Texas A&M Aggies
2001 record: 8-4 (4-4)
Coach: R.C. Slocum (14th year, 117-41-2)
Starters returning: 10 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker

Outlook: Texas and Oklahoma have been getting all the attention, not only as favorites to win the Big 12 South but also the national championship.

That's fine with A&M cornerback Sammy Davis. "Those are two opportunities for us to shock the world,'' he said. "Them being highly ranked -- I like that."

	Around The Big 12
	Baylor Bears
	Colorado Buffaloes
	Iowa State Cyclones
	Kansas Jayhawks
	Kansas State Wildcats
	Missouri Tigers
	Nebraska Cornhuskers
	Oklahoma Sooners
	Oklahoma State Cowboys
	Texas Longhorns
	Texas A&M Aggies
	Texas Tech Red Raiders

The same A&M program that once dominated the old Southwest Conference, winning 35 straight conference games from 1989-94, now revels in a spoiler role. For the Aggies to fill that bill though they must breathe live into an offense that had difficulty being consistent running or passing last season and ranked 107th in the nation last year.

Quarterback Mark Farris returns to an offense that returns 10 starters, the result of a rash of injuries that forced younger players into the lineup. A skilled group of receivers, led by the return of Bethel Johnson (ruptured spleen), is a big plus.

A&M's defense was typically formidable last season -- 10th in total defense nationally -- and if the Aggies can rebuild a defensive line around standout end Ty Warren, they'll be back in business.

Key game: Texas Tech. Forget Texas. The Aggies have a bigger blood rivalry, thanks to a post-game melee that began when Tech fans tore down the goalposts after the Red Raiders' 12-0 win in Lubbock last season and carried them to the Aggie fan section. Need proof? This is from the A&M media guide: "On Nov. 3 the Texas Tech fans were even uglier than the barren stretch dirt (sic) some West Texans call a city. … The Red Raiders, even in victory, looked like classless clowns. No school in America better deserves Bobby Knight than Texas Tech." Stay tuned.

Keep an eye on: Reggie McNeal. The strong-armed freshman quarterback proved he can sling strong words, too, telling The Dallas Morning News that he could end up starting by "the fourth or fifth game of the year." That came as a surprise to returning starter Mark Farris, who said bluntly, "I'm not going anywhere." If Farris can't move a moribund Aggie offense, though, he may have no choice but to give way to the abundantly talented McNeal.

It's a good year if . . . The Aggies rediscover their running game. Four different players started at halfback last year and the results were predictable. A&M's 1,254 yards rushing was the lowest team season total since 1970. The return of sophomore Derek Farmer, who was limited in he last three games with a hyperextended knee, could allow for increased stability. Keith Joseph returns as the Aggies' prime short-yardage back.

Mark Wangrin covers the Big 12 for the San Antonio Express-News.