#36 Anthony Lewis
#38 Ryan O'Bryant
#46 Matt Featherston
#52 Corey Gibas
#53 Derek Dumas
#55 Matt Moss
#63 Kevin Matthews
#74 Lee Grimes
#75 Vincent Williams
#76 Michael Shumard

Thank you, seniors, for all you have done, and all you continue to do, for the Aggie football program.

Please close out your final game at Kyle Field by BEATING THE HELL OUTTA t.u.!!!!!!

Aggies Beat Cyclones, 35-10. This Is Your Celebration Thread.

Beergut — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:20:08 -0000

77 plays on offense. 501 yards. 49 rushes for 267 yards. 23 pass completions for 234 yards. Zero punts. That is offensive domination. Cyrus Gray had 21 carries for 119 yards. Jerrod Johnson passed for 3 TDs and rushed for 1 TD. Von Miller added another sack to his stat total. Jordan Pugh and Justin McQueen snagged interceptions. Defense held ISU to 324 yards and 10 points. The defense wasn't dominating, but it was an improvement over last week.

This is your postgame celebration thread.

Double-T Nation Daily Diatribe :: 10.24.09

Seth C — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:36:21 -0000

SB Nation Week 8 College Football Preview

Much at Stake: LAJ's Don Williams writes that the Red Raiders have too much at stake and must take TAMU seriously. DB coach Simmons doesn't think the Texas Tech program takes other teams for granted:

"We’re not a program that carries that mentality,’’ Simmons said this week, "and to be quite honest, we’re not a program at that level yet. We haven’t done anything to where we can take anybody for granted. We’re a group that has to work hard every day.’’

Sharpe Making Folks Take Notice: FWST's Dwain Price features DE Brandon Sharpe, who is getting noticed on the field and DC McNeill had this to say about Sharpe:

"He’s been having very good practices, and once a player learns to carry over practice to the game, that’s when you see the dividends and the payoffs," McNeill said. "He’s been practicing very well, especially the last two weeks. We’re just hoping that he can carry his practice habits into the game."

Snip

"Brandon is one of those guys that just kept plugging away and doing the little things, and now it’s starting to pay off for him," McNeill said. "He’s got great quickness and he’s a pretty strong player. He’s got his degree and he’s working on his teacher’s certificate now. So he’s a guy that does the right things off the field in the classroom as well as on the field."

Record Crowd: SAEN's Brent Zwerneman previews tonight's game, but here's TAMU safety Jordan Pugh on the scene in Lubbock:

"Batteries, tortillas, anything you can name, I was hit by 'em," Pugh said, grinning.

Right. In all my years of going to Texas Tech football games, I've never seen a battery thrown. Maybe I'm just not hanging out in the right places.

Texas Tech Red Raider Links: LAJ's Don Williams writes that Mike Leach could tie Spike Dykes 82 win record with a win today (this is a good read and deserves your attention, I'm just in a hurry this morning) . . . RaiderAde with a look at tonight's game . . . Bring On The Cats with a roundup of this week's roundtable . . .

Texas A&M Aggie Links: B/CS Eagle's Robert Cessna has a bunch of articles this morning: the Aggies look for some luck tonight; QB/WR Ryan Tannehill a QB first and WR second (I think he should just be on the field, too talented); who has the edge in today's game; keys to the game; the Texas Tech defense is setting the tone for the Red Raiders; and his weekly picks . . .LAJ's Adam Zuvanich writes about the pass rushing threat that is Von Miller . . .

Big 12 Links: FWST previews week 8 games . . .

Oklahoma State Review - Quick Hits

Beergut — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:01:32 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson (1) throws a pass against Oklahoma State during the third quarter of a NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Browse more photos »

I was sick and tired of heating about Dez Bryant before the first quarter was over. Funny how we've played without our best WR for the last two games, and no one says anything, but Okie State is a bunch of saints overcoming horrendous privation because they don't have a WR who was dumb enough to lie to the NCAA, and get caught doing it.
Uzoma Nwachukwu is ridiculously talented. Having him and a healthy Jeff Fuller on the same field together will be scary.
Having EZ, Fuller, and Jerrod Johnson behind a competent offensive line is what I dream about.
Our offensive line is keeping Christine Michael from becoming a serious Big 12 Freshman of the Year candidate. I don't think he'll gain enough yards, mostly because our offensive line hinders more than it helps him.
While there are still a lot of times I question what Cromwell is doing in his playcalling, I did love the use of Jamie McCoy as a fullback, and that we gave him several carries. It gives us another weapon to use and something else the defense has to prepare for without changing personnel on the field.
I didn't see us try to run option on State at all today. I know we have it in our playbook, I'd like to see us use it. With McCoy at FB, it is another facet of our offense we can explore.

Von Miller was held without a sack for the first time this season, but had 5 tackles and 1 TFL. Good performance considering he was going up against possibly the best LT in the nation in Russell Okung.
We still need to work on defending the screen pass. A lot.
Joe Wickline has OSU's offensive line executing like a symphony; that is why there isn't a drop-off in production, regardless of which running back is carrying the ball.
That was an incredible interception by Matt Moss; unfortunately, it was also our only interception of the game. I believe we have two interceptions on the season now, and neither of them are from members of our secondary.
Stephen Campbell was okay replacing Jordan Pugh, despite the one play he fell down to give up the long TD reception. He was fourth on the team in tackles, with 8 on the day.
Three of our four leading tacklers in this game were members of the secondary; that is never a good sign.
I liked what I saw of Spencer Nealy in this game. He is a capable backup for us.
I am disappointed we didn't get the ball to Ryan Swope during this game. Because of our weakness on offensive line, I think we should focus more ont he short passing game, and Swope should be a big part of that.
We need to use play-action passes to gain 6-8 yards, not 15-20. A 15 yd pass off play-action takes longer to get there, and is a lower percentage play. We should take the quicker, higher percentage play.
We're also not using Bradley Stephens much as a wide receiver or a running back.
Our next game, on the road against Kansas State, is one of the ones we need to win to become bowl eligible. After their 66-14 loss to Texas Tech, they'll be pissed and ready to play against us.

Quick Thoughts After Watching The New Mexico Game

Beergut — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:48:21 -0000

by Dave Einsel - AP

Texas A&M's Kenric McNeal (81) runs past New Mexico's Frankie Baca on the way to a 44 yard touchdown reception in A&M's 41-6 victory over New Mexico.

View full size photo »

I haven't received my game DVD in the mail yet, but I watched the A&M-New Mexico game online at Aggies All-Access. Some people have e-mailed me with questions where they can watch the game online: you can either go to Aggies All-Access online, click on Featured Events, and click "Watch" for the New Mexico game, or you can click on this link here. I should warn you that the direct link contains some typos in the title pages, and also has a chunk of a series repeated in the second half, as I note below.

To read my thoughts on the game, click on through the jump.....

Dustin Harris needs to read his blocks and go on punt returns; no dancing around.
Danny Baker really struggled out there in the first half; he played better in the second half.
Jeff Fuller is a man among boys out there. He makes us look a lot better than we are.
Our tackling is much improved. We gang-tackle, and the first guy actually wraps up and makes the play.
First sack of Johnson is because Christine Michael completely missed on his block; looked like he didn't know who to pick up. That will come with experience.
I am impressed with our no-huddle attack. We get the plays in and are ready to go quickly. Only one delayed game penalty that I saw.
We had to go for a field goal inside the 20 to make it 10-0 because we don't have a power running game to pound it in.
Garrick Williams is starting to look good. Had a great tackle on the screen pass on the series right after we went up 10-0. Most LBs don't make that play.
We're very multiple on defense, switching from an even to an odd front often, going from a 4-2-5 to a 33 Stack to an Eagle 40 to a true 3-4. We seem to do better when we were in an odd front, not surprising considering UNM probably practiced against a 4-3 during their camp.
Jonathan Stewart, the true freshman LB from Louisiana (Byrd HS) was the man on our goal line stand to end the second half. New Mexico had the ball on our four yd line due to a pass interference call, and Stewart tackled the RB out of the backfield for no gain, got a QB hurry (and almost a sack) to force Porterie to throw the ball away on second down, and assisted on the tackle of the TB on third down. Three plays, no yards, UNM settles for a FG. Great series for Stewart right there.
I like the shotgun split-back sets with Kenny Brown in the backfield as a blocker. Brown is a pretty good lead blocker, although I'm not sure how much of a runner he is.
Good, efficient, business-like drive to start the second half. Drive right down the field and score, let UNM know they really aren't in this game.
The defensive pass interference call on Jordan Pugh on third down on UNM's first series of the second half was bogus. That was just good defensive play.
Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter may be the two best defensive backs on our team, and two of the best in the conference. What is scary is that both of them are just sophomores.
This officiating crew really enjoyed tossing the laundry. I don't think I've ever seen so many penalties called on one team in a game.
The halfback pass didn't work, but I like the idea. We ran it out of the same formation we run that power sweep from that was so effective. Good packaging by the coaches.
The beautiful thing about Johnson's 44 yd TD pass to Kenric McNeal is that he has two defenders barreling down on him, yet he stood there and made the throw. Excellent poise by Johnson.
49 of New Mexico's 231 yards of total offense came on the drive after we went up 41-6 in the fourth quarter, and was against our 2nd and 3rd teamers. This means that our starters allowed about 189 yards of total offense on the night; not too shabby.
There is a mistake in the video, where they repeat Fuller's catch from our 39 to their 44 twice, where he fumbles the ball after being down. The series is replayed from that point all the way to Fuller's reception to give us a first and goal at the UNM 4.

Overall: I like what we're doing on defense. We seemed to go with odd fronts often to tempt New Mexico to run, just so we could stuff their running game. Our use of multiple fronts meant the UNM offensive line had problems picking up their blocking assignments, which meant we were able to get more pressure on their QB, something that was missing last season.

Offensively, we seem to be doing as much as we can to de-emphasize the importance of the offensive line on some plays, a practice that may be a necessity until our line matures and gels as a unit. We're nowhere near where we need to be as an offensive line.

SB Nation 2009 Big 12 Preview: Texas A&M

Beergut — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:31:32 -0000

SB Nation Big 12 Preview: In conjunction with The Ralphie Report, all Big 12 blogs are previewing their teams. The conference preview will run over at The Ralphie Report tomorrow, but A&M's preview is running today.

Texas A&M Offense: A&M returns 8 starters on offense, with virtually all of their skill position talent returning. QB Jerrod Johnson will be leading the offense for his second season, and WRs Jeff Fuller, Ryan Tannehill, Terrence McCoy will lead our passing attack. Tight end Jamie McCoy also returns, as does offensive linemen Evan Eike, Kevin Matthews, and Lee Grimes. Top backup RB Cyrus Gray will be the starter in the offensive backfield next to Johnson, although he may share playing time with Christine Michael. The offense averaged 5.3 yds per play last season, and a poor 340.9 yds per game total offense. If A&M is to have a winning season and go to a bowl, those numbers have to improve.

The Running Game: A&M averaged a pathetic 2.9 yds per carry on the season, while averaging 88.5 yds rushing per game, good for last place in the Big 12 in rushing offense. On the season, A&M rushed for a total of 1062 yds; to put that in perspective, Oklahoma had two running backs (Chris Brown and Demarco Murray) who gained more yds rushing than that individually. The return of three starters on the offensive line would seem to be an advantage for our rushing attack in 2009, but when it was some of the same players who manned a poor line last season, you have to question how much of an advantage that returning experience is. Right now, the starting offensive line in Fall Camp is Lucas Patterson and Lee Grimes at tackle, Mike Shumard and Matt Allen at guard, and Kevin Matthews at center. There has been some movement of Patterson from let tackle to right tackle on different days in camp, so it is unknown yet exactly who will start where. With the return of Gray and redshirt sophomore Bradley Stephens, and the addition of true freshman Christine Michael, A&M has the talent at running back to have an effective rushing attack. The question is whether or not we will have the blocking up front to get the job done on the ground.

The Passing Game: A&M returns record-setting starting QB Jerrod Johnson, who currently holds the records for most TD passes in a season (21), and most passing yards in a game for an A&M QB (419 yards vs. Kansas State). A&M also returns two record-setting wide receivers in freshman Jeff Fuller (most TD receptions for an A&M WR, with 9) and Ryan Tannehill (freshman record for receptions in a season, with 55). With John Mackey Award candidate Jamie McCoy returning at TE (43 receptions, 500 yds, 5 TDs), and senior Howard Morrow, freshmen Kenric McNeal, and Uzome "EZ" Nwachukwu providing quality depth at WR, A&M's passing game looks to continue to excel in 2009. The Aggies averaged 252.4 yds passing per game last season, a number that should rise with the return of so much skill position talent, and the implementation of a no-huddle spread attack this season.

Texas A&M Defense: Texas A&M was horrific on defense last season, no other way to put it. If the Aggies can improve to just being an average defensive team this season, i.e. giving up an average of 250 yds per game passing and 150 yds per game rushing, so giving up right at 400 yds per game in total offense, we will win enough games to be in a bowl game. The defense returns only 5 starters, but that may not be a bad thing, considering we gave up an average of 462 yds and 37 points per game last season.

Defensive Line: The Aggies lost both defensive ends as Michael Bennett and Cyril Obiozor used up their eligibility. They will be replaced by junior college transfer Matt Moss on the strongside, and hybrid Jack linebacker Von Miller on the weakside. Walk-on defensive end Spencer Nealy may also see significant time this season. On the interior line, A&M returns two players who saw extenisve action in 2008, with Eddie Brown returning at defensive tackle, where he started two games, and Tony Jerod-Eddie returning at nose tackle, where he started seven games last season. Redshirt freshman Rod Davis will provide key depth inside. As I have noted before, the key to improvement on our defense starts up front.

Linebackers: Von Miller is expected to be the Aggies' biggest playmaker this season, coming from his Jack linebacker position. Former MLB Matt Featherston will back up Miller at the Jack position. The middle of our linebacking corps will be manned by freshman Kyle Mangan, nicknamed "Ice Cream" by his teammates. Garrick Williams and Ricky Cavanaugh are battling for the other outside linebacker position. Linebacker is one area where an infusion of young talent and speed can really help us.

Secondary: A&M returns safety Trent Hunter and cornerback Jordan Pugh in the secondary, although Pugh has now been moved to safety. Backup Justin McQueen is currently running first team at one cornerback, and Jordan Peterson has moved from free safety, where he started last season, to compete for the spot with McQueen. True sophomore Terrence Frederick is the starter at the other CB spot and has had a very strong camp. I would argue that we were actually okay in the secondary last season, because Trent Hunter is a difference-maker at safety. Considering the fact that our cornerbacks and safeties had to stop the run AND cover the opposing receivers all the time, they didn't do too badly last year. With the improvement in the front seven of our defense this season, there is reason for hope for a solid season from our secondary. I don't look for us to be world-beaters, but we should be okay, and Trent Hunter should receive serious consideration for some post-season awards.

Overall prediction for A&M: I think we'll finish 4th or 5th in the Big 12 South, going 6-6 or 7-5. Is that overly optimistic? Maybe. I am a fan, after all. I think wins over Iowa State, Colorado, Kansas State, and Baylor can be expected in conference. Swing games that will define our season are aganst Arkansas in Arlington, Texas Tech in Lubbock, and texas in College Station.

2nd Annual SB Nation Big 12 All-Conference Team Ballot

RPT — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:30:08 -0000

Our Colorado cohorts at The Ralphie Report have once again solicited the powers that be in the Big 12 Blogosphere here at SB Nation to determine the SB Nation Preseason All-Big 12 Team. As Rock M Nation's representative in the voting process, here's how my ballot will appear. It must be noted that bloggers are NOT allowed to vote for players on teams they cover. As an aside, I must give a major shoutout to the SB Nation tech team, whose "Autotag" tool probably just imploded upon linking this post.

On to the ballot!

Quarterback (2)

Nominees: Jerrod Johnson (TAMU), Austen Arnaud (ISU), Taylor Potts (TTU), Sam Bradford (OU), Zac Robinson (OSU), Blaine Gabbert, Robert Griffin (BU), Colt McCoy, Todd Reesing (KU), Daniel Thomas (KSU)

The Vote: Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford

Notes: You can go around looking for ways to justify other picks, but it's going to be McCoy and Bradford at the top. I'm just glad we're selecting two quarterbacks so I don't have to decide between them and draw the ire of one of the fan bases. At the same time, you've got to feel for Reesing, Robinson and Griffin, dynamic players who'd be shoo-ins in a lot of other conferences.

Running Back (2)

Nominees: Roy Helu Jr. (NU), Cyrus Gray (TAMU), Christine Michael (TAMU), Chris Brown (OU), DeMarco Murray (OU), Kendall Hunter (OSU), Derrick Washington, Darrell Scott (CU), Rodney Stewart (CU), Jay Finley (BU), Jake Sharp (KU), Cody Johnson (UT), Vondrell McGee (UT), Foswhitt Whittaker (UT)

The Vote: Kendall Hunter, Chris Brown, DeMarco Murray

Notes: I went with the Oklahoma trio here. Kendall Hunter may well be the best back in the conference. Brown and Murray are a formidable 1-2 punch, assuming Murray is capable of staying healthy in 2009. Derrick Washington would have been my pick over one of these two had the blogger/player restrictions not been in place. I fought with including Roy Helu on the ballot. Helu came on hot at the end of 2008 (he averaged almost 10 yards a carry in a 157-yard day at Oklahoma) and could very well prove me wrong. Darrell Scott still has a lot to prove.

Fullback (1)

Nominees: Matt Clapp (OU), Jake Behrens (CU)

The Vote: Matt Clapp

Notes: I see no reason to unseat the reigning All-Big 12 fullback.

Wide Receiver (3)

Nominees: Ryan Tannehill (TAMU), Jeff Fuller (TAMU), Darius Darks (ISU), Detron Lewis (TTU), Edward Britton (TTU), Dez Bryant (OSU), Danario Alexander, Jared Perry, David Gettis (BU), Dezmon Briscoe (KU), Jordan Shipley (UT), Kerry Meier (KU), Brandon Banks (KSU), Jonathan Wilson (KU), Malcolm Williams (UT)

The Vote: Dez Bryant, Dezmon Briscoe, Jordan Shipley

Notes: Bryant has the unenviable task of trying to replace Michael Crabtree as the conference's best receiver, even though some call Bryant "a superior receiver" to Crabtree. Briscoe continues to be undervalued by the conference as a whole, and Shipley -- one of the conference's most consistent producers over the last few seasons -- has seen his stock rise in the national eye since last year's Red River Shootout. Honorable mentions go out to Kerry Meier, Brandon Banks and Detron Lewis, and player to watch mentions go out to Jeff Fuller and Malcolm Williams.

Rest of the ballot after the jump!

Tight End (2)

Nominees: Mike McNeill (NU), Jamie McCoy (TAMU), Jermaine Gresham (OU), Andrew Jones, Riar Geer (CU), Patrick Devenny (CU), Tim Biere (KU)

The Vote: Jermaine Gresham and Mike McNeill

Notes: Gresham is the no-brainer with the first vote. I know we're supposed to scoff at Nebraska right now, but I feel like McNeill is the only Husker that's being underhyped. A tight end like that is a tremendous asset in the process of breaking in a new quarterback.

Offensive Line (5)

Nominees: Jacob Hickman (NU), Mike Smith (NU), Brandon Carter (TTU), Marlon Winn (TTU), Trent Williams (OU), Brady Bond (OSU), Russell Okung (OSU), Kurtis Gregory, Elvis Fisher, Dan Hoch, Tim Barnes, Nate Solder (CU), Ryan Miller (CU), Adam Ulatoski (UT), Chris Hall (UT), Nick Stringer (KSU), JD Walton (Baylor), James Barnard (BU), Charlie Tanner (UT), Jeremiah Hatch (KU), Kyle Hixx (UT)

The Vote: Brandon Carter, Trent Williams, Russell Okung, Adam Ulatoski, Chris Hall

Notes: I'd be lying to you if I said I had hard and fast reasoning for selecting individual lineman. I do hope the other Big 12 bloggers give some love to Gregory and Barnes, who we've extolled here at RMN many times.

Interior D-Line (2)

Nominees: Ndamukong Suh (NU), Eddie Brown (Texas A&M), Colby Whitlock (Texas Tech), DeMarcus Granger (OU), Gerald McCoy (OU), Jaron Baston, Jeffrey Fitzgerald (KSU), Lamarr Houston (UT)

The Vote: Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy

Notes: Another relatively painless selection. Even a second team of any two of the trio of Granger, Fitzgerald and Houston would be extremely stout.

Defensive End (2)

Nominees: Pierre Allen (NU), Barry Turner (NU), Matt Featherston (TAMU), Jeremy Beal (OU), Auston English (OU), Brian Coulter, Jacquies Smith, Brandon Herald (KSU), Jake Laptad (KU), Sergio Kindle (UT)

The Vote: Sergio Kindle, Auston English

Notes: I know Jeremy Beal is getting most of the pundit love at DE for Oklahoma, but I remain a massive apologist for English when he's healthy. Maybe it's all just fallout from seeing English singlehandedly dominate Mizzou in person in Norman back in 2007. And, oh yeah, Sergio Kindle is a physical freak of nature.

Linebacker (4)

Nominees: Von Miller (TAMU), Brian Duncan (TTU), Marlon Williams (TTU), Keenan Clayton (OU), Travis Lewis (OU), Patrick Lavine (OSU), Sean Weatherspoon, Luke Lambert, Jeff Smart (CU), Shaun Mohler (CU), BJ Beatty (CU), Joe Pawelek (BU), Andre Sexton (OSU), Rod Muckelroy (UT)

The Vote: Joe Pawelek, Andre Sexton, Travis Lewis, Von Miller

Notes: Let's all take a moment to pour one out for Sean Weatherspoon, who is required to be left off my ballot. Pawelek enters what seems like his 37th year of eligibility at Baylor. Sexton and Lewis are relatively safe picks, while I take my one big departure from security and select A&M's Von Miller as my fourth 'backer. Miller is really more of a "project pick" here, as he's got the physical skills to be as good any other linebacker nominated if he's able to carve out his own role in Joe Kines' system. If it all comes together, Miller could turn into the type of player Kines had in Demeco Ryans at Alabama.

Cornerback (2)

Nominees: Leonard Johnson (ISU), Jamar Wall (TTU), Dominique Franks (OU), Perrish Cox (OSU), Carl Gettis, Jimmy Smith (CU), Cha'pelle Brown (CU), Josh Moore (KSU), Justin Thornton (KU), Daymond Patterson (KU), Chykie Brown (UT), Deon Beasley (UT)

The Vote: Dominique Franks, Josh Moore

Notes: A surprisingly solid list of nominees here. Franks was a second team All-Big 12 selection last year, and Moore quietly had a good year in the midst of a forgettable season for K-State. Brown would have been next on my radar, with Johnson, Wall, and Beasley close behind.

Safety (2)

Nominees: Larry Asante (NU), Trent Hunter (TAMU), Jordan Pugh (TAMU), Kenji Jackson, Jordan Lake (BU), Earl Thomas (UT), Blake Gideon (UT), Darrell Stuckey (KU), Phillip Strozier (KU)

The Vote: Jordan Lake, Darrell Stuckey

Notes: I'm probably drawing the wrath of the Burnt Orange Nation community by excluding two very talented young safeties in Earl Thomas and Blake Gideon, but Lake and Stuckey are certainly deserving of the nods here. Lake means to the Baylor defensive backfield what Pawelek means to Baylor's linebacking corps. Stuckey was ALL over the field at Arrowhead last year, and has to be the top safety in the Big 12 North (this despite my almost irrational love of Kenji Jackson).

Kicker (1)

Nominees: Alex Henery (NU), Hunter Lawrence (UT)

The Vote: Alex Henery

Notes: Hard to make the call here, but the cannon attached to Henery's hip gave Nebraska the win that COMPLETELY changed the outlook for the Huskers in 2009.

Punter (1)

Nominees: Mike Brandtner (ISU), Jake Harry, Derek Epperson (BU), Ryan Doerr (KSU), Alonzo Rojas (KU)

The Vote: Derek Epperson

Notes: Epperson is the returning leader in punt average, which is good enough for me. My apologies to Jake Harry.... THE FOURTH.

Kick Returner (1)

Nominees: Cyrus Gray (TAMU), Leonard Johnson (ISU), Perrish Cox (OSU), Dez Bryant (OSU), Jordan Shipley (UT)

The Vote: Perrish Cox

Notes: Cox and Bryant are somewhat interchangeable here, and since Bryant's already feeling the love, I decided to go with Cox. I would have had no qualms with Shipley in this slot either.

Your Picks For Aggie All-Conference Players This Season

Beergut — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:43:32 -0000

I was recently asked to provide a list of players on the A&M team who have a realistic chance to make an all-conference team after the season is over. I sent out a list of twelve players total, with one player mentioned twice because of his ability as a specialist. I tried to project what I expect these players to do this season, and combine it with their production from last season to come up with a realistic list. My list follows after the jump:

Jerrod Johnson, QB
Jeff Fuller, WR
Ryan Tannehill, WR
Cyrus Gray, RB
Christine Michael, RB
Jamie McCoy, TE
Von Miller, OLB
Matt Featherston, DE
Eddie Brown, DT
Trent Hunter, FS
Jordan Pugh, SS
Cyrus Gray, KR

I think some of the players I listed are no-brainers, like Johnson, Fuller, and Tannehill. The problem in the Big 12 is we have too many good quarterbacks. Jerrod Johnson passed for 21 TDs last season in his first year as a starter, yet he received very little all-conference attention because we have Sam Bradford, Zac Robinson, Todd Reesing, and other good QBs in this conference. Johnson may very well have a 3000+ yd passing season, throw for 25+ TDs, and still not make any all-conference teams. I listed Christine Michael because I think he will receive some offensive freshman of the year consideration, if he manages to beat Cyrus Gray out for the starter spot. Gray, of course, is listed at KR because he performed so well there last season, averaging 23.9 yds a return with one taken back for a score. Jamie McCoy had a stellar season at Te last season, and I expect him to add to that this year. Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma will be first team all-conference at TE this year, so McCoy is really looking at second-team consideration.

Trent Hunter should be first team all-conference at safety, and I defy anyone who watches him play to tell me differently. Von Miller is listed as an OLB because I consider the LB/DE "Jack" position they are using him in this season to simply be a de facto 3-4 OLB under another name. I think moving Matt Featherston to DE will help our defense tremendously, giving us some speed to the outside, and with Miller on the opposite side, I expect Featherston to make some real noise this season. I think he'll put up some numbers to get some post-season consideration, which is why I added him to the list.

I considered some others for possible inclusion, players I think will play a bigger role this season and receive post-season consideration, like Ricky Cavanaugh at LB and Joe Villavisencio, but I don't know them well enough to include them on this list.

Who are your picks on this A&M team to receive all-conference consideration?

Surprise Player Of The Year?

miketag — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:29:05 -0000

Every year you have a player step up and surprise everyone by the way he plays. Last year it was Trent Hunter, who made an immediate impact and is now one of the top safeties in the country. Who do you think will be the surprise player for the Ags this season? My vote goes to DE Matt Moss. I think Kyle Mangan may surprise many with how effective he is at MLB, but Moss just jumps out at me as the guy who will make the most impact. Every time I saw him on the field last year, he was giving it his all and showing an incredible motor. He played so well in his limited snaps on the field, I wondered why he did not receive more playing time.

Moss enters the season as a starter and I think he is going to surprise many with how effective he is at getting into the backfield and pressuring the QB. If Von Miller has the type of solid season I expect (around 6 sacks with 12-13 TFLs) then I expect Moss will to benefit from teams concentrating on containing Miller.

If Moss can give us solid pressure from his DE spot (i.e. 4 sacks 8-10 TFLs), then we will turn the defense around sooner rather than later. Other candidates for players who could surprise include the aforementioned Mangan, OG Matt Allen, OT Lucas Patterson, S Jordan Pugh, and DT Rod Davis.

Who do you think will be the surprise player of '09?

Brown, Davis, Jerrod-Eddie Key To Defensive Resurgence

Beergut — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:10:58 -0000

I am a proponent of the 2-Tackle theory in defensive football; that is, if you have two absolute studs at the defensive tackle positions, you can dominate a football game defensively. The reason for this is simple: With the current move to zone-blocking schemes in college football, the technique is to go for a temporary double-team of the defensive lineman at the point of attack, and for one blocker to then move on to the next level, and block the linebacker. With a stud defensive tackle, a difference-maker, you have to substain the double-team block, because to peal off and go to the next level means the play will end right there, because you don't have a single offensive lineman who can handle this stud one-on-one. If you have two stud defensive tackles, you have taken up four of the five available offensive linemen, leaving one man available to block two defensive ends in an even front (think 4-3 defense) or even three men in an odd front (3-4 defense). Given that a play will be run to one side of the line or the other, the guard-tackle combo on one side will help double-team the defensive tackle to that side, and with the center-guard double-teaming the interior tackle on the inside, this leaves the defensive end or OLB free to shut down plays to his side.

If you can dominate the line of scrimmage in football, you can dominate the game; hence, two stud defensive tackles allow you to dominate a game on defense. Many Aggies will remember when we had Rocky Bernard and Ty Warren on the defensive line in 2001; Warren rotated at NG and DE, while Bernard was a DE in our 3-4 scheme. Those two studs helped us dominate opponents on defense, on what I feel was the last true Wrecking Crew defense A&M fielded. Both Warren and Bernard are now still playing in the NFL.

Looking at the Aggie defensive line as we head into the 2009 season, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Eddie Brown, and Rod Davis are the main focus of our attention. Eddie Brown played in all 12 games last season, starting the last two against Baylor and texas. He had a solid year for a true freshman, with 25 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass defended. With a year in the weight room, I expect Brown to get stronger, although he really doesn't need to gain weight; 284 lbs on his 6'0 frame is fine. Tony Jerod-Eddie also played in all 12 games last season, starting seven of them. Jerod-Eddie had 20 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble, and 1 kick blocked (against Texas Tech). He played last year at 256 lbs, but has bulked up to 298 lbs on his 6'5 frame. He is the ideal size for an interior defensive tackle. Rod Davis redshirted last season, but was a highly-touted player recruit coming out of high school. Despite some questions about consistency, he performed well during the Spring Game. At 6'1, 305 lbs, Davis just needs to make sure he keeps his weight under control. Brown, Davis, and Jerod-Eddie can be the keys to a defensive resurgence in 2009.

I am expecting Eddie Brown and Jerod-Eddie to start, with Davis rotating in to provide depth. If we can get a consistent effort from two of the three, and get an interior push along the defensive line, everyone else's job on defense is made easier. If we can Brown, Jerod-Eddie, or Davis to play at the level of difference-makers, and require a double-team on every play, our defense can become a dominant unit. With Von Miller and Matt Featherston manning the outside edges of the defensive line at DE and Jack/OLB respectively, we should have a good outside contain unit. If Brown, Jerod-Eddie, or Davis consistently require a double-team, we're looking at Miller and/or Featherston constantly coming into the backfield, and causing mass havoc play after play. Havoc in the offensive backfield is our ultimate goal on defense.

With Garrick Williams (35 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) manning the second level at linebacker, and Trent Hunter and Jordan Pugh roaming the third level at both safety positions, the Aggies should have a solid, three-level defense. If Brown, Davis, and Jerrod-Eddie all play up to their potential this season, we could see our defense go from a team weakness last season to a team strength this year. More importantly, we could see a return to the Wrecking Crew defenses of old.