BCS Spoiler: Why Texas A&M is Suddenly the Big 12's Best Team

Before the tomatoes and onions start flying, there are semi-merited rationales for why the Aggies are looking down at the rest of the Big 12, yet sit firmly in the middle of the conference standings.

Now the schedule definitely suggests otherwise, but Mike Sherman’s team is an interception away from being 7-2. On top of that, they could be one drive away from a sparkling 8-1 stamp and tops in the Big 12.

Instead, the Aggies climbed back into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2007, in the BCS for the first time since 2006, with a shocking upset of No. 8 Oklahoma at Kyle Field on Saturday evening.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Their record shouts mediocrity, but this Aggies team is not a joke.

They have a good offensive unit. They just topped the Sooners and are in position to jump Baylor in the standings with a win in Waco. The loss to Oklahoma State should have and could have been avoided. And a win over Nebraska can close the case.

The Aggies have the 12^th ranked offense in the FBS with 474 yards per game, good for third in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma State and Baylor. A&M is also ranked 23^rd in scoring offense with 34 points a clip, also third in the conference.

While they do not have the defense to complement their offensive proficiencies, in college football, offense wins championships. Defense is merely a good sidekick.

The emergence of Ryan Tannehill, a former wide receiver, over the turnover prone Jerrod Johnson has grounded the Aggies with stability and focus in last three matchups, all of which were wins. Granted, victories over Kansas and Texas Tech are by no means first-class contests, but they definitely were convincing along with a firm handling of the Sooners.

Aggies Riding Momentum

Confidence is high, and momentum is strong.

The switch to Tannehill launched the Aggies from a 0-2 start in the Big 12 to three straight conferences wins and a mentionable chance at a Big 12 South Title.

To complement, the Aggies have a pair of highly serviceable running backs in Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael, both of whom are averaging over five yards per carry and possess that coveted home run threat.

In the passing game, talented wideouts Jeff Fuller—who has turned into a spectacular option—and Ryan Swope spread the field and really balance the offense.

The rest of the schedule can speak volumes in place for a poor showing in the second quarter of the season when the Aggies dropped three straight. A trip to Waco, home for Nebraska and a showdown in Austin against the highly vulnerable Longhorns make a good case to run the table and finish 9-3.

The A&M program has been two-faced in recent history, and finishing the season with top-10 wins over Oklahoma and Nebraska—two of the conference’s top teams this season—is good material for the argument. Decidedly, a loss at Oklahoma State hurts in the potential of a conference title run, but should the Aggies complete a sweep to end the season, they truly are one bad throw away from being Big 12 South champions.

A Strong Finish Will Echo Loudly

How does one claim to be the best? Beat the best.

Taking out Oklahoma has reverberated through the Big 12 this weekend, but Mike Sherman can really put some rumors to bed by killing another giant in the Cornhuskers in two weeks.

The landscape of the conference may change in the near future, but credit is due.

Their record may not show it. However, the Aggies have taken the steps to claim a spot as one of the Big 12’s best teams.