Game 8: Iowa State Cyclones (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) at Texas A&M Aggies (4-3, 1-2 Big 12)

Oct. 29, 2009

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas--Texas A&M (4-3, 1-2) returns to Kyle Field for the first time in three weeks when the Aggies host surging Iowa State (5-3, 2-2) on Saturday ... kickoff is set for 2:35 p.m. and the game will not be televised ... A&M returns to the gridiron following a 52-30 win at No. 21 Texas Tech, marking its first victory over the Red Raiders in Lubbock in 16 years ... the Cyclones, whose two Big 12 losses have been by a combined six points, registered their first win in Lincoln since 1977 with a 9-7 victory over Nebraska ... Saturday will be Military Appreciation Day at Kyle Field ... half-price tickets to the game are still available and can be purchased online at aggieathletics.com.

IOWA STATE CYCLONES (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) at TEXAS A&M AGGIES (4-3, 1-2 Big 12)

KICKOFF: 2:35 p.m.

TELEVISION: none

RADIO: Texas A&M Sports Network
Dave South, play-by-play
Dave Elmendorf, commentary
Tom Turbiville, sidelines

SATELLITE RADIO: Sirius Channel 154
LIVE AUDIO: aggieathletics.com • radioaggieland.com
LIVE STATS: aggieathletics.com
RANKINGS: neither team is ranked
SERIES HISTORY: A&M leads, 8-1
A&M STREAKS: Won 1 / Last 5 (4-1)
LAST MEETING: A&M 49, ISU 35 (Oct. 25, 2008 in Ames)

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

• RADIO - The 50-station Texas A&M Sports Network will broadcast the game live from Kyle Field ... Dave South (play-by-play) and Dave Elmendorf (commentary) will call the action ... pregame show begins at 1:30 p.m. ... Sirius Satellite Radio will air the Aggie broadcast on Channel 154 ... fans attending the game can tune in on WTAW-AM 1620.

• INTERNET - aggieathletics.com will offer live play-by-play and statistics ... fans can listen to the broadcast free of charge on aggieathletics.com ... aggieathletics.com will also provide a free live video feed of the Aggies' postgame press conference.

• MOBILE PHONE - listen to the game on your iPhone, Blackberry or PDA free of charge ... log on to radioaggieland.com for more information.

A&M/IOWA STATE SERIES NOTABLES

Texas A&M leads the all-time series against Iowa State, 8-1 ... the Aggies defeated the Cyclones last season, 49-35, in Ames ... ISU's only win in the series came in its last visit to Kyle Field, a 42-14 triumph on Oct. 29, 2005 ... A&M is 3-1 all-time against Iowa State at Kyle Field ... the teams met twice prior to the formation of the Big 12, a 28-12 Aggie win in the 1978 Hall of Fame Bowl and a 38-17 A&M victory in College Station in 1984 ... Mike Sherman is 1-0 as a head coach against the Cyclones, while Paul Rhoads has never faced the Aggies.

UP NEXT

Texas A&M hits the road to face the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder ... game time is still to be determined ... Iowa State returns to Jack Trice Stadium to host Oklahoma State.

INJURY UPDATE

Coryell Judie - shoulder surgery (out for season) ... RICKY CAVANAUGH - knee (questionable).

ABOUT THE VICTORY

The Aggies' 52-30 road victory over No. 21 Texas Tech was notable for a variety of reasons...

SHERMAN ERA:

• First victory over a Big 12 South opponent

• First victory over a ranked opponent

TEAM:

• first victory over a Big 12 South team since 38-30 win over Texas in 2007 in College Station

• first victory over a ranked opponent since 38-30 win over No. 12 Texas in 2007 in College Station

• first road victory over a ranked opponent since 12-7 win over No. 11 Texas in 2006 in Austin

• most points vs. a Big 12 opponent since 62-23 win over Oklahoma State in 2005 in College Station

• most points in a Big 12 road game (previous high, 51 vs. Oklahoma in 1997 and Missouri in 1999)

• most points in a conference road game since 59-3 win over TCU in 1993 in Fort Worth (SWC)

• most points vs. a ranked opponent since 65-14 win over BYU in 1990 Holiday Bowl in San Diego

• +22 point margin of victory was largest against a ranked opponent since 42-7 win (+35) over No. 20 Louisville in 1993 in College Station

• +22 point margin of victory was largest against a ranked opponent on the road since 34-12 win (+22) over Baylor in 1991 in Waco

• first win in Lubbock since 31-6 win over Texas Tech in 1993

• first win over Texas Tech since 32-25 overtime win in 2004 in College Station

GRAY, MICHAEL LEAD REVITALIZED RUSHING ATTACK

The Aggies had the most productive rushing day of the Mike Sherman era with 321 yards on 59 carries against the Red Raiders last Saturday. Leading the way were sophomore Cyrus Gray (DeSoto) and freshman Christine Michael (Beaumont), who both logged the first 100-yard rushing games of their careers. Gray rushed for 131 yards on 25 carries, and Michael added 121 yards on 22 carries.

It was the first time A&M has had a pair of rushers over 100 yards in the same game since 2007 when quarterback Stephen McGee and running back Jorvorskie Lane did it three times. The last time A&M had two running backs over 100 in the same game was 2003 when Derek Farmer and Courtney Lewis did it against Baylor.

After seven games, both Gray and Michael have either matched or surpassed last year's team rushing leader Mike Goodson's season total of 406 yards. Goodson was a fourth round pick in last year's NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Gray leads the way with 448 yards on 99 carries, and Michael has 406 yards on 81 carries.

The 2009 Aggies have already surpassed last year's season rushing totals of 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns with 1,262 yards and 16 scores on 300 carries in 2009.

PICKOFFS PICKING UP FOR AGGIES

The Texas A&M defense matched its season total with a pair of interceptions against Texas Tech last Saturday. The Aggies entered the game with two pickoffs in the first six games of the season, and then picked off a pair of errant opponent aerials in the seventh game of the season against the Red Raiders. Cornerback Terrence Frederick's interception in the endzone late in the first half marked the first pickoff by an Aggie defensive back in 2009.

PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK

The Aggies already have 21 quarterback sacks and rank in a tie for No. 11 in the NCAA FBS in sacks just a season after posting only 16 sacks for the entire 2008 season and ranking No. 100 in the NCAA statistics. Led by hybrid linebacker/end Von Miller, the Aggies have sacked the opposing quarterback 21 times in seven games or 3.0 per game. Miller has contributed 12.5 sacks, and defensive mates LB Kyle Mangan, DL Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL Eddie Brown, "jack" Matt Featherston and DE Matt Moss have combined for 8.5 more.

DIFFERENT SEASON, DIFFERENT RESULTS

2009 NCAA Big 12 Avg. 2008 NCAA Big 12 Avg.

Quarterback Sacks t-11 2 3.0 Quarterback Sacks 100 11 1.3

Tackles for Loss t-36 4 6.6 Tackles for Loss 97 11 4.8

ALL-AMERICA CANDIDATE MILLER KEEPS RACKING UP SACKS

A part-time starter in his first two seasons at A&M, junior Von Miller (DeSoto) has emerged as the nation's most feared pass rusher in 2009. Miller, who shifted to a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position last spring, has been atop the NCAA's sack leaders list all season and remains on pace to break Texas A&M's school record of 20 sacks by Jacob Green in 1979. Through seven games, Miller has compiled 12.5 quarterback sacks for a loss of 86 yards, and stands No. 11 on A&M's illustrious single season sacks list. The seven players ahead of Miller on the list combined to earn seven All-America awards.

Miller could become Texas A&M's first first-team All-America selection since cornerback Jason Webster earned All-America honors in 1999.

ncaa qb sacks leaders

Player, School Sacks/Gm

1. Von Miller, Texas A&M 1.79

2. Lindsey Witten, UConn 1.50

3. Josh McNary, Army 1.31

4. Jerry Hughes, TCU 1.29

5. Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech 1.14

Everson Griffen, USC 1.14

ncaa TACKLES FOR LOSS leaders

Player, School TFLs/Gm

1. O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin 2.36

Dontay Moch, Nevada 2.36

3. Von Miller, Texas A&M 2.07

4. Josh McNary, Army 2.06

5. Brandon Graham, Michigan 1.94

TEXAS A&M - SEASON QB SACKS LIST

Player Season Sacks

1. Jacob Green* 1979 20

2. Ray Childress* 1983 15

John Roper* 1987 15

John Roper 1988 15

5. Aaron Wallace 1988 14.5

Keith Mitchell* 1996 14.5

7. Jacob Green 1978 13

William Thomas 1990 13

Marcus Buckley 1991 13

Keith Mitchell 1995 13

11. Von Miller 2009 12.5

12. Marcus Buckley* 1992 12

* first-team AP All-American

NCAA SACK LEADER MILLER NAMED BUTKUS SEMIFINALIST

With just 5.5 sacks and 66 tackles in his first two seasons, Von Miller (DeSoto) was somewhat of an unknown commodity coming into the 2009 season. But after registering a NCAA-high 12.5 sacks in the first seven games of the season, the accolades are beginning to roll in for the junior. Miller was added to the Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award "watch list" after two games and was recently named one of 16 semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

AGGIE "O" STILL AMONG OFFENSIVE ELITE

Texas A&M stands at No. 3 in the NCAA total offense rankings with an average of 489 yards per game.

2009 OFFENSE (AFTER SEVEN GAMES) 2008 OFFENSE (FINAL)

Category NCAA Big 12 Avg. Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.

Total Offense 3 1 489.0 Total Offense 78 12 340.9

Rushing Offense 33 4 180.3 Rushing Offense 114 8 88.5

Passing Offense 9 3 308.7 Passing Offense 27 11 252.4

Scoring Offense 8 4 35.9 Scoring Offense 64 11 25.0

OFFENSE ON SCHOOL RECORD PACE

The Aggies are off to their fastest offensive start in school history, and are on pace to break the school total offense record.

A&M TOTAL OFFENSE/GAME RECORD

Year Yds/Gm

1. 2009 489.0

2. 1990 471.1

3. 2005 442.3

4. 1986 440.2

5. 1991 436.7

BIG PLAY NWACHUKWU

Texas A&M true freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu (Allen) doesn't rank among the NCAA's top 100 in receptions, and doesn't even lead his team in catches per game. But the big play ability of the nation's No. 2 freshman in terms of receiving yards per game is undeniable. Nwachukwu (pronounced watch-uh-coo) ranks No. 2 among all receivers with 21.0 yards per catch average and his touchdown per catch ratio of 1/3.5 is No. 2 in the nation.

ncaa's TOP YARDS/CATCH

Player, School Avg

1. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech 24.9

2. Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M 21.0

3. Chris Bonner, Fla. Atlantic 20.6

4. Slick Shelley, Tulsa 20.5

5. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh 20.4

JOHNSON HAS BEEN A DIFFERENCE-MAKER IN 2009

In his second season as a starter, quarterback Jerrod Johnson (Humble) has developed into a difference-maker in 2009. Johnson averages over 300 passing yards and over 330 yards of total offense per game. Johnson ranks No. 2 nationally in points responsible for with an average of 18.9 points per game (17 passing TDs, 5 rushing TDs). He ranks No. 6 nationally in interception percentage and ranks third in passing touchdowns.

JOHNSON IN NCAA, BIG 12 RANKINGS

Category NCAA Big 12 Avg.

Total Offense 2 1 337.1

Passing Yards 7 3 304.4

Points Responsibility 2 1 18.9

Passing TDs 3 1 17 total

Interception Pct. 6 1 1.06

JOHNSON SETS SCHOOL RECORD FOR 300-YARD PASSING GAMES

Junior Jerrod Johnson hit the 300-yard mark in for the fourth time this season with 314 passing yards against Kansas State two weeks ago, which is a new school record. It also extended Johnson's school mark for career 300-yard passing games to six.

MULTIPLE 300-YARD PASSING GAMES

Player, Years 300+ Best Game

Jerrod Johnson, 2006- 6 419 vs. K-State, 2008

Dustin Long, 2001-03 3 399 vs. Kansas, 2002

Mark Farris, 1999-02 3 341 vs. Wyoming, 2001

Kevin Murray, 1983, 85-86 2 309 vs. Tulsa, 1985

Reggie McNeal, 2002-05 2 349 vs. SMU, 2005

Edd Hargett, 1966-68 2 376 vs. SMU, 1968

Stephen McGee, 2005-08 2 362 vs. Texas, 2007

Branndon Stewart, 1996-98 2 385 vs. Colorado, 1996

MORROW MOVES UP THE CHART

After two games this season, Howard Morrow (Keller) had four catches for 25 yards and ranked No. 6 on the Aggies' receiving chart. Check in five games later and the senior has jumped to the top of A&M's receiving list with the most productive series of games of his career. In the last five games, Morrow has been the Aggies' most prolific receiver with 23 catches for 254 yards. He leads the Aggies in catches (27) and ranks fourth in receiving yards (279). A part-time starter in his previous three seasons, Morrow came into his senior year with 23 career catches for 323 yards.

MORROW'S GAME-BY-GAME

1 New Mexico 3-20

2 Utah State 1-5

3 UAB 5-71

4 Arkansas 6-51

5 Oklahoma State 4-47

6 Kansas State 6-75

7 Texas Tech 2-10

TOTAL 27-279

FRESHMAN HARRIS MAKES MARK IN RETURN GAME

True freshman punt returner Dustin Harris (Livingston) has given the Aggies a boost at a position they have struggled for most of this century. Harris, with an average of 9.3 per return and No. 32 NCAA ranking in punt return average, is on pace to become the first Aggie since Dawon Gentry in 2001 to rank in the top 30 in the NCAA statistical rankings.

Harris' modest 33-yard punt return against UAB was the longest by an Aggie since Jordan Chambless had a 55-yarder against Colorado in 2005.

A&M PRs IN NCAA RANKINGS (SINCE 2000)

Year Player Avg NCAA Rk

2009 Dustin Harris 9.3 #32

2008 no player with requisite returns/game

2007 Jordan Peterson 7.7 #63

2006 Chad Schroeder 7.4 #64

2005 no player with requisite returns/game

2004 Erik Mayes 6.1 #84

2003 no player with requisite returns/game

2002 no player with requisite returns/game

2001 Dawon Gentry 12.4 #19

2000 Chris Taylor 7.4 #79

TURNING OVER THE ROSTER

If there are times that the 2009 Aggies look like a totally different team than last year's 4-8 edition, it's because they virtually are. Second-year head coach Mike Sherman has played a total of 76 players in 2009, including 36 or 47 percent that have made their maroon and white playing debuts this season. Ten of the 36 newbies have made at least one start. Leading the way is Sherman's stellar 2009 signing class, which has seen 18 of its members earn playing time.

Here's a closer look at where all the new blood came from:

2009 SIGNING CLASS (19)

Aaron Arterburn, LB Kenric McNeal, WR

#Stephen Barrera, OT Christine Michael, RB

#Steven Campbell, S Spencer Nealy, DE

Kirby Ennis, DT #Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR

Ryan Epperson, P Sean Porter, LB

#Dustin Harris, CB #Jonathan Stewart, LB

#Brandal Jackson, WR Ryan Swope, WR/RB

*Coryell Judie, CB Steven Terrell, DB

Michael Lamothe, LB Colton Valencia, DB#Patrick Lewis, OG

SQUADSMEN (9)

Don Bishop, TE Jay Tolliver, RB

Ben Bredthauer, SNP Nick Trice, WR

Blane Cheatham, DB Taylor Randle, WR

#Michael Hodges, LB Caleb Russell, RB

Craig Raschke, OL

REDSHIRT FRESHMEN (5)

Tommy Dorman, QB #Kyle Mangan, LB

Adren Dorsey, DL Brian Thomas, OL

Jeffrey Hyde, OL

TRANSFERS (3)

#Matt Allen, OG Ken Wood, P

Cole Graybill, FB

# at least one start in 2009 * JUCO transfer (injured/out for year)

NUMBER-CRUNCHING THE UNDERCLASSMAN IMPACT

Freshmen and sophomores are having an enormous impact for the Aggies in 2009. Underclassmen have accounted for 1,016 of A&M's 1,262 net rushing yards or 80.5 percent. Despite two of the Aggies' top four receivers being seniors, underclassmen have accounted for 1,529 of 2,161 receiving yards or 70.8 percent. Over 80 percent of the Aggies' 251 points have been scored by freshmen or sophomores (80.9 percent). Defensively, 329 of 511 total tackles have come from underclassmen (64.4).

EARLY RISERS

Category Fr./So. Total Pct.

Rushing 1,016 1,262 80.5

Receiving 1,529 2,161 70.8

Scoring 203 251 80.9

Tackles 329 511 64.4

UNDERCLASS FLASH

The Aggies have produced 62 plays of 20 yards or more, including an eye-catching 52 coming from freshmen or sophomores. Nine of the Aggies' top 10 longest plays of the season have been produced by underclassmen.

AGGIES PLAYING 18 TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2009

Texas A&M is playing an extraordinary number of true freshmen in 2009. The Aggies have used 18 true freshmen from head coach Mike Sherman's second signing class, which is a school record. The previous high number of true freshmen to see action for the Aggies was 16 for Tom Wilson's 1980 team, which finished 4-7. Including among the 1980 freshmen were future NFL Draft picks Jeff Fuller Sr., Keith Guthrie, Mark Lewis, Ken Reeves, Tommy Robison and Thomas Sanders.

Since 1972, the Aggies have awarded varsity letters to 10 or more true freshman in a season only a handful of times: 16 in 1980, 11 in 1973 and 10 in 1972 and 2008. Interestingly, only once since the advent of freshman eligibility have the Aggies not played a single true freshman (1989).

early risers

Offense/SPECIALISTS (8)

Stephen Barrera* OL Clear Lake, Texas (Clear Lake) started three games at OT

Ryan Epperson P Keller, Texas (Keller) season debut at Texas Tech

Brandal Jackson* WR Navasota, Texas (Navasota) 13 catches for 207 yards

Patrick Lewis* OL LaPlace, La. (East St. John) started at OG past three games

Kenric McNeal WR Spring, Texas (Spring) 44-yard TD catch was long play of game vs. UNM

Christine Michael* RB Beaumont, Texas (West Brook) first 100-yard rushing game vs Texas Tech

Ryan Swope KOR Austin, Texas (Westlake) scored first career TD on 6-yd catch vs UAB

Uzoma Nwachukwu* WR Allen, Texas (Allen) among NCAA leaders in yards/catch

Defense (10)

Aaron Arterburn LB Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall) saw first action vs OSU, has 5 tackles in 3 games

Steven Campbell* DB Houston, Texas (Jersey Village) 8 tackles in first start vs OSU

Kirby Ennis DL Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville) active interior defender has 3 tackles and .5 TFL

Dustin Harris* DB Livingston, Texas (Livingston) starter at CB and PR, career high 8 tackles vs OSU

Michael Lamothe LB New Iberia, La. (New Iberia) seen action in six games

Spencer Nealy DL San Antonio, Texas (Reagan) 9 tackles, including 1 TFL

Sean Porter LB Schertz, Texas (Clemens) 21 tackles, including 2.5 TFL

Jonathan Stewart* LB Shreveport, La. (Byrd) starter at OLB, 21 tackles, including 1 TFL

Steven Terrell DB Allen, Texas (Allen) seen action in every game

Colton Valencia DB Missouri City, Texas (Hightower) seen action in every game

* started in 2009

JOHNSON'S PICKOFF-FREE STREAK ENDS IN BIG 12 RECORD FASHION

Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson (Humble) threw his first interception of the season against Kansas State, but not before breaking the Big 12's single season record for consecutive pass attempts without a pickoff. Johnson threw 225 straight passes without a pickoff to open 2009 before KSU's Tysyn Hartman stepped in front of his pass attempt in the second quarter. He broke the old single season mark of 213 set by Kansas' Todd Reesing in 2007. He had increased his overall Big 12 record streak to 242 attempts, which dated back to last year's Baylor game.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

The early portion of the Aggies' schedule has showcased head coach Mike Sherman's ability to shift players to different positions to maximize their talents:

change for the better

Von Miller LB to 'jack' leads FBS with 12.5 sacks

Jamie McCoy WR to TE 25 catches for 290 yards

Kyle Mangan FB to LB third on team with 38 stops, leads with 6 PBUs

Garrick Williams DB to LB second on team with 44 tackles

IT'S PRONOUNCED "CHRIS-TIN"

True freshman running back Christine Michael (Beaumont, Texas) made his much anticipated collegiate debut against New Mexico, and he didn't disappoint as he wowed the Kyle Field faithful with his impressive blend of power and acceleration. He finished his first night in the maroon and white with a game-high 93 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries (8.5 yards per carry), which was the most rushing yards by a true freshman in his debut game since quarterback Bucky Richardson rushed for 102 yards on five carries against the Brett Favre-led Southern Miss Golden Eagles in 1987 Unlike Richardson, who benefitted from an 82-yard touchdown run, Michael got his yards with a series of impressive runs. Michael posted four double-digit runs, including 20- and 24-yarders, and had no negative yardage on the night.

TOP FRESHMAN RUSHING DEBUTS

Rk. Player Yards Date

1. *Greg Hill +212 LSU, 9/14/91

2. #George Woodard 106 at LSU, 9/20/75

3. #Bucky Richardson 102 vs. Southern Miss, 9/26/87

4. #Christine Michael 93 New Mexico, 9/5/09

5. #Rodney Thomas 81 LSU, 9/14/91

* redshirt freshman# true freshman

+ NCAA record for freshman debut game

He continued his fast start with another strong game against Utah State. Michael piled up 238 all-purpose yards on 23 touches (10.3 yards per touch) against the Aggies.

ABOUT THE NAME

Michael's first name is spelled "Christine," but it's pronounced "Chris-tin." Michael reports that his unusual first name was given to him by his mother, who really wanted her first child to be a girl and already had the name chosen. "My mom wanted her first child to be a girl, and she had my name picked out from Day 1. She thought it was unique for a boy. Now, whatever anyone wants to call me, I just go along with it." [Source: San Antonio Express-News, Sept. 8, 2009]

PRO DADS

The 2009 Texas A&M football roster is dotted several players whose father were accomplished professionals in the NFL or NBA.

Senior offensive center Kevin Matthews' father, Bruce, was a perennial All-Pro offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Sophomore wide receiver Jeff Fuller's father, Jeff Sr., was a standout defensive back for the Aggies from 1980-83 and then the San Francisco 49ers from 1984-88.

True freshman defensive lineman Spencer Nealy's dad, Ed, was an All-Big Eight forward at Kansas State and played 10 seasons in the NBA, including with the 1992-93 Chicago Bulls that won the NBA title.

True freshman defensive lineman Wells Childress' father, Ray, still ranks in the top five in tackles and QB sacks in A&M history and went on to a long career with the Houston Oilers in NFL.

TAKING IT FOR THE TEAM

"Team" and "teamwork" are two of the main tenets of Mike Sherman's mantra at Texas A&M, and senior Matt Featherston (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) and junior Lucas Patterson (Kingsville, Texas) are perfect examples of this philosophy. Both upperclassmen changed positions during the offseason because it was the best move for the team, and they did so without complaint.

Featherston was the team leader in tackler at linebacker last season, but moved to the new hybrid DE/LB "Jack" position where he will backup junior Von Miller. Patterson moved from starting defensive tackle to offensive line without the benefit of spring practice (due to a broken leg suffered last season), but moved back to defense midway through fall camp because of depth issues on the D-line. Patterson summed it up simply, "I'm needed more over there, and ultimately this is to help the team." [Source: San Antonio Express-News, Aug. 28, 2009]

"BULL" MARKET

A question mark a year ago, the placekicker position appears to be a strength for the Aggies in 2009 with the return of sophomore Randy Bullock (Klein, Texas). In last year's season-opener, the Aggies missed a pair of field goals from less than 40 yards in a 18-14 loss. Bullock pulled off his redshirt in the sixth game of 2008 and responded with 6-of-7 field goals and made 20 straight extra points after missing the first one of his career. Bullock also showed a strong leg by booting a 46-yard field goal against Texas Tech, which was the longest by an A&M kicker since 2004.

Through seven games in '09, Bullock has converted seven of nine field goal attempts, with one of the misses being a fourth-quarter block by Utah State. His 50-yard boot against Oklahoma State was a career best and was the longest by an Aggie since 2000. In addition, Bullock has converted all 30 extra points in '09 and has made 50 in a row entering Saturday's game.

TURNOVERS TELL STORY

Since 2005, the Aggies have compiled a 22-5 record in games with a plus turnover margin. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-21. (see chart on page 3)

EXCELLING IN THE CLASSROOM

Seven Aggies have already earned their bachelor's degree from Texas A&M, which ranks among the most in the nation. The Aggies with diplomas already in hand are: Derek Dumas, Matt Featherston, Lee Grimes, Jordan Peterson, Michael Shumard, Vincent Williams and Jeff Wood. In addition, there are a large number of Aggies set to graduate in December of 2009: Cody Beyer, Chevar Bryson, Marcus Gold, Jerrod Johnson (will complete all course work, has an internship to finish degree plan in spring), Kevin Matthews, Jamie McCoy, Ryan O'Bryant, Jordan Pugh, Matt Rankin and DeMaurier Thompson.

MOST GRADUATES, 2009 ROSTERS

Alabama 12

Boston College 10

Virginia Tech 10

Miami (Fla.) 9

Penn State 9

Auburn 8

East Carolina 8

Notre Dame 8

Texas Tech 8

UNLV 8

Texas A&M 7

Central Florida 7

IMPRESSIVE ASSISTANTS

• Mike Sherman's coaching staff at Texas A&M is an impressive blend of veteran NFL and college assistant coaches. Tapping into his deep NFL ties, Sherman plucked Nolan Cromwell from the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Rossley from the Green Bay Packers and Kirk Doll from the Denver Broncos. From the college ranks, Sherman hired Joe Kines from Alabama, Randy Jordan and Buddy Wyatt from Nebraska, Charles McMillian from TCU and Jim Turner from Delaware. He retained Van Malone from the previous coaching staff.

• Several members of Sherman's staff had successful NFL playing careers. Nolan Cromwell was a four-time Pro Bowl safety and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1980. Randy Jordan played in the 2003 Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders and received the 2001 Ed Block Courage Award. Van Malone played five seasons for the Detroit Lions and served as the special teams captain.

• Prior to Texas A&M, Sherman served on the same coaching staff with Nolan Cromwell with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, Tom Rossley with Holy Cross and the Packers, and Kirk Doll at Texas A&M.

• As head coach at SMU from 1991-96, Tom Rossley led the Mustangs to a 21-21 tie with the Aggies in 1994, which ended A&M's record 27-game conference winning streak. It was the only blemish on the Aggies' undefeated season that year.

• Three members of the staff had previous ties to the A&M program. Kirk Doll was the Aggies' linebackers coach from 1988-93 under Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum. Buddy Wyatt coached the defensive line at A&M from 2000-02 under Slocum and Van Malone is in his fourth season coaching the Aggies' safeties.

NFL EXPERIENCE

The Aggie coaching staff has deep ties to the National Football League. Of the 10 coaches on the A&M staff, seven have experience in the NFL either as coach or as a player, or both. Leading the way is offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell, who coached 17 years in the NFL with three teams and played 11 seasons. Other double-digit NFLers are head coach Mike Sherman (11 years with three teams, including six as head coach of the Green Bay Packers) and quarterback coach Tom Rossley (11 years with four teams).

AGGIE COACHES WITH NFL EXPERIENCE

Mike Sherman 11 years as coach, six as head coach

Joe Kines 4 years as coach

Nolan Cromwell 17 years as coach, 11 as a player

Tom Rossley 11 years as coach

Kirk Doll 3 years as coach

Randy Jordan 1 year as coach, 5 years as a player

Van Malone 4 years as a player

SALUTING #24

Texas A&M teammates Cyrus Gray and Von Miller, both former DeSoto (Texas) High School Eagles, changed their jersey numbers to #24 for the Oct. 3 game with Arkansas. Gray and Miller's jersey shift was meant to honor current DeSoto HS football player Corey Borner, who was paralyzed May 6, 2009 in an accident during spring football drills. Borner is a junior in 2009 and wore No. 24 in the spring. Gray (was #32, moved to #24 on offense) and Miller (was #40, moved to #24 on defense) are two of four prominent DHS products on the Aggie roster, along with Tony Jerod-Eddie and Garrick Williams.

WEARING WHITE

The Aggies wore white helmets on Oct. 3 against Arkansas for the first time since the 1978 Hall of Fame Bowl win over Iowa State at Birmingham's Legion Field.

Mike Sherman RADIO SHOW

The weekly Mike Sherman Radio Show will air on Mondays at 7 p.m. live from Wings N More at the University Drive location in College Station. The show is broadcast locally on WTAW (1620 AM) and fans are invited to join Coach Sherman and host Dave South at the restaurant to ask questions and to get Coach Sherman's thoughts on the season.

If you are unable to attend in person, fans can submit questions via email to coach@athletics.tamu.edu as well as a link on the front page of the football section of AggieAthletics.com. The show will air weekly, with the final show airing on Tuesday, Nov. 17 due to a men's basketball game on Monday, Nov. 16.

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