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9/12/06 Texas A&M vs Army - September 16 - 8:00PM @ The Alamodome (San Antonio, Tx.) If you don't think games like this pose a challenge, or better yet, if you expect Texas A&M to blow out every single opponent without resistance then I have a little land down South I'd like to speak to you about. There are examples each and every week in college football, but if you'd just consider a couple then I think my point would be made: 1. Tennessee 31 - Air Force 30. The game was played in Knoxville (home of the Vols) and came on the heels of a 35-18 pasting of previously ranked Cal the weekend before. 2. Florida State 24 - Troy 17. The Seminoles scored two touchdowns in the final 6:12 - the last followed an interception on the Troy 29 with just 1:56 left - to fight off what would have been considered the worst upset in Bobby Bowden's 31 year career at FSU. The game was played in Tallahassee (home of the Noles) and came a week after beating Miami to open the season. Not to take anything away from the Falcons or the men of Troy, but do you think Tennessee and Florida State may have taken a little nap in those two contests? In college football, at least according to the coaches, it's a wise approach to never take a weekend off, or even a play off, because it could result in a loss against an otherwise lesser opponent - and probably when you least expect it. In addition to the two examples above, you might want to consider several other items before determining this game against Army an A&M blowout: 1. The Aggies destroyed Louisiana-Lafayette in every phase of the game last weekend. The game was at home and this one on a neutral (though sure to be pro-A&M) site. 2. The Black Knights of Army are an experienced and a veteran bunch, with 47 letter-winners and 18 starters returning. Yes, 18 starters. 3. And you know the Cadets will be tough and disciplined. Bobby Ross, who enters his 3rd season at West Point, has stressed mental toughness this past off-season and had this to say early in the year: "Overall, I was very pleased with our spring." "It was the best spring we've had since I've been here. We improved considerably on both sides of the ball. It was apparent that we were a little more physical, a little bigger and a little stronger." "We have a chance to be competitive, and that means giving us a chance to win every ballgame" Black Knight Offense: The good news is that 8 starters return; the bad is that the Black Knights appear as if they're suffering through an identity crisis with the loss of a pair of 4-year starters, QB Zac Dahman and RB Carlton Jones. David Peveto - a Colleyville, Texas native - is the replacement for Dahman, but has made several costly mistakes by throwing 4 interceptions in his first two games as the starter. While Peveto has chipped in 20 yards on the ground, the offense - averaging a paltry 219.5 total/game - is less than stellar after only two weeks of play. Prior to the season, there wasn't a RB on campus who had taken a single varsity snap. Wesle McMahand and Tony Moore have attempted to fill the void left by Jones, but both have combined for only 186 yards on 52 carries (3.58 avg.). Part of the offensive troubles could be traced to an NCAA ruling shelving starting offensive linemen - LG Dan Evans and team captain, C Pete Bier - for the Arkansas State loss, a game which the Cadets managed 164 total yards. However, the two have since returned and productivity increased (111 total yards) in a week 2 win over Kent State. When Army Has The Ball: As evidenced by the Aggies possessing the #1 ranked pass defense in the country, each of the offenses A&M has faced prefer to run the football. Army is no different (60% run through 2 games), but does offer a slightly different look than the previous two. The Black Knights are more of a pro-set, classic I formation look with boot, counter and play-action, as opposed to the spread-option of The Citadel or the run-first approach of UL-Lafayette. The Aggies' defensive approach will probably remain fairly consistent with what we've witnessed thus far in the season. But, will the results be the same? If the mental mindset and intensity which existed in week 2 is present in week 3, then yes! Defense is about desire and effort level…..If coach Darnell and the Aggies come with a similar attitude then I expect a similar result. Advantage TEXAS A&M Key Match-up: A&M secondary vs new Army quarterback David Peveto. Black Knight Defense: The good news is there are 8 starters returning; the bad is that there were critical losses, most notably both cornerbacks - Dhyan Tarver and Ray Stith - along with 3 interior defensive players, Seth Lotts, Tommy Ryan and Doug Meyer. A pair of talented DE's - Cameron Craig and Brandon Thompson - return up front with junior John Wright the top reserve at both positions. Craig is the leader on the team with 19 tackles, an amazing 7 for losses with 2.5 sacks. Junior Tony Fusco (6'1" 308) is the lone returning starter at defensive tackle. Finding a quality starter and locating depth at defensive tackle has been a focus of the coaching staff this past off-season - and is likely the biggest question mark facing the Cadets this weekend. All three linebackers return. Senior (WLB) Barrett Scruggs and 6'3" 251# (MLB) Cason Shrode and are tied for second on the team with 12 tackles each. The secondary is solid at safety with (FS) Jordan Murray and the return of Ronnie Lott trophy candidate, (SS) Caleb Campbell. Again, the concern is at cornerback, but Bobby Ross and the other defensive coaches seem pleased with the play and development of senior Sean Grevious and junior Kevin Opoku. When The Aggies Have The Ball: With a lack of depth at tackle, the Black Knights have surrendered an average of 210 yards per game on the ground. That's 4.9 yards/rush and a NCAA rank of 107. In addition, the Aggies enjoy and average size advantage of 2" and 26 pounds per man along the front. Hello Jorvorskie Lane!! The Black Knights' pass defense boasts a solid NCAA rank of 19, but both starting cornerbacks are new and it's apparent that neither has been tested, mainly due to the opponent rushing attack being so successful. I expect the Aggies to approach this game in much the same manner they approached the last - attempt to minimize turnovers and focus on executing their offense with the fewest number of mistakes possible. Run? Absolutely! The Aggie running backs should have a big day, but I'd bet A&M won't be shy about testing the Army inexperience at corner, either. As you might expect, the Black Knight safeties have been very active in run support, so it won't be surprising when TE's - Martellus Bennett and Joey Thomas - build upon their 8 catches of a week ago. Advantage TEXAS A&M Key match-up: A&M tackles vs Army DE Cameron Craig. Special Teams - Other Intangibles: Though A&M has dramatically improved its coverage abilities, Army returns both kickers, both snappers and has experience in all areas of the kicking game. Bobby Ross is also a proven NFL and collegiate head coach. A&M has the edge in skill talent and possesses more capability of changing the game's outcome on a kick or punt return, but the unit is still relatively inexperienced in a number of areas. Advantage EVEN PREDICTION: The Aggies are by far the better team. The Army weaknesses are A&M strengths. This A&M team seems to have grasped (from the coaches) the importance of playing every play as if it's the last play. If the mental edge is there, and I fully expect it will be, then the Aggies should win easily. A&M will enjoy a distinct advantage in support, but this game is not at Kyle Field so it will be slightly harder to sustain momentum. Army is disciplined and tough, and will play hard, but if A&M comes with the right attitude it should be no contest. Texas A&M 41 - Army 10 Army Roster Army Depth Chart A&M Roster A&M Depth Chart |