So did R.C. Slocum leave the cupboard that bare or did Dennis Franchione do that poor a job in his first season? A little of both, but there's a plan in the works.
The 2003 Aggies were young and needed a ton of work, but the team should've gotten better as last year went on. Instead it played worse and worse losing the final three games against Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas by a combined total of 168 to 37.
If Francione thought he had pressure at Alabama, that's nothing compared to what he'll feel if the Aggies crash and burn like they did last season after getting several not-ready-for-prime-time players some experience. If you're a glass is half full Aggie fan, you'll be excited at all the opportunities to clear the program's good name with early games against Utah, Clemson and Kansas State. The concerned fans knows that this is still a young team, despite the return of 14 starters that will need a few games to get everything together. Starting things off at Utah isn't the place to do that.
This isn't a bad Aggie team and it's certainly going to be more talented than last year, but there will be too much of a reliance on JUCO transfers and true freshmen to expect a run at the Big XII South title. Remember, Slocum was canned because A&M was a step behind the elite teams in the division. This year Franchione and his staff have to close that gap.
The Schedule: A&M could have a problem starting strong with a road trip to Utah and showdown against Clemson before dealing with Kansas State. The finishing kick is nasty, but the road slate isn't all that tough with games at Iowa State and Baylor to help ease the Big XII burden of ending with Texas.
Best Offensive Player: Sophomore RB Courtney Lewis. Lewis was the lone bright spot on the offense last year rushing for 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns showing a great speed burst and decent hands. He's a threat to hit a home-run every time he touches the ball.
Best Defensive Player: Junior FS Jaxson Appel. It's rarely a good thing when a safety leads a defense in tackles, but at least Appel is a good last line of defense making 135 tackles to go along with five broken up passes and four interceptions. He's a speedy player who's always all over the field making plays.
Key player to a successful season: The A&M run defense turned surprisingly soft allowing 225 yards per game and 31 touchdowns. While DT Johnny Jolly had a good year putting up big numbers, he wasn't always a rock against the run. Fellow tackle Marcus Jasmin was one of the Big XII's biggest disappointments. These two must tighten up with an average group of linebackers behind them.
The season will be a success if ... A&M wins seven games, beats one of the big boys, and goes to a bowl. A winning season is a must for Franchione and a bowl game needs to follow. Most importantly, A&M has to come up with a win over Oklahoma or Texas to show fans and recruits that the program is back on track.
Key game: Nov. 13 vs. Texas Tech. The Aggies can't let down its guard in the sandwich game between Oklahoma and Texas. The Red Raiders blew up A&M for 59 points last year and has the offense to do it again.
2003 Fun Stats:
- First quarter scoring: Opponents 121 - Texas A&M 37
- Third down conversions: Opponents 75 of 169 (44%) Texas A&M 54 of 160 (34%)
- Sacks: Opponents 32 - Texas A&M 19
The 2003 Aggies were young and needed a ton of work, but the team should've gotten better as last year went on. Instead it played worse and worse losing the final three games against Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas by a combined total of 168 to 37.
If Francione thought he had pressure at Alabama, that's nothing compared to what he'll feel if the Aggies crash and burn like they did last season after getting several not-ready-for-prime-time players some experience. If you're a glass is half full Aggie fan, you'll be excited at all the opportunities to clear the program's good name with early games against Utah, Clemson and Kansas State. The concerned fans knows that this is still a young team, despite the return of 14 starters that will need a few games to get everything together. Starting things off at Utah isn't the place to do that.
This isn't a bad Aggie team and it's certainly going to be more talented than last year, but there will be too much of a reliance on JUCO transfers and true freshmen to expect a run at the Big XII South title. Remember, Slocum was canned because A&M was a step behind the elite teams in the division. This year Franchione and his staff have to close that gap.
The Schedule: A&M could have a problem starting strong with a road trip to Utah and showdown against Clemson before dealing with Kansas State. The finishing kick is nasty, but the road slate isn't all that tough with games at Iowa State and Baylor to help ease the Big XII burden of ending with Texas.
Best Offensive Player: Sophomore RB Courtney Lewis. Lewis was the lone bright spot on the offense last year rushing for 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns showing a great speed burst and decent hands. He's a threat to hit a home-run every time he touches the ball.
Best Defensive Player: Junior FS Jaxson Appel. It's rarely a good thing when a safety leads a defense in tackles, but at least Appel is a good last line of defense making 135 tackles to go along with five broken up passes and four interceptions. He's a speedy player who's always all over the field making plays.
Key player to a successful season: The A&M run defense turned surprisingly soft allowing 225 yards per game and 31 touchdowns. While DT Johnny Jolly had a good year putting up big numbers, he wasn't always a rock against the run. Fellow tackle Marcus Jasmin was one of the Big XII's biggest disappointments. These two must tighten up with an average group of linebackers behind them.
The season will be a success if ... A&M wins seven games, beats one of the big boys, and goes to a bowl. A winning season is a must for Franchione and a bowl game needs to follow. Most importantly, A&M has to come up with a win over Oklahoma or Texas to show fans and recruits that the program is back on track.
Key game: Nov. 13 vs. Texas Tech. The Aggies can't let down its guard in the sandwich game between Oklahoma and Texas. The Red Raiders blew up A&M for 59 points last year and has the offense to do it again.
2003 Fun Stats:
- First quarter scoring: Opponents 121 - Texas A&M 37
- Third down conversions: Opponents 75 of 169 (44%) Texas A&M 54 of 160 (34%)
- Sacks: Opponents 32 - Texas A&M 19
