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A lot of changes are in store for the 2012 Texas A&M Aggies football program, the most obvious occurring in July, when the Aggies will become members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Arguably the creme de la creme of the college football, an SEC team has been crowned national champion in each of the past six seasons (2006-11), an unprecedented mark. Texas A&M will compete in the SEC's Western Division, which includes defending national champion Alabama, along with 2010 national champion Auburn. A former rival from the Big 12, Missouri, has also joined the SEC, and has been placed in the conference's Eastern Division.
Another change revolves around new head coach, Kevin Sumlin, who replaced Mike Sherman in December. Sumlin, 35-17 in four seasons at Houston, is highly regarded as an offensive mastermind, having directed the Cougars to a 13-1 mark in 2011, including a win over Penn State in the TicketCity Bowl. Houston rose as high as #6 in the polls, and led the nation in total offense (almost 600 yards per game) and scoring (49.3 points per game).
2011 TEXAS A&M SEASON REVIEW
Big things were expected in 2011, ranking as high as #7 in pre-season polls. Texas A&M finished out the 2010 season impressively, winning their final six regular season games. It was hoped momentum would carry over with QB Ryan Tannehill returning, as well as RBs Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael. In addition, the Aggies were returning their top seven receivers from the previous season, led by All-Big 12 Jeff Fuller. Up front, nine of the top ten were back, presenting as impressive (on paper) an offense as Sherman had enjoyed at College Station.
After routs over SMU and Idaho, the Aggies dropped heartbreakers to Oklahoma State and Arkansas, eliminating their national title aspirations. A mid-season three-game losing streak knocked them out of the polls, and only a victory over Northwestern in the Meineke Car Care Bowl salvaged a plus .500 W-L mark (7-6).
In the NFL Draft, Tannehill was selected 8th overall by Miami. Other Aggies drafted were K Randy Bullock, RB Gray and CB Terrence Frederick.
2012 TEXAS A&M OUTLOOK
With 10 starters returning (6 offense, 4 defense), the Aggies have a daunting challenge facing them as they embark on their first SEC season. Tannehill's departure leaves a gaping hole, athough switching from Sherman's West Coast schemes to Sumlin's spread attack isn't a radical change. Jameil Showers is expected to take over signal-calling duties, and his athleticism and ability to spread things out may provide more excitement. WR Ryan Swope figures to be the Aggies' top receiver, while Michael is expected to be the bellcow of the ground game.
Defensively, replacing seven starters is a big hurdle, but the 2011 defense had plenty of shortcomings, so it's hard to imagine the 2012 version being much worse. Jonathan Stewart and Sean Porter are the standouts for this unit.
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH
Redshirt WR Mike Evans showed in the spring that he's a good fit, while true freshman QB Matt Davis comes in with high expectations. JC transfer DB Tremaine Jacobs is another new face that has early-impact potential.
2012 SCHEDULE
After opening at home against Louisiana Tech, the Aggies jump right into SEC play by hosting the Florida Gators. Other key contests include Arkansas, LSU and Missouri at home, while a tough three-game late October-early November road swing at Auburn, Mississippi State and Alabama will probably make-or-break the 2012 season for the Aggies.
Another change revolves around new head coach, Kevin Sumlin, who replaced Mike Sherman in December. Sumlin, 35-17 in four seasons at Houston, is highly regarded as an offensive mastermind, having directed the Cougars to a 13-1 mark in 2011, including a win over Penn State in the TicketCity Bowl. Houston rose as high as #6 in the polls, and led the nation in total offense (almost 600 yards per game) and scoring (49.3 points per game).
2011 TEXAS A&M SEASON REVIEW
Big things were expected in 2011, ranking as high as #7 in pre-season polls. Texas A&M finished out the 2010 season impressively, winning their final six regular season games. It was hoped momentum would carry over with QB Ryan Tannehill returning, as well as RBs Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael. In addition, the Aggies were returning their top seven receivers from the previous season, led by All-Big 12 Jeff Fuller. Up front, nine of the top ten were back, presenting as impressive (on paper) an offense as Sherman had enjoyed at College Station.
After routs over SMU and Idaho, the Aggies dropped heartbreakers to Oklahoma State and Arkansas, eliminating their national title aspirations. A mid-season three-game losing streak knocked them out of the polls, and only a victory over Northwestern in the Meineke Car Care Bowl salvaged a plus .500 W-L mark (7-6).
In the NFL Draft, Tannehill was selected 8th overall by Miami. Other Aggies drafted were K Randy Bullock, RB Gray and CB Terrence Frederick.
2012 TEXAS A&M OUTLOOK
With 10 starters returning (6 offense, 4 defense), the Aggies have a daunting challenge facing them as they embark on their first SEC season. Tannehill's departure leaves a gaping hole, athough switching from Sherman's West Coast schemes to Sumlin's spread attack isn't a radical change. Jameil Showers is expected to take over signal-calling duties, and his athleticism and ability to spread things out may provide more excitement. WR Ryan Swope figures to be the Aggies' top receiver, while Michael is expected to be the bellcow of the ground game.
Defensively, replacing seven starters is a big hurdle, but the 2011 defense had plenty of shortcomings, so it's hard to imagine the 2012 version being much worse. Jonathan Stewart and Sean Porter are the standouts for this unit.
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH
Redshirt WR Mike Evans showed in the spring that he's a good fit, while true freshman QB Matt Davis comes in with high expectations. JC transfer DB Tremaine Jacobs is another new face that has early-impact potential.
2012 SCHEDULE
After opening at home against Louisiana Tech, the Aggies jump right into SEC play by hosting the Florida Gators. Other key contests include Arkansas, LSU and Missouri at home, while a tough three-game late October-early November road swing at Auburn, Mississippi State and Alabama will probably make-or-break the 2012 season for the Aggies.
