12/18/10
If a surprise is going to exist in the Top 10 with these preseason polls that roll out from now through August, Texas A&M is the likely candidate to take such an honor. The red hot Aggies are currently riding a six game winning streak that includes victories over Big 12 power hitters Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. The emergence of bulldozing All-Big 12 running back Cyrus Gray has been a major key to this streak after top back Christine Michael's season ended with a broken leg. Both are back for next season. Former receiver Ryan Tannehill stepped in for quarterback Jerrod Johnson about this time too and has never looked back. Although they possess an ability to pound the ball on the ground, the aerial attack ranks 18th nationally, affording this team the balanced attack required for winning in this conference. 13 players caught passes in 2010, 12 of them are back including All-Big 12 “go to” guy Jeff Fuller. The defense has been one of the leagues most improved. The ability to stuff the run against teams like Nebraska paid huge dividends. The only sour note is that energetic linebackers Von Miller and Michael Hodges will depart. Head coach Mike Sherman got what he expected out of new defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. The defense again has recharged the name "Wrecking Crew" and the overall swagger seems to be resurfacing in College Station after being absent for the past several years. With 18 starters back in the mix this team has a real chance to be a Big 12 Champion. The Cotton Bowl game with highly rated LSU is a huge stepping-stone for this program. A win here and A&M will have sealed a Top 10 start for the upcoming campaign.