2009 College Football Predictions: Texas A&M Aggies
Get free expert predictions on tonight's big games. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed or follow us on Twitter.
This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions. Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Sherman (4-8 at Texas A&M, 4-8 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Nolan Cromwell (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Joe Kines (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Jerrod Johnson)
Offense: Head coach Mike Sherman enters his second season as he tries to get the Texas A&M Aggies out of a major mess. Last season, the Aggies struggled through injuries and bad line play as they finished last or next-to-last in the Big 12 last season in scoring, rushing and total offense (340.9ypg). Junior QB Jerrod Johnson (6-5, 229( returns after throwing for a school-record 21 TDs, but Johnson will be pushed by sophomore Ryan Tannehill, who was very impressive in the spring. Tannehill (6-4, 204) or Johnson could move to receiver if they don’t win the job. Tannehill set a school-record for freshmen with 844 yards receiving in 2008. Sophomore Jeff Fuller (6-4, 209) returns at receiver after catching 50 passes and hauling in a team-best nine TDs. At running back, the Aggies need to find consistency as sophomores Cyrus Gray and Bradley Stephens will battle it out for time. True freshman Christine Michael, who has great power and speed, could also be a factor. The key will be the improvement of the offensive line, which could start a true fershman or two, but will also moved Lucas Patterson (6-4, 297) from the defensive line to left tackle.
Defense: The defense was atrocious last season, allowing 461.9 yards per game (114th in the nation). That’s a far cry from the old Wrecking Crew days of the early nineties. They do return seven players including senior Matt Featherston (6-2, 235), who recorded 94 tackles year. However, Featherston may be replaced by freshman Kyle Mangan (6-2, 220) who is faster as the Aggies try to get more speed into the defense. On the defensive line, sophomore Tony Jerrod-Eddie (6-5, 256) is undersized as is sophomore Eddie Brown (6-0, 265). Junior DE Von Miller (6-3, 213) will play a new “jack” position in terms of linebacker and end. The secondary should improve from last season with the maturation of sophomore safety Trent Hunter and sophomore corner Terrence Frederick. Juco transfer Coryell Judie should push for a starting job.
Outlook: Sherman has a long ways to go with this program and fans will have to be patient. They face New Mexico, Utah State and UAB at home to start the season, along with Arkansas in Arlington. If they could start out 3-1, that would be a great boost to a conference schedule that features Oklahoma and Texas Tech on the road, along with Texas and OK State at home.
About the Author
marshall has written 2020 stories on this site.
