early look at 2010

[aggieraptor99]

Here's a look at the 2010 football schedule:

stephen f. austin                    (W)
louisianna tech                       (W)
florida international                 (W)
@osu                                   (W)
arkansas (in Arlington, TX)       (W/L)
mizzou                                  (W)
@ ku                                    (W)
tech                                     (W)
ou                                        (L)
@ baylor                               (W)
nebraska                               (L)
@ tu                                     (L)
Bowl game                             (W)

A&M should be 4-0 going into the arkansas game, which will be a toss-up.  With losses to nu, ou, & tu (and possibly arkansas) that puts A&M at 9-3 (or 8-4) with the regular season.  A&M needs to win whatever bowl game they attend to put the icing on the cake leaving a 10-3 (or 9-4) record for the 2010 season.  In addition A&M needs to finish ranked in the top 25. 

With the exception of tu, the tough games are all at Kyle; arkansas being in Texas is more of a home game for the Ags than for the razorbacks.  okie light will be tough, but they're a beatable team.  ku and baylor should be easy wins though they'll put up a decent fight.  If the Ags can knock off nu and/or ou at home that would be a giant step towards reclaiming Kyle Field.  Having not beaten ou since 2002 is a trend that I'd like to see come to an end this year!

This is year 3, not year 1 under sherman.  There's been time to both recruit and develop players.  There's been time to work out the system.  Even those that argue that sherman needed time, talent, etc have to at some point say enough is enough.  With 9 wins this year sherman will have a 19-19 record.  Less than 9 wins would be unacceptable, regardless of the excuses! 

[BrentC4981]

I agree.  The OSU game should be a win, they're losing their 2 best offensive players, sure it's a road game, but like you said, when is the line drawn to where every tough game we all better assume A&M should struggle?  Three years we shouldn't still be only writing off the easy teams as wins.  Eventually you have to show up every week and have a chance to win every game.

9 wins is only good in my eyes if every loss...and I mean every loss is close.  They better not have any games like they've had the last 2 years like both OU games, K-State, TU (2008) Arkansas, Georgia...you get the point. 

I don't think anyone has NC or even Top 10 expectations for A&M next year, but 9-10 wins and an end of season ranking between 20-25 should be the bare minimum.  We're seeing what good coaching can do with less talent with the mens basketball team, they play like they believe they can beat anyone even if they don't have the talent to do so. 

In a year that's probably gonna be a good time for someone in the south to sneak up and take the south from OU and TU...it's time for Sherman to step up

[aggieraptor99]

9 wins is only good in my eyes if every loss...and I mean every loss is close.  They better not have any games like they've had the last 2 years like both OU games, K-State, TU (2008) Arkansas, Georgia...you get the point. 

Well said.  How the Ags win and how they lose will be another important factor in deciding just how much things have "progressed" under sherman.  Honestly, with a third year coach and the other teams with new QBs (and missing other all star players), A&M should be considered a strong front runner for the Big XII South, however those first 2 years of sherman has A&M well below the radar and not even mentioned as a contender.  If A&M is going to re-emerge in the South, this is the year to do it.  All the pieces are in place.  Question is whether or not sherman can handle it!

[DallasHorn]

I think you guys could have a good year. The whole conference lost a bunch of talent and you play both the teams with new coaches. OSU is a tough house unless you get the crowd out of it early. I think it's possible you could beat Nebraska and lose to Baylor, based on home stadiums and assuming a healthy R. Griffin III. (I know I said that last year, but I really am impressed by that young man). it will also be interesting to see how Turner Gill and Tuberville do. It could be a really wild season.

[aggieraptor99]

I think you guys could have a good year. The whole conference lost a bunch of talent and you play both the teams with new coaches. OSU is a tough house unless you get the crowd out of it early. I think it's possible you could beat Nebraska and lose to Baylor, based on home stadiums and assuming a healthy R. Griffin III. (I know I said that last year, but I really am impressed by that young man). it will also be interesting to see how Turner Gill and Tuberville do. It could be a really wild season.

I can see the Ags possibly beating nebraska, but they won't lose to baylor.  Griffen is top notch, but he won't be beating A&M.  The 2008 fluke loss to baylor was more about A&M turnovers and other mistakes than it was baylor being the better team.  That said the bears will put up a fight, but they will lose.  Tubberville at tech could be a very scary thing in the Big XII South.  tech could potentially play in the Big XII title game, something they never would have done under leach.

[DallasHorn]

I agree, Leach would always hit you with that lopsided O and knock off teams that couldn't adjust to it. Tub's impresses me with picking his staff. We hired away 2 of his DC's and they were both top flight. If he finds another Muschamp or Chizic. Tech could suddenly become the D leader instead of the O leader. It'll be interesting to watch. Ya'll will probably never get the chance to even the score with Leach unless he gets another Big XII South gig. Leach in Waco would be endlessly entertaining, if you thought he didn't get along with the Admin in Lubbock, Baylor would be a laugh riot.

[aggieraptor99]

leach is done in the Big XII.  He'll probably land a Div 1A school next year, but probably not in a BCS conference.  Tubs at tech will be an X factor over the next couple years.  I wish he were at A&M.  I'd gladly send sherman to tech! 

[DallasHorn]

So far I'd probably make that trade, but next year will tell you everything you need to know.

[01txag]

I agree with you raptor, but if it plays out just like you said, i don't see us in the top 25.  that has us pretty much losing to anybody that's decent.  I doubt we can't any respect until we beat someone we're not supposed to.  if we step up and beat ark, then yeah, we have a chance

[aggieraptor99]

I agree with you raptor, but if it plays out just like you said, i don't see us in the top 25.  that has us pretty much losing to anybody that's decent.  I doubt we can't any respect until we beat someone we're not supposed to.  if we step up and beat ark, then yeah, we have a chance

9-10 wins (including a bowl) should be enough to get ranked, but I agree that we need to beat some teams we're "not suppose to".  That said, I wonder what the so called "experts" will predict for A&M...most likely a 7-8 win season?!  It seems that Ags are suppose to "hope" for a good season instead of expecting one...which partially explains why sherman is still the coach (he sure as hell wouldn't be if he were at tu or ou!). 

Beating arkansas would be a good start and if the Ags are 5-0 after that (which they should be) there's a good chance they'll be in the top 25.  This is something that A&M was accustomed to before they fired Slocum.  Winning seasons, bowl games, top 25 rankings were all yearly events prior to fran and sherman.  I think A&M fans have forgotten that and/or think that somehow A&M shouldn't expect that each year.  I say make the coach rise to the expectations rather than fans lowing theirs.   

[nextyearishere]

9-10 wins (including a bowl) should be enough to get ranked, but I agree that we need to beat some teams we're "not suppose to".  That said, I wonder what the so called "experts" will predict for A&M...most likely a 7-8 win season?!  It seems that Ags are suppose to "hope" for a good season instead of expecting one...which partially explains why sherman is still the coach (he sure as hell wouldn't be if he were at tu or ou!). 

Beating arkansas would be a good start and if the Ags are 5-0 after that (which they should be) there's a good chance they'll be in the top 25.  This is something that A&M was accustomed to before they fired Slocum.  Winning seasons, bowl games, top 25 rankings were all yearly events prior to fran and sherman.  I think A&M fans have forgotten that and/or think that somehow A&M shouldn't expect that each year.  I say make the coach rise to the expectations rather than fans lowing theirs.   

I agree with the 9-10 wins this season or Sherman & staff have underachieved once again. But RC's last 4 years produced no top 25 finishes, no major bowl games, and only 29 wins. That got him fired and it will get Sherman fired. RC's 1st 10 years were great. His 7 Big 12 years produced 55 wins & 32 losses. 63% wins. That's why he is gone. I don't think any one posting on this website would accept those #'s. And, yes, we should expect yearly top 10/top 25 end of season rankings.

[XHAWK9]

Solid posts everyone...My REAL gut feeling tells me to expect another letdown.  I feel like we will lose one or two of those "easy wins" and finish out 7-5 with lots of arguing going on between the sunshine pumpers and the fed-uppers.  I am not saying that is what I WANT to happen for sure, but I have gotten my hopes up far too often only to be crushed by the reality of what out team has become...less-than-mediocre.  I pray that I am wrong & we are not having a "firemikesherman" website by mid-season 2010!

So.....please...if there are any bandwagoners out there, please save me room on your wagon just in case! LOL!

[Bobcat1]

I had a dream the other night that A&M made it to the national championship game. Of course, in my dream, they did it via a playoff system so obviously it wasnt next year.

Also in my dream, I was the HC....

Don't know what all that says for 2010? 9 wins?

[allagg]

I had a dream the other night that A&M made it to the national championship game. Of course, in my dream, they did it via a playoff system so obviously it wasnt next year.

Also in my dream, I was the HC....

Don't know what all that says for 2010? 9 wins?

Who cares what it means. YOUR HIRED!

[AggieDad11]

Also in my dream, I was the HC....

Was Dat on your staff?

[aggieraptor99]

I agree with the 9-10 wins this season or Sherman & staff have underachieved once again. But RC's last 4 years produced no top 25 finishes, no major bowl games, and only 29 wins. That got him fired and it will get Sherman fired. RC's 1st 10 years were great. His 7 Big 12 years produced 55 wins & 32 losses. 63% wins. That's why he is gone. I don't think any one posting on this website would accept those #'s. And, yes, we should expect yearly top 10/top 25 end of season rankings.

I think hell must be freezing over because I agree with several things you mention!  Slocum definitely was sliding from 1999 onward, but even in that time he outperformed both fran and sherman combined.  I agreed that he (Slocum) should have been fired, but I haven't forgotten why he was fired when observing fran's, and now sherman's seasons.  A&M should compete at a certain level, regardless of the coaching staff.  Underperformance should be not be accepted.  2010 is make or break for sherman.  It's time to put out...enough foreplay, let's get it on!   

[ccf57arl]

SFA  W    LaTech  W    FLA Intl  W   @ OSU  L  Bad habits return     Piggy W    Mizzou W

tards  L  the Tubberville effect    ou W  take that venables and Nelson, you picked the wrong university!!

@ gaylor W  NU W coach same seniority as our Tank and we start to take back Kyle  @tu L, but could

very easily be a W with retooling in Austin.  Cotton Bowl W.  So 10-3 or 11-2 and BCS possibilities.

Really guys, ou will be a bad team this year, just like 2009.  Stoops is on the downhill road!!

[ccf57arl]

Sorry I missed the W @ ku. 

[BrentC4981]

ccf...you do realize that "bad" OU team put up over 60 on A&M and blew them out?  I think they'll be slightly better than last year but not near championship level like they're used to

[aggieraptor99]

ccf...you do realize that "bad" OU team put up over 60 on A&M and blew them out?  I think they'll be slightly better than last year but not near championship level like they're used to

Agreed, however we need to beat ou soon.  I'm tired of losing to those guys.  We have a better chance this year since it's at Kyle. 

[BrentC4981]

Well I see TU being of course down from this year, it isn't every year, especially when you lose your starting QB, your most explosive offensive weapon and a key defensive guy and go undefeated through your conference championship that you just bounce back.  OU I think you'll see similar to maybe a little better than they were in 2009.  Both are going to bring in new eras of QBs at their schools but OU's guy had almost the whole season to get experience. 

The problem is A&M needs to stop waiting for these other teams to play worse and simply play better and win.  I don't care what BB says about 2011, A&M is gonna struggle bringing in what I assume will be a new starting QB who will probably have little to no in game experience.  Might not be the drop off TU might have with McCoy, simply because I don't think JJ is that great, but it's gonna be some simply because I doubt the guy they'll replace him with is going to have the same skill set he will. 

Tubberville at Tech is the wild card, I get the feeling that either he is going to do very well which isn't good for A&M or TU for that matter, or he's going to flop in a huge way which will probably put Tech right down at the bottom with Baylor and currently A&M.  He had success at Auburn, most of which came with Alabama being down so it'll be interesting to see what he can do, he has Texas ties back with A&M and an undefeated record in the SEC not too long ago so we'll see how it plays out.

[aggiedad]

OU I think you'll see similar to maybe a little better than they were in 2009.  Both are going to bring in new eras of QBs at their schools but OU's guy had almost the whole season to get experience.

OU did loose some defensive guys early to the draft so we'll see if that has any impact on them defensively. I do think if DeRuyter can turn the Ag defense around that it should be a ballgame this year with home field advantage. A lot is also going to depend on JJ being "consistent" the whole year and not being up & down like last year. Brent, like you I'm not sold on JJ and if he isn't consistent, then S-man better man-up and replace him! 

[DallasHorn]

I used to ask more of these theoretical questions but haven't had the time for it much lately. Now I'm curious, I could see you guys having a better 2010 and maybe a little slide back (not too much but a little in 2011). So if that was the case, say you come in second in the South and win a bowl game in 2010 with 8 to 10 wins. Then in 2011 you had say 7 to 8 wins and bowl win. Also assume no blowouts in the losses and that you have the final vote on keeping the HC. I know there are numerous other factors (contract/money/how recruiting is going/etc.) But in a straight up / down vote what do you do? To shorten things up I would vote to keep a coach for one more year. And I believe we can count on Brent to vote for the flush, so how about the remainder of you?

[AggieDad11]

To me, it would depend at that point in time how good (or bad) of a job Sherman had done as far as 'coaching up' his recruits. Right now, this seems to be a weak area for the coaching crew. After 2011, we will know full well if the changes he is making right now with his assistants has solved that problem or not. Record alone won't be the determining factor, you never know when injuries are going to rear their ugly head and ruin an otherwise promising season. Like others have said too, no more blowouts, take back Kyle field, and at least appear to have a shot at beating ou & tu every year is a must.

So, the bottom line in 2011, if we are 7 or 8 wins (or worse) there had better be some problems that cannot be blamed on coaching for him to stay.

[BrentC4981]

Horn I would because say in 2011 that's ALL Shermans guys, sure they lose JJ, but even good teams can win 9-10 wins and a bowl game while breaking in a new QB.

There's no reason why this team and all these guys Sherman is bringing in should lose a QB and only get 7 wins.  I don't see TU expecting 7 wins just because they're losing McCoy and Shipley (along with a few other guys), A&M supposedly is bringing in upper level talent, which on paper it looks like that, so next year they should be better than 2009 forsure, and 2011 they should still be good enough, new QB or not, with a good coach to get 9-10 wins. 

Otherwise you could always use this excuse.  College is a game of young guys, and you have to win with those.

Aggiedad I agree, so many people say they see all these great things with JJ, but I watched all but one game on TV this year and I saw him when had guys after him or had to make plays and only in the TU game did he step up, other games he looked just as bad as he did in 2008, sure he's gotten slightly better but I didn't see any magic improvement like you did in McCoy from 2007 to 2008.  He needs to step up and win some games, nearly any QB can put up big numbers in these Big 12 offenses, but it's winning the games that matters.