Aggies, Buffalos to put in all on the line

Texas A&M hosts Colorado

It’s rare that two tail end Charlie’s have so much to lose and so much to gain in one game.

That’s the situation when the Texas A&M Aggies (3-5, 1-3 Big 12) and the Colorado Buffalos (4-4, 1-3 Big 12) meet Saturday in College Station.

The Buffs desperately need a win on the road to have any hope for a bowl game. The Aggies know that to have any hope for a bowl this is a must-win, too. They have a one-game winning streak to protect and extend, and they yet to win a Big 12 game at Kyle Field this year.

These are two very proud programs that have fallen on hard times. The Buffalos were creamed last week by the resurgent Missouri Tigers, 55-0. The shutout was the first for a Buffalo offense since 1988. The scoreless game ended an incredible 242-game scoring streak. It was the ninth longest in the NCAA.

Likewise, the Aggies know that this is a must win game for any hope of post-season play. They still must play Oklahoma, Texas, and Baylor. Expect the Aggies to put it all on the line for the noisy 12 th Man student section.

The Aggies last week finally proved to themselves they could win a Big 12 game against Iowa State, 49-35. The offense came mostly in the air and provided sophomore Quarterback Jerrod Johnson with a personal high. He tossed for 381 yards and four TD’s.

“It’s big! I mean we’re getting down to it!” Colorado coach Dan Head Coach Dan Hawkins said earlier this week. He was asked about the Buffalo’s chances of qualifying for a bowl.

The Buffalos are preparing for the expected crowd noise at Kyle Field. The CU sports information department reported that the Buffalos have been practicing in a simulated noisy environment.

“Coach [Jeff] Grimes coached there and we know it’s one of the great places to play in the country; a lot of tradition, a lot of noise,” Hawkins said. “I have been there, but I haven’t been there during a game.”

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The porous Aggie defense will get a chance to see one of the most highly touted freshmen in the nation. He is Darrell Scott, a 6’ 1” tailback. He labeled as the “next La Damien Tomlinson”. So far he has played in eight games and gained 191 yards.

However, the offensive show for the Buffs has been from freshman Rodney Stewart, 5’ 6” 175. He has gained 603 yards in eight games.

Aggie tailback Michael Goodson’s knee injury should keep him out one more week. However, lineman Travis Schneider is expected to be back in action.

The Aggies and the Buffalos meet at 1:05 p.m. CT at Kyle Field. There will be no television coverage. Sirius Satellite Radio will broadcast on channels 119 and 113.

By Jay Goode
Big 12 Fans Texas A&M Correspondent

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