Texas Tech, Texas A&M Renew Bitter Rivalry

Rival (n): 1. a person or thing that is in a position to dispute another's preeminence or superiority; a stadium without a rival; 2. a person who is competing for the same object or goal as another, or who tries to equal or outdo another; competitor.

Texas A&M claims that Texas Tech is, in no way, shape, or form, their rival.

However, a look at past matchups between the two teams seems to prove that A&M’s stance on the issue is completely false.

Coming into this year’s game in Lubbock, the Aggies hold a slight series advantage (34-30-1). Recently, though, Texas Tech has played well, winning nine of their last 12 games.

Texas A&M has not won a game in Lubbock since 1993.

Both teams are coming off conference wins: Texas A&M defeated Oklahoma State to remain perfect in Big 12 games, and Texas Tech beat Iowa State to improve to 1-1 in conference play.

These two teams are about as opposite of one another as they could get.

A&M’s strength is running the ball, while Texas Tech’s weak link on defense is stopping a good rushing attack. Texas Tech moves the ball with passing, and A&M’s weakness on defense is pass coverage.  

Texas A&M

Dennis Franchione’s A&M team is not much different than last year—the offense predominantly uses the running game to wear down opposing defenses, and the pass to keep defenses honest.

Junior QB Stephen McGee leads the A&M offense. He has completed 80 of 145 passes this season for a 55.2 completion percentage, 906 yards, five TDs, and three INTs.

But McGee may be even more dangerous when rushing the ball.

The Aggies appear pretty confident leading up to the big game. Jorvorskie Lane and DB Danny Gorrer have indicated as much in statements to the media.

“We’re going to win in 2007,” said Lane. “That’s a guarantee. I promise you. It’s just that our team’s chemistry is so strong right now, ain’t nothing can break us. From what we went through with that situation with Coach Fran and we were down 17 points last week [against Oklahoma State], it’s just a real big motivating thing right now.”

"To handle a guy like Crabtree, you've got to play to his level," Gorrer said. "You just have to get your hands on a guy like that and don't let him run wild. When you're playing him, you've got to come with it. But he's got to bring his A-game when he faces Danny Gorrer. I'm looking forward to playing him. May the best man win."

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