Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott McDaniel

In Limbo...How Low Can You Go Coach Sherman?

Scott McDaniel — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:09:21 -0400

The game was over on the 2nd offensive play for the Aggies.

After tight end Jamie McCoy coughed up the ball in Wildcat territory, it took Kansas State four plays to commence the steam rolling.

The Aggies managed to squeeze out 24 yards in the first quarter along with one turnover.

The youthful Aggies would manage to turn the ball over four more times. Jerrod Johnson ended his Big XII record of 242 pass attempts without an interception by tossing three of them and to add to that, he was sacked six times.

By halftime it was 38-0, and all the Aggies could manage was 70 first half yards and minus 13 rushing yards. The Wildcats then came out in the 3rd quarter and decided that 38-0 wasn’t enough. Kansas State scored 21 more points in the first five and half minutes of the 3rd quarter. At this point the Aggies were down 59-0.

The Aggies would manage to only score two touchdowns to true freshman WR Uzoma Nwachukwu, who has been the bright spot in the Aggies offense since the loss of heralded sophomore Jeff Fuller. But it would all be to little, to late.

What is most surprising about all of this is that the Aggies had almost pulled off an upset in the previous week against 16th ranked Oklahoma State. So to go on the road and face a Kansas State team that was torched by Texas Tech the previous week for 700 yards and 66 points would have seemed like a little bump in the road.

After this embarrassing performance Aggie fans have to ask—Will they win anymore of their games? My inclination is NO (3-9). I would love to be proved wrong, but I just don’t see the Aggies righting the ship after this wreck. Luckily the Aggies do get 4-3 Iowa State, and 3-3 Baylor at Kyle Field. But that still doesn’t guarantee a win at home. Kyle Field is no longer a dreaded destination for opponents.

In 2008 the Aggies went a measly 2-5 at home, and have gone 28-16 since the departure of R.C. Slocum. From 1990–2002, the Aggies were 67-11-1 at Kyle Field, under Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum.

Home is not home anymore for A&M.

As if things couldn’t go from bad to worse, the Aggies still have to face the upper echelon of the Big XII South in Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Texas. By the way, did I mention that the Aggies are a combined 3-15 against the aforementioned opponents since 2003.

The Aggies are young, but as the season progresses, when does this excuse become a cop out? Personally, a 62-14 loss to a mediocre Kansas State team is unacceptable. Is Coach Sherman going to be another three year hit-it and quit-it coach?

Only time will tell, but grumbles of former students and Aggie fans are growing and one has to wonder if they have another performance like yesterday, will this be Sherman’s last year?

High Stakes For the Aggies in 2009

Scott McDaniel — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:53:43 -0400

Why is it so important for the Aggies to pull out of this slump? The Aggies do not want to take Baylor's place as the whipping boy of the Big XII.

It is pivotal for Texas A&M to right the ship because they are going to fall further and further behind the rest of the Big XII South. The most important issue is the recruiting battle between the South schools for the top high school players in the South.

Since the good ole' days of the Southwest Conference are long gone, the Aggies are finding the gap narrowing between them and schools like T.C.U., Baylor, and Oklahoma State.

Without the recruits, which correlates to future success against Big XII South opponents, the Aggies can bet on struggling through the next few seasons. Since 2002 the Aggies have gone a combined 13–22 against the South Division of the Big XII, with nine of the only 13 wins coming against Baylor and Oklahoma State.

Since R.C. Slocum's departure after the 2002 season, the Aggies have only managed a combined four wins against Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. If that doesn’t scream mediocrity, I don’t know what else does.

Every offseason always seems to have elevated expectations in College Station, whether the Aggies are coming off a 4-8 season or a 9-4 season. Aggie fans are always delusional in their optimism. The Aggies can be 0–11 heading into the Texas game and still think that they have a great chance to win.

The list of impact players for the upcoming 2009-2010 football season grows by the day if the Aggies want to have more success than was experienced last season.

Kyle Mangan, a redshirt freshman, has taken over the starting position at linebacker. He claimed the spot over three-year letter-man Anthony Lewis, who has been a disappointment to his four-star rivals rating, and hasn’t lived up to his size at 6’2”, 254 lbs.

Now onto Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill; this duo is going to have elevated expectations next season after last season's success. Jerrod Johnson has played quarterback all of his life, but he had to learn a brand new west coast style offense from Coach Sherman.

Ryan Tannehill set a record in both receptions and receiving yards for a freshman receiver at A&M, and whether he is under center or flanked out wide, he will provide a much-needed spark for an inconsistent offense. Jeff Fuller will also be expected to carry a majority of the offensive load after.

Von Miller has been highlighted on ESPN on his move the new “Jack” position on Kines 4-3 defense. The Jack position is a hybrid position that allows a defender to line up as a defensive end, outside linebacker, or another linebacker/corner to drop back into coverage. The position was created to take advantage of Miller's quickness and speed. However, Miller is undersized to be playing defensive end at 6’3”, 215 lbs.

The offensive line has to be the big focal point for the Aggies this season. The line averaged 2.9 per carry and allowed more than three sacks a game. If the Aggies can assemble some resemblance of a unit, their offensive production and efficiency should sky-rocket this next season.

Trent Hunter is expected to make a huge impact on the defensive side of ball. Hunter was honored with All-American Freshman honors last season. Senior Jordan Pugh has moved back to the safety position to provide some much-needed leadership and experience for a secondary that gave up almost 3,000 yards.

Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael have big shoes to fill from the departure of Mike Goodson to the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Michael does not arrive on campus until August, but it is expected that will be competing for immediate playing time. Cyrus Gray can only get better after averaging 4.8 yards a carry last season with a poor offensive line opening holes for him.

Coaches that have to be feeling the heat and pressure are Mike Sherman and Joe Kines. Sherman has the daunting task of improving an offensive line that gave up 39 sacks last season, yet despite their inability to block, Jerrod Johnson still threw for a school record 21 passing touchdowns. Just imagine what he could do if he had an offensive line that actually protected him and gave him time.

Defensive coordinator Joe Kines faces the challenge of improving a squad that finished 114th in total defense, a team that gave up an average of 460 yards a game, and allowed an average of 37.4 per game. On the upside, this will be the second year that the team will have to improve on their new 4-3 defense and a pro style offense.

So, what can we expect from this young A&M team? My prediction...will have to wait until August! Until then, continue to dream of Saturdays in the Fall and all-day football marathons!

Mike Sherman Feeling the Heat in Aggieland

Scott McDaniel — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:50:25 -0400

Where expectations are always high, with a win-now mentality, and what have you done for me lately, Texas A & M Aggies fans are expecting a big turnaround during the second year with Mike Sherman at the helm.

The Aggies will start spring ball with a 22nd-ranked recruiting class for the upcoming season, according to rivals.com.

Sherman and his staff are hinging improvement on this solid recruiting class, that it will improve on a 4-8 inaugural season that included 20-point losses to Baylor, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Oklahoma, not mention an embarrassing opening day debacle to Arkansas State.

Headlining the 2009 signing class is five-star recruit Chris Michael from West Brook High School in Beaumont, Texas.

Michaels is the third nationally ranked running back by rivals.com, and the 22nd overall ranked high school recruit on rivals.com top 100 national recruits.

He brings his 4.45 forty time to help fill in the gap that Mike Goodson left from his early departure to the NFL.

Advancement of the offensive and defensive front seven has to be the top concern this spring. Sherman was the Aggies' offensive line coach when the Aggies were atop the former Southwest Conference under R.C. Slocum.

Aggie fans are hoping that some sort of improvement will be made in Sherman’s second year as coach. The defense is in serious need of renovation after finishing 114th in total defense and allowing almost 220 yards per game last season.

When Ryan Tannehill was recruited by A&M he was promised that he would get a shot to be starting quarterback for the Aggies. This spring will bring the Aggies a fully fledged quarterback competition.

Previous starter Jerrod Johnson had a solid first season as the field general for the Aggies posting 2,435 yards and 21 touchdowns; despite the struggles on the offensive line who averaged over three sacks per game.

Tannehill led the Aggies in receiving with 55 catches, 844 yards, and five touchdowns. So Sherman, remaining true to his word, will be giving Tannehill his shot this spring.

The offensive line has four returning starters which should bolster some confidence and provide the Aggies with some much needed experience.

A&M has landed a transfer recruit from Death Valley (LSU), Matt Allen G/C that should promote some depth and growth from last season.

Success for the Aggies this season will depend on their trench game. Running the football, being able to stop the run, and protecting the quarterback, whoever that may be.

A&M needs to hold on to Sherman to create some stability for his system and coaching style. If the former students start to get itchy trigger fingers again, then the Aggies could be in rebuilding mode yet again in the 2010 season with their third head coach since 2002 when R.C. Slocum was run out of town.

Texas A&M Aggies Will Be Main Course for Thanksgiving Feast

Scott McDaniel — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:45:54 -0500

The Aggies will be the main course for the feast in Austin tonight. On the menu, Texas has prepared to serve up at least 400 yards through the air, and 200 yards on the ground.

The Texas defense will dine on the Aggie offense, holding them to less than 250 yards.

The Aggies are heading into the annual Thanksgiving Day battle after a substandard 4-7 inaugural season under Mike “Fran” Sherman.

Fran…sounds familiar doesn’t it…? Coach Fran’s first season was also a dismal 4-8 that included a nationally televised 77–0 loss to Oklahoma, the worst loss in A&M's history.

Mike “Fran” Sherman is making his own history this year, by giving up the most home losses, points, and average points per game. He scored the fewest points in a season and averaged the lowest points per season.

To add insult to injury, he is the only coach in the history of Texas A&M to lose five home games, and to give up 66 points at home in one game to the Sooners.

Texas comes in boasting one of its best offensive seasons under Colt McCoy. The Horns have an offense that ranks eighth in yards per game and sixth in points nationally.

The Longhorns also boast a fourth-ranked rush defense, but still allow over 250 yards per game through the air.

Texas should have a field day with the biggest sore spot for the Aggies. The fact still remains that their abysmal “wrecking crew” ranks 113th out of 119 teams, and that doesn’t bode well for the 35-point underdog Aggies.

The one “weak” spot for the Longhorns is the young secondary, which happens to be A&M’s “strong” point.

The Aggies passing attack ranks 24th overall, but that all can be countered by the Swiss cheese like offensive line that has allowed a gaudy 33 sacks over 11 games.

Speaking of an offensive line or lack thereof…the run blocking has been so poor, the Aggies are averaging less than 100 yards a game, which ranks 111th nationally.

We all have things to be thankful for during these holidays. Hopefully the Aggies can be thankful that the Horns do not hang 65+ on them tonight at DKR Memorial Stadium.

My pick for tonight: Texas 52, Texas A&M 24.

Texas A&M Decision 2008: Jerrod Johnson or Stephen McGee?

Scott McDaniel — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:21:25 -0400

After A&M’s subpar 1-1 start, the Aggies have a long and grueling 2008-2009 season ahead. The Aggies have three top 10 teams remaining in Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and rival Texas.

In addition to playing these top foes, A&M still has to hurdle Miami, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Colorado, and Baylor. The outlook this season is quite bleak with a new offensive and defensive scheme that the Aggies have yet to master.

So with that said, here is what A&M has to look forward to this season….or not look forward to. A possible 4-8 or 5-7 season in Mike Sherman’s inaugural season. I think that 6-6 is being extremely optimistic, and a bowl berth would be a long stretch.

For the Aggies to have any success this season, they will have to rely on their strength in moving the chains, putting the ball in the hands of Mike Goodson, Bradley Stephens and Javorskie Lane. It could get tricky with a newbie O-line, but some key adjustments could be made to counter that impediment.

More success could come from replacing Stephen McGee with Jerrod Johnson for the rest of the 2008-2009 season.

Johnson displayed his superior ability to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball with pressure in his face against the blitzing New Mexico defense. McGee proved in the opener against Arkansas State that he has a difficult time standing in the pocket and surveying the field and finding his second and third outlets.

Improvements that the Aggies need, have to start and end with the offensive and defensive lines. The Aggies run blocking, pass protection needs major work so that A&M can utilize the talent they have with Mike Goodson and the dump truck Javorskie Lane, as well as the stable of promising young wide receivers.

A struggling A&M’s defense, formerly known as the Wrecking Crew, has lost its identity since switching to the 4-2-5 under the former Dennis "The Crook" Franchione.

The Aggies continue to struggle under the new blitzing 4-3 package installed by Joe Kines. It is going to take time to recruit the personnel to fit this aggressive blitzing scheme.

If A&M wishes to return to the heyday of the feared Wrecking Crew they have to be able put pressure on the quarterback, and plug up the holes in their Swiss cheese rush defense.

If Sherman and the Aggies can make huge strides in these areas, the Aggies might find themselves bowling in January, but I wouldn’t count on it. Aggie fans, be patient, give them time, and try to enjoy the 2008-2009 season.

College Football Polls: Are Preseason Rankings Necessary?

Scott McDaniel — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:50:08 -0400

Over the years, preseason rankings have proved to be inaccurate and cause controversy rather than bring order to the national rankings.

The big part of the preseason rankings seemed to be based on their performance from the previous season, which has absolutely nothing to do with the current season. There are other factors that are taken into consideration, the amount of graduating seniors and underclassmen that declare for the NFL draft.

But these factors don't seem to play as an important role in developing the rankings compared to what was done the previous season. Every season brings a new team with new chemistry and new question marks at marquee positions.

Rankings should be released when we can see how the teams are going to perform on the field, and when we have a body of work that can be quantitatively compared among the Division I football teams.

Just to give a few examples, Kansas was not even ranked in the top 50 of the coaches poll and Missouri was ranked 31. Both of these Big 12 foes had very successful seasons and were ranked in the top 7 in the final rankings of 2008. Did anyone see that coming? I sure didn't.

We can't forget Michigan's embarrassing Week One meltdown in the Big House to Appalachian State, which dropped them from No. 5 with two first-place votes, to No. 27.

An argument could also be made for Louisville, which was ranked No. 11 in the preseason. By Week Four, they all but disappeared from the top 25, and at year's end were not even in the top 50.

Give the season a couple of weeks for teams to establish some chemistry before we start giving a team the title of being the No. 1 to No. 25 team in the nation. Preseason rankings in college football need to be eliminated until Week Three or Week Four before we start to order them.

It isn't like we can't still talk about the favorite to win each conference or the top contenders to win the BCS national title.