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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 11-3 (8-1) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: R.C. Slocum Returning starters: 18 (offense 8, defense 8) Outlook If the past is any indication of the future, this is a season that could have national title implications in College Station. Two years ago the Aggies were beaten in the Big 12 title game by Nebraska. Last year they returned to the conference championship game and beat Kansas State to earn a berth in the Sugar Bowl. Only a 23-14 season-opening loss to Florida State and a 26-24 loss to Texas kept A&M out of the inaugural Bowl Championship Series mix. So what's the next logical step? Coach R.C. Slocum would be the last person to promote the possibility, but the truth is that a place among the national elite, the schools angling for a place in the second go-round for the BCS, is not far from his grasp. Toss in a schedule that features a Nov. 6 trip to Nebraska and a Nov. 26 home meeting with Texas as the biggest obstacles, and a January visit to "The Big Easy" may not be all that hard to accomplish. OffenseThe Aggies return all their starters from a backfield that was brimming with ability a year ago. Randy McCown wrested the starting quarterback job away from Branndon Stewart last year; this season it's his for keeps, given that he remains healthy, which was not always the case in '98. While his health was a concern, so too was the number of touchdowns he threw -- just six, the second-lowest total for any Big 12 starter. McCown must do more than employ a "don't lose the game" philosophy this season for Texas A&M to have a credible passing attack. The strength of the offense will line up behind him, however, in tailback Dante Hall and fullback Ja'Mar Toombs. Hall was plagued a bit by inconsistency, but finished the year with 1,024 yards after taking over for academic casualty D'Andre Hardeman, who just regained his eligibility. Toombs is a bruiser with surprisingly quick feet for a 260-pounder, something he showed in a 71-yard romp that led to a 28-21 win over Nebraska. The Aggies must replace the left side of the offensive line, and find an adequate tight end. Junior Chris Valletta appears to have the inside line at left guard, and senior Shea Holder is the favorite to step in at left tackle. Holder was Texas A&M's silent savior in the Big 12 title game. Despite being hobbled with injuries of his own, Holder stepped in for an injured Andy Vincent and proceeded to have the best game of his three-year career. Vincent and Semisi Heimuli will handle the right side. Heimuli has started 39 straight games at guard, while Vincent started all 14 games last year. The lack of an experienced tight end may affect the two tight end set that was so effective last year with Dan Campbell and Derrick Spiller. Not only do both starters return at receiver, but the Aggies return four of the top five targets from a year ago. Chris Cole is expected to top the reception charts again after pulling down 38 balls and five touchdowns last year. The other returning starter is Leroy Hodge. Junior Chris Taylor could have a breakout season. His speed and vision led to an 81-yard TD catch against Nebraska as well as a 61-yard reverse for a score against Baylor. It's a good sign if: The return of Hardeman makes for a triple-threat backfield.It's a bad sign if: McCown gets nicked up early. Defense The linebacker position has been the heart and soul of the Aggies defense of late, much of it due to the presence of Dat Ngyuen, who gave "the Wrecking Crew" its national identity. With the departure of his 500-plus career tackles, new players must be found to continue the cause. The Aggies ranked 10th nationally in total defense and scoring defense year ago, and this season they have a more experienced group. Cornelius Anthony is at the front of the line. The junior recorded 100 tackles last year at inside linebacker and will take over Ngyuen's role as both a run-stuffer and pass rusher. Senior Chad Frantzen was a backup last year and is capable of filling the other inside spot at linebacker. He walked on after watching the Aggies from the stands as a freshman. He tried out for the kickoff team then worked his way into the two-deep rotation behind Nguyen. Roylin Bradley appears destined for stardom at outside linebacker. He led the team with nine sacks last year. Jason Glenn, the younger brother of New York Jets cornerback Aaron Glenn, will line up opposite Bradley. Both played well as true freshmen last year. A rotation of bodies along the defensive line has prepared a number of players for starting roles. Three juniors return as starters in nose guard Ron Edwards and ends Ronald Flemons and Rocky Bernard. Edwards is the standout of the group after starting all 14 games last year and recording 50 tackles. Three sophomores -- Lonnie Madison, Terry Nichols and Evan Perroni -- earned letters last year and should figure into the mix in '99. Among the recruits, coaches have their eye on Ty Warren, who could push some veterans for playing time in a substitute role. Two senior cornerbacks will allow Texas A&M to play more man-to-man schemes. Jason Webster and Sedrick Curry combined for five interceptions from their cover positions; Webster had 72 tackles, Curry contributed 36. Brandon Jennings gives A&M a senior starter at free safety. Jennings led the team with four interceptions a year ago while recording 84 tackles. The strong safety position is not set, but it appears Michael Jameson is capable of taking over after getting in on 38 tackles a year ago and breaking up five passes. It's a good sign if: Anthony keep "The Wrecking Crew" reputation intact.It's a bad sign if: An emphasis on man-to-man coverage puts too much pressure on the secondary. Special Teams First-team all-America punter Shane Lechler could also handle kickoffs and long field goals in '99. A walk-on, junior Russell Bynum, will be the place-kicker again. -- John Crowley |
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