2012 Texas A&M Aggies football team

2012 Texas A&M Aggies football
Cotton Bowl Classic Champions
Conference Southeastern Conference
Division Western Division
Ranking
Coaches No. 5
AP No. 5
2012 record 11–2 (6–2 SEC)
Head coach Kevin Sumlin (1st year)
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (1st year)
Offensive scheme Air Raid[1]
Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder (1st year)
Co-defensive coordinator Marcel Yates (1st year)
Base defense 4–3[1]
Captain Pat Lewis
Captain Sean Porter
Captain Ryan Swope
Captain Steven Terrell
Home stadium Kyle Field (Capacity: 82,589)
2012 SEC football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
Eastern Division
#5т Georgia xy   7 – 1         12 – 2  
#9 Florida x%   7 – 1         11 – 2  
#8 South Carolina   6 – 2         11 – 2  
#23 Vanderbilt   5 – 3         9 – 4  
Missouri   2 – 6         5 – 7  
Tennessee   1 – 7         5 – 7  
Kentucky   0 – 8         2 – 10  
Western Division
#1 Alabama x$#   7 – 1         13 – 1  
#14 LSU   6 – 2         10 – 3  
#5т Texas A&M   6 – 2         11 – 2  
Mississippi State   4 – 4         8 – 5  
Ole Miss   3 – 5         7 – 6  
Arkansas   2 – 6         4 – 8  
Auburn   0 – 8         3 – 9  
Championship: Alabama 32, Georgia 28
  • # – BCS National Champion
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • % – BCS at-large representative
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2012 Texas A&M Aggies football team represented Texas A&M University in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Aggies were led by first year head coach Kevin Sumlin in their first year as a member of the Southeastern Conference, playing in the SEC's Western Division. They played their home games at Kyle Field. Because the Aggies scheduled 2 FCS opponents they needed 7 wins in the regular season to become eligible for postseason competition (if they beat both FCS teams); Texas A&M won 10 games in the regular season (including both games against FCS opponents) and thus became bowl-eligible.

During the off-season, in anticipation of the demand for tickets from students and to comply with SEC rules, Texas A&M reallocated some student seating sections netting a gain of 128 seats and bringing the student section to 30,284 seats, the largest in the nation.[2]

On March 27, 2012 Texas A&M announced that season tickets were sold out, making it the earliest sellout in school history.[3]

The 2012 football season was highly successful for the Aggies. The team went 11-2, with victories over the then number one team in the nation Alabama and in the 2013 Cotton Bowl Classic over the Oklahoma Sooners. A&M's starting quarterback, Johnny Manziel, became the first freshman to be awarded the Heisman Trophy,[4] and only the second Aggie player ever to win the Heisman. Texas A&M's 5th-place finish in the AP Poll was the highest for the program since 1956.

Before the season

Previous season

In 2011, Texas A&M began the season ranked 8th in the AP Poll and 9th in the Coaches Poll. They won their first two games, but fell to ranked opponents Oklahoma State and Arkansas. The Aggies won the next three, including a 55-28 victory over rival and #20 ranked Baylor. However, A&M could not sustain success and fell in its next three, with losses to #7 Oklahoma and #17 Kansas State in 4 overtimes. After beating Kansas, Texas A&M lost its final regular season rivalry game with Texas 25-27. Following this defeat, 4-year head coach Mike Sherman was fired, and replaced by Kevin Sumlin. The Aggies went on to defeat Northwestern in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas with Tim DeRuyter as interim head coach. Texas A&M finished 7–6, unranked, and tied for 6th in the Big XII.

2012 NFL Draft

Four Texas A&M players were drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.[5]

2012 NFL Draft selections
Round Pick # Team Player Position
1 8 Miami Dolphins Ryan Tannehill Quarterback
5 161 Houston Texans Randy Bullock Kicker
6 182 Kansas City Chiefs Cyrus Gray Running back
7 246 Pittsburgh Steelers Terrence Frederick Corner

After the draft, five Aggies were signed as undrafted free agents.[5]

Signed as Undrafted Free Agent
Player Team Position
Jeff Fuller Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver
Coryell Judie Denver Broncos Corner
Tony Jerod-Eddie San Francisco 49ers Defensive End
Eddie Brown San Diego Chargers Defensive Tackle
Lionel Smith Dallas Cowboys Corner

Spring practice

Spring Practice began on March 31 and ended with the annual Maroon & White game on April 28. It also included an open scrimmage on April 14 and the Friday Night Lights game on April 20.[6] Senior RB Christine Michael's practice was limited, due to recovering from a torn ACL.[7]

In the Maroon & White game, the white (offense) edged out the maroon (defense) 48-44, with the offense running over 100 plays in the first half. Ryan Swope had 8 catches for 156 yards and 2 TDs. The game was also a showcase for the battle between quarterbacks Jameill Showers and Johnny Manziel, with the former tossing 2 TDs to Malcome Kennedy and Ryan Swope, and the latter also having 1 TD to Swope. Top RB Christine Michael did not play, but other backs Ben Malena and Will Randolph still combined for 3 TDs behind a dominant offensive line led by tackle Luke Joeckel. Showers finished 20 of 31 for 203 yards and 2 TDs, while Manziel was 13 of 27 for 154 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Mark Snyder's new defense was led in tackles by sophomore Donnie Baggs (8) and senior Steven Jenkins (9). Senior Jonathan Stewart, sophomore Domonique Patterson, and sophomore Johntel Franklin each contributed 6 tackles and senior LB Sean Porter had 2, both sacks.[8][9]

Fall practice

Fall training camp began on August 3 and ended on August 18.[10] By August, Texas A&M had 8 different players on preseason award watch lists: Sean Porter for the Chuck Bednarik Award; Uzoma Nwachukwu and Ryan Swope for the Biletnikoff Award; Damontre Moore and Sean Porter for the Butkus Award; Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews, and Sean Porter for the Lombardi Award; Christine Michael for the Maxwell Award; Sean Porter for the Bronco Nagurski Award; Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews for the Outland Trophy; Patrick Lewis for the Rimington Trophy; and Christine Michael for the Doak Walker Award.[11]

Personnel

Full roster

2012 Texas A&M Aggies football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 1 Malena, BenBen Malena Jr
QB 2 Manziel, JohnnyJohnny Manziel  Fr
QB 3 Showers, JameillJameill Showers  So
WR 4 Jackson, BrandalBrandal Jackson Sr
WR 5 McNeal, KenricKenric McNeal Sr
QB 6 Davis, MattMatt Davis Fr
WR 7 Nwachukwu, UzomaUzoma Nwachukwu Sr
WR 8 Johnson, ThomasThomas Johnson Fr
WR 9 Askew, NateNate Askew Jr
WR 10 Williams, LeKendrickLeKendrick Williams  So
WR 11 Walker, DerelDerel Walker Jr
WR 13 Evans, MikeMike Evans  Fr
QB 14 McQueen, ConnerConner McQueen Fr
WR 15 Labhart, TravisTravis Labhart Jr
QB 16 Joeckel, MattMatt Joeckel  So
QB 17 Stump, JoshuaJoshua Stump Fr
WR 18 Pope, EdwardEdward Pope Fr
TE 19 Lamothe, MichaelMichael Lamothe Sr
RB 20 Williams, TreyTrey Williams Fr
RB 21 Carson, TraTra Carson (I) So
RB 23 Holmes, SabianSabian Holmes Fr
WR 25 Swope, RyanRyan Swope (C) Sr
RB 26 Giamfortone, SamSam Giamfortone  So
RB 27 Dolezal, BriceBrice Dolezal Fr
RB 28 Williams, BrandonBrandon Williams (I) So
RB 29 Cottonham, D'CardioD'Cardio Cottonham Fr
RB 33 Michael, ChristineChristine Michael Sr
WR 35 Wilkins, MattMatt Wilkins So
RB 37 Graham, GarrettGarrett Graham  So
TE 47 Inglett, DanielDaniel Inglett  Fr
OL 50 Ortega, JustinJustin Ortega  So
OL 51 Harrison, JarvisJarvis Harrison  So
OL 53 Smith, CadenCaden Smith  Fr
OL 56 Matthews, MikeMike Matthews Fr
OL 57 Guthrie, DylanDylan Guthrie  So
OL 59 Woodum, AllenAllen Woodum Sr
OL 60 Gutekunst, NathanNathan Gutekunst  Fr
OL 61 Lewis, PatrickPatrick Lewis (C) Sr
OL 65 Arechiga, John-AlbertJohn-Albert Arechiga Fr
OL 68 Compton, BenBen Compton So
OL 70 Ogbuehi, CedricCedric Ogbuehi  So
OL 71 Tipoti, KimoKimo Tipoti Fr
OL 74 Ifedi, GermainGermain Ifedi Fr
OL 75 Matthews, JakeJake Matthews Jr
OL 76 Joeckel, LukeLuke Joeckel Jr
OL 77 Klinke, ShepShep Klinke Jr
OL 78 Gramling, GarrettGarrett Gramling  So
OL 79 Cheek, JosephJoseph Cheek  Fr
TE 81 Hicks, NehemiahNehemiah Hicks Jr
WR 82 Niederhofer, BooneBoone Niederhofer Fr
WR 83 Beardmore, ColtonColton Beardmore  Fr
WR 84 Kennedy, MalcomeMalcome Kennedy  So
WR 85 Aubuchon, KyleKyle Aubuchon So
TE 86 Little, CalebCaleb Little  So
WR 88 Lamascus, GastonGaston Lamascus  Jr
 Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DB 1 Harris, De'VanteDe'Vante Harris Fr
DB 2 Campbell, StevenSteven Campbell Sr
DB 4 Hurd Jr., ToneyToney Hurd Jr. Jr
DB 6 Gardiner, DesmondDesmond Gardiner  Jr
DB 7 Jacobs, TramainTramain Jacobs Jr
LB 10 Porter, SeanSean Porter (C) Sr
LB 11 Stewart, JonathanJonathan Stewart Sr
DB 14 Raven Sr., FloydFloyd Raven Sr. So
DB 15 Marshall, KennethKenneth Marshall Fr
DB 19 Fritsche, MattMatt Fritsche  Fr
DB 20 Jones, C.J.C.J. Jones Sr
DB 21 Terrell, StevenSteven Terrell (C) Sr
DB 22 Harris, DustinDustin Harris Sr
LB 23 Patterson, DomoniqueDomonique Patterson Jr
DB 25 Honeycutt, ClayClay Honeycutt  So
DB 26 Burns, DevontaDevonta Burns  Fr
LB 27 Osadebey, MichaelMichael Osadebey Sr
DB 29 Everett, DeshazorDeshazor Everett So
DB 30 Franklin, JohntelJohntel Franklin  Jr
DB 31 Matthews, HowardHoward Matthews So
DB 32 Riney, RylanRylan Riney  Fr
LB 33 Richardson, MichaelMichael Richardson Fr
LB 34 Richmond, JordanJordan Richmond Fr
LB 35 Taylor, TyrellTyrell Taylor So
LB 36 Baggs, DonnieDonnie Baggs So
DB 39 Taylor, MarvinMarvin Taylor Fr
LB 40 Ward, ShaunShaun Ward So
LB 43 Bass, JustinJustin Bass So
DB 44 Moeller, SamSam Moeller  Fr
LB 45 Jenkins, StevenSteven Jenkins Jr
LB 46 Russell, JakeJake Russell Jr
LB 49 Hoff, BrandonBrandon Hoff Fr
LB 50 Taylor, TyroneTyrone Taylor Fr
DL 55 Williams, AlonzoAlonzo Williams Fr
LB 57 Munrose, AlvinAlvin Munrose Fr
LB 58 Johnson, CodyCody Johnson  Fr
DL 67 Godwin, TylerTyler Godwin Fr
DL 72 Stansbury, GavinGavin Stansbury  So
DL 73 Scales, RhontaeRhontae Scales  Jr
DL 89 Robinson, IvanIvan Robinson  So
DL 90 Manukainiu, PoloPolo Manukainiu Fr
DL 92 Mathis, JonathanJonathan Mathis Sr
DL 94 Moore, DamontreDamontre Moore Jr
DL 95 Obioha, JulienJulien Obioha Fr
DL 98 Hatten, ShayvionShayvion Hatten  Fr
DL 99 Nealy, SpencerSpencer Nealy Sr
 Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
PK 24 Bertolet, TaylorTaylor Bertolet  Fr
PK 31 Wicks, SethSeth Wicks Fr
PK 36 Plowman, DavisDavis Plowman Fr
P 38 Kaser, DrewDrew Kaser So
PK 40 Hiddink, SethSeth Hiddink Fr
P 48 Epperson, RyanRyan Epperson Sr
PK 49 Lambo, JoshJosh Lambo So
DS 62 Brown, NickNick Brown Fr
DS 64 Puffer, JonathanJonathan Puffer So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Scott Aligo – Defensive Graduate Assistant
  • B.J. Anderson – Offensive Line
  • David Beaty – Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator
  • Kenny Bell – Director of Recruiting
  • Bryan Cummings – Special Teams Quality Control
  • Larry Jackson – Director of Football Sports Performance
  • Kliff Kingsbury – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
  • Clarence McKinney – Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs
  • Justin Moore – Associate Athletic Director for Football
  • Brian Polian – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends
  • Terry Price – Defensive Line
  • Nathan Reeves – Offensive Quality Control
  • Gary Reynolds – Director of Football Operations
  • Mark Snyder – Defensive Coordinator
  • Byron Thomas – Defensive Graduate Assistant
  • Matt Wallerstedt – Linebackers
  • Marcel Yates – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: May 24, 2013

Recruiting class

In the 2012 recruiting class, Texas A&M recruited 19 players, 5 of which were included in the ESPN 150. The class was ranked 15th in the nation by ESPN and Rivals, and 21st nationally by Scout.[12][13][14]

Returning starters

Offense
Player Class Position
Christine Michael Senior Running Back
Ryan Swope Senior Wide Receiver
Uzoma Nwachukwu Senior Wide Receiver
Michael Lamothe Senior Tight End
Luke Joeckel Junior Left Tackle
Patrick Lewis Senior Center
Cedric Ogbuehi Sophomore Right Guard
Jake Matthews Junior Right Tackle
Defense
Player Class Position
Spencer Nealy Senior Defensive Tackle
Damontre Moore Junior Defensive End/Jack Linebacker
Jonathan Stewart Senior Linebacker
Steven Jenkins Junior Linebacker
Sean Porter Senior Linebacker
Special Teams
Player Class Position
Ryan Epperson Senior Punter
Dustin Harris Junior Punt Returner

Depth chart

Defense
FS
Steven Terrell
Toney Hurd Jr.
WLB Mike SLB
⋅ Jonathan Stewart ⋅
Donnie Baggs Justin Bass ⋅
BS
Howard Matthews
Johntel Franklin
CB
Dustin Harris
Tramain Jacobs
DE DT DT DE
Damontre Moore Spencer Nealy Kirby Ennis Julien Obioha
Tyrell Taylor Ivan Robinson Jonathan Mathis Gavin Stansbury
CB
Deshazor Everett
De'Vante Harris
Offense
WR
Uzoma Nwachukwu
Sabian Holmes
WR
Kenric McNeal
LeKendrick Williams
LT LG C RG RT
Luke Joeckel Jarvis Harrison Patrick Lewis Cedric Ogbuehi Jake Matthews
Germain Ifedi Germain Ifedi Mike Matthews Ben Compton Joseph Creek
WR
Ryan Swope
Malcome Kennedy
WR
Mike Evans
Derel Walker
QB
Johnny Manziel
Jameill Showers
RB
Ben Malena/Christine Michael
Trey Williams
Special Teams
PK Taylor Bertolet
PK Josh Lambo
P Ryan Epperson
P Drew Kaser
KR Trey Williams
PR Dustin Harris
LS Jake Matthews
H Ryan Epperson

Schedule

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 8 2:30 PM No. 24 Florida Kyle Field • College Station, TX ESPN L 17–20   87,114
September 15 2:30 PM at SMU* Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, TX FSN W 48–3   32,016
September 22 6:00 PM South Carolina State* Kyle Field • College Station, TX SECRN W 70–14   86,775
September 29 11:21 AM Arkansas Kyle Field • College Station, TX (Southwest Classic) SECN W 58–10   86,442
October 6 6:00 PM at Ole Miss Vaught–Hemingway Stadium • Oxford, MS ESPNU W 30–27   55,343
October 13 8:15 PM at No. 23 Louisiana Tech* No. 22 Independence Stadium • Shreveport, LA ESPNU W 59–57   40,453
October 20 11:00 AM No. 6 LSU No. 20 Kyle Field • College Station, TX (Rivalry) ESPN L 19–24   87,429
October 27 6:00 PM at Auburn No. 22 Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL ESPNU W 63–21   85,119
November 3 11:00 AM at No. 17 Mississippi State No. 16 Davis Wade Stadium • Starkville, MS ESPN W 38–13   55,240
November 10 2:30 PM at No. 1 Alabama No. 15 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL CBS W 29–24   101,821
November 17 2:30 PM Sam Houston State* No. 9 Kyle Field • College Station, TX PPV W 47–28   87,101
November 24 6:00 PM Missouri No. 9 Kyle Field • College Station, TX ESPN2 W 59–29   87,222
January 4 7:00 PM vs. No. 12 Oklahoma* No. 10 Cowboys Stadium • Arlington, TX (Cotton Bowl Classic) FOX W 41–13   87,025
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from Associated Press Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final 
AP RV RV NR RV RV RV 22 20 22 16 15 9 9 10 10 5 т 
Coaches' RV RV RV RV RV RV 21 19 21 16 14 10 10 8 9 5 
Harris Not released 23 19 21 18 15 10 10 9 9 Not released 
BCS Not released 18 20 16 15 8 9 9 9 Not released

Game notes

Florida

1 234Total
• #24 Florida 7 337 20
Texas A&M 3 1400 17
  • Location: College Station, Texas (Kyle Field)
  • Game start: 2:37 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:13
  • Game attendance: 87,114
  • Game weather: 83°, clear, winds N at 21 mph
  • Referee: Matt Moore
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (commentary), Heather Cox (sideline reporter)

After Texas A&M's season opener against Louisiana Tech was postponed due to Hurricane Isaac, the Aggies began the season against SEC opponent #24 Florida. This was a historic start for redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel, who won the job in Fall practice. Manziel was the first freshman QB to start a season-opener for the Aggies since 1944. Texas A&M played well in the first half and saw promising performances from both the offense and defense, but they could not sustain the success and were held scoreless in the second half, ultimately falling 20-17 to lose their first ever SEC conference game.

Texas A&M received the ball on the opening kickoff. Their first play from scrimmage in the SEC was a false start on center Patrick Lewis; however, the offense was not slowed by this misstep and had a 14-play, 66-yard opening drive, highlighted by a 16-yard run from Johnny Manziel. On 3rd and goal from the 7, Manziel completed a pass into the endzone to an open Mike Evans, but Manziel was past the line of scrimmage, causing an Illegal Forward Pass penalty and a 4th down. Fellow redshirt freshman Taylor Bertolet made the 27-yard field goal to put the Aggies on the board first. Texas A&M's defense struggled early, though, and with the help of a few long passes from Florida QB Jeff Driskel, the Gators had a 13-play, 75-yard drive capped of by a Mike Gillislee 4-yard TD run to take the lead 7-3. But the Aggies' offense showed no signs of slowing, as they drove all the way to the Florida 14 before the 1st Quarter ended.

Three plays into the 2nd Quarter and the Aggies had scored their first SEC touchdown—an 11-yard scramble by Johnny Manziel. Texas A&M took the lead back 10-7. Florida's next series began with Jeff Driskel being sacked by DE Damontre Moore. The Gators didn't move far before Driskel was sacked twice more, first by Steven Jenkens and then a second time by Moore, forcing a punt. On A&M's next drive, Manziel connected with freshman RB Trey Williams for 28 yards and then on a trick play, WR Kenric McNeal completed a pass to Mike Evans for 27. Near the goal line, the Aggies pounded the ball in with senior RB Christine Michael to extend the lead, 17-7. On the next possession, Driskel was again sacked by Moore, but made up the yardage with a long 30-yard pass to Jordan Reed. At the A&M 28, Driskel was sacked for the fifth time of the game by senior DT Spencer Nealy. On 4th and 12 at A&M's 33, the Gators' Caleb Sturgis attempted a long 51-yard field goal and missed; however, Texas A&M took a timeout prior to the snap, and on his second try Sturgis knocked it home to reduce the Aggies' lead to 17-10. Back on offense, the Aggies could not get down the field before the half ended; the score still 17-10 Texas A&M.

Florida received the ball coming back from the half, and wasted no time moving the ball downfield on the ground, highlighted by Mike Gillislee rushing for 24 and Driskel scrambling for 12. Ultimately the drive stalled inside the 10 and Florida had to settle for another Sturgis field goal, chipping the lead down to 17-13. Texas A&M's offense never got going in the second half however, and their fist possession gained only 8 yards, forcing the first put of the game for Ryan Epperson. The teams traded defensive blows for the next few possessions: Florida's 2nd of the half gained only 11 after Driskel was sacked 2 more times by Nealy and Porter. A&M totaled -1 on their ensuing drive, and after the Gators received the punt, they could not sustain the ground attack and gave the ball back to the Aggies for a possession stifled by a personal foul penalty to end the 3rd Quarter. The Aggies were clinging to a 4-point lead, 17-13.

The 4th Quarter began with Manziel being sacked by Lerentee McCray, and the Aggies promptly punting. Starting with good field position at their own 38, the Gators' passing game came through and Driskel completed a 39-yard bomb to Omarius Hines down to the A&M 18. After a short Solomon Patton rush, Mike Gillislee took a pitch to the right side and tip-toed in bounds to score a 12-yard TD and take the lead 20-17. The A&M offense could not find an answer to the tough Gator defense and had to punt on the next drive. The Aggie defense did prevent Florida from extending the lead (due in part to yet another Driskel sack, his 8th of the game, this time by safety Floyd Raven Sr.) and gave the offense another chance. After 2 no-gain plays, Manziel scrambled for just over 9 yards and was marked just short of the 1st down. Unable to convert, they gave it back to Florida, who was again held to only 3 yards to give the Aggies one last chance with 6:10 remaining in the game. The drive looked hopeful: a few short gains moved the sticks twice, but after a false start on Lewis, the Aggies could not convert. On their own 39, they were forced to punt with only 3:13 left on the clock. Once the Gators got the ball, the Aggie defense could not slow them, giving up a 15-yard facemask penalty, a 12-yard Patton run, and a 21-yard Driskel rush, which allowed Florida to kneel the ball and take the rest of the time off the clock, ending the game 20-17.

Johnny Manziel finished the game 23-of-30 for 173 yards (his lowest total of the season) with no TDs or INTs. He led the team in rushing yards with 60 on 17 attempts, averaging 3.5 (his 2nd lowest of the season). Mike Evans led the team in receiving with 7 catches for 60 yards. Notably, Damontre Moore had a career-high 3.0 sacks and a then-career-high 10.0 tackles, pitching in to the Aggies' 8.0 total sacks for a loss of 48 yards. He received the SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week award for his performance.[18] The loss dropped A&M's all-time record against Florida to 1-2.[19] Although the Aggies began their SEC debut with a tough loss, hopes were still high for Kevin Sumlin's new team, and freshman QB Johnny Manziel looked promising.

SMU

1 234Total
• Texas A&M 0 20217 48
SMU 0 030 3
  • Location: Dallas, Texas (Ford Stadium)
  • Game start: 2:35 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:36
  • Game attendance: 32,016
  • Game weather: 73°, partly cloudy, winds WNW at 5 mph
  • Referee: Penn Wagers
  • TV announcers (FSN): Ron Thulin (play-by-play), Shaun King (commentary), Desmond Purnell (sideline reporter)

Following their loss to Florida, the Aggies took on non-conference opponent SMU. The offense got off to a slow start, but came to life in the 2nd Quarter. After the Aggies scored 27 unanswered points, SMU made a field goal to get their only points of the game. A&M scored 21 more afterwards to make it a 48-3 rout. Johnny Manziel set an A&M freshman passing record with 294 yards and helped improve the Aggies' record to 1-1.

Texas A&M received the ball to start the game; however, the offense struggled for the first few possessions of the game. After losing 6 yards on a pass to Thomas Johnson, Manziel rushed for 11 but could not convert the 3rd and 16, forcing the first drive of the game to end in a punt. The Aggie defense looked strong though, and with SMU on 3rd and 8, DE Damontre Moore shined again, sacking quarterback Garrett Gilbert for a loss of 9. A&M then moved the chains once, but after a Manziel sack by Taylor Reed and a false start, they once again could not convert a 3rd and long. Deep in their own territory, the Mustangs put together a stronger 33-yard drive, but a series of incompletions forced yet another punt from Chase Hover. The Aggies' next drive was the most disastrous of the game, with a 7-yard Manziel sack by Margus Hunt and a False Start penalty, giving the drive a net gain of -12 yards. On SMU's next drive, Gilbert was sacked by DE Julien Obioha and fumbled the ball into the hands of SMU OL Ben Gottschalk for a loss of 5. With the ball back, Manziel completed a 38-yard pass to Mike Evans who bounced off of tackles to go down to the SMU 42-yard line. After failing to be able to run the ball, A&M attempted to convert a 4th and 2, but Manziel's pass to Malcome Kennedy was incomplete. After the Mustangs' offense was again stopped, they ended the quarter with a punt to A&M's Dustin Harris, who made a return for 20 yards before Kevin Pope forced a fumble into the hands of the Aggies' RB Trey Williams, who made an additional 17 yards on the return. The defense-dominated 1st Quarter ended at 0-0.

In the beginning of the 2nd Quarter, it looked as if the A&M offense was finally threatening, with Manziel completing another long 30-yard pass down the right sideline to Mike Evans at the SMU 12. Unable to convert, however, the Aggies had to kick a short field goal from the 5, but freshman Taylor Bertolet missed the 23-yarder. After holding SMU to 9 yards and a punt, A&M seemed to struggle on offense again, until Manziel completed a 22-yard pass to Evans on 4th and 4. They finally started to click, and a few plays later Manziel completed a slant to senior WR Ryan Swope who split the safeties and gave A&M the first points of the game on a 29-yard TD. After a pair of SMU punts, Manziel started the drive with a 48-yard scramble TD, but Bertolet's PAT was blocked by Hunt. Only 3 plays later Aggie DB Tramain Jacobs intercepted Garrett Gilbert to let the Aggies go on a 7-play, 73-yard drive capped off by a 26-yard TD pass slung on the run by Manziel to senior WR Uzoma Nwachukwu. After driving 44 yards, the Mustangs attempted a field goal but Chase Hover missed the 48-yarder to end the half with Texas A&M leading 20-0.

The Aggies forced a punt on SMU's first possession of the half. Back on offense the Aggies drove 37 yards, when, on 3rd and 9, Manziel shook off a would-be sack and threw an off-balance pass to Kenric McNeal, who avoided defenders to take the pass into the end zone for a 42-yard TD. On the Mustangs' next possession they drove 67 yards and scored their only points of the game on a Hover 25-yard field goal. On the ensuing drive, the Aggie offense continued to roll when Manziel ran for 25 yards and a 15-yard TD. For SMU, Gilbert was sacked by Moore, and then Dustin Harris returned the following punt for 36 yards. Later, Manziel connected with Nwachukwu for a 12-yard TD to extend the lead. The Mustangs finished the half down 41-3.

In the 4th Quarter the Aggies subbed in the 2nd string offense. Quarterback Jameill Showers led the offense 80 yards down field (with impressive passes to Thomas Johnson for 15 and 22 yards) and Trey Williams scored on a 2-yard run. The Aggies forced a punt and took time off the clock. To finish out the half, A&M held SMU to a turnover on downs and took the rest of the time off the clock to finish the game 48-3.

Johnny Manziel finished 20-of-36 for 294 yards and 4 TDs. He also rushed for an impressive 124 yards on 13 carries and 2 TDs. Evans and Swope had 6 catches for 123 yards and 5 catches for 70 yards and 1 TD, respectively. Damontre Moore had 2.0 sacks for a loss of 14. The victory improved A&M's all-time record against SMU to 43-29-7.[22] Sumlin's Aggies seemed to be heating up, and the offense was looking more and more explosive being led by Manziel.

South Carolina State

1 234Total
South Carolina State 7 007 14
• Texas A&M 14 35714 70
  • Location: College Station, Texas (Kyle Field)
  • Game start: 6:07 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:12
  • Game attendance: 86,775
  • Game weather: 94°, clear, winds SE at 6 mph
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (FSN): Bob Rathbun (play-by-play), Tim Couch (commentary), Elizabeth Moreau (sideline reporter)

After a convincing win over SMU, the Aggies took on non-conference opponent and FCS team South Carolina State. The Bulldogs were 1-2 heading into the competition, and the Aggies 1-1.

The Aggies took the field on offense first and started strong, but stalled out after a -2-yard run by Ryan Swope and a sack on Manziel by Justin Hughes. SC State's first drive yielded 0 yards and resulted in a punt by Nick Belcher. After a 19-yard return from A&M senior DB Dustin Harris, the Aggies started their drive on the SC State 33-yard line. They ran the ball successfully, and scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run by Ben Malena. The teams traded a few punts before the ball was back in the hands of Manziel and the A&M offense. The Aggies worked downfield, and Johnny Manziel capped off the drive by flipping 9-yard TD pass on the run to Uzoma Nwachukwu. When SC State went back on offense, they finally moved the ball effectively and had an explosive 17-yard run by Jalen Simmons for their first touchdown.

Texas A&M began the 2nd Quarter with a punt after struggling on offense, but it would be their last punt for the next 5 series. Following an unsuccessful drive by SC State, the Aggies had an explosive possession, highlighted by a 39-yard TD scramble by Manziel. After another Bulldog punt, the A&M offense exploded again. This time including a 23-yard pass to Thomas Johnson and yet another Manziel scramble, in which he went 20 yards and dove inside the right pylon for the touchdown. Once again South Carolina State failed to get a 1st down, and the Aggies had another great drive capped off by Johnny Manziel zipping a pass to Kenric McNeal for a 30-yard TD. The Bulldogs had to punt again, and after a 35-yard return from Dustin Harris, the Aggies had the ball. On the first play of the drive Manziel tossed a screen pass to Nwachukwu, who hurdled a defender and went 37 yards for the TD. After forcing another punt (the Bulldogs' 5th in a row), A&M's offense had the ball with 2:08 left in the half. However, it was only about 30 seconds until Manziel handed the ball off to Ben Malena, who exploded up the middle, broke a tackle, and went for a 50-yard touchdown. The Aggies scored an incredible 35 points in the 2nd Quarter, and headed to halftime in the lead 49-7.

South Carolina State opened up the 2nd half on offense with a 16-yard drive which stalled out and ended with a punt. The Aggies came into the half playing much of the 2nd string offense, including QB Jameill Showers. Showers threw 2 incomplete passes, and then an interception to Dominique Mitchell. However, when SC State had the ball, they once again could not get a first down and were forced to punt. Nick Belcher made a rugby style punt to the A&M 4-yard line. The ball was picked up by Dustin Harris, who swung to the right side of the field, cut through defenders, and sprinted up the right sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return (The 2nd longest in school history). The Bulldogs punted on their next possession, and the 2nd string Aggie offense went to work. They worked methodically worked their way down to the SC State 5-yard line to end the 3rd Quarter in the lead 56-7.

A&M began the 4th quarter with a 4th and 1 from the SC State 5-yard line. Showers handed the ball off to Christine Michael, who ran up the middle and pounded through SC State linebacker Joe Thomas for a 5-yard TD. When the Bulldogs got the ball back, they finally found success in the passing game: a 27-yard completion to Marcus Lloyd and a 39-yard touchdown throw to Lennel Elmore, which gave SC State their first points since the 1st Quarter. The Aggies returned on offense giving experience to younger players, and ran 9 plays before turning the ball over on downs. On the first play of the ensuing drive for SC State, QB Richard Cue attempted to find TE Temarrick Hemingway, but sophomore Aggie DB Deshazor Everett jumped the route, picked off the ball, and ran it 22 yards for the touchdown. On the following SC State possession, the Aggies played many 2nd string defenders who made some impressive plays including back-to-back sacks by Tyrell Taylor and Ivan Robinson. After moving the ball 30 yards, they punted to the Aggies, who ran out the last minute on the clock to win the game by a whopping 70-14.

The Aggies were led in passing by Manziel who completed 15 of 20 for 174 yards and 3 TDs, and led in rushing by Malena who had 11 carries for 88 yards and 2 TDs. He was followed closely by Manziel himself who had 8 attempts for 78 yards and 2 TDs. A&M was led in receiving by Nwachukwu and Johnson who had 2 receptions for 46 yards and 2 TDs and 3 receptions for 42 yards respectively. In addition, Dustin Harris broke both the school and 64-year standing SEC record for punt return yards in a game with 246 on 8 returns (an average of 30.75) while making the 2nd longest return in school history.[25] Finally, Damontre Moore had 3 tackles for a loss including 1 sack. This was the first game Texas A&M ever played against South Carolina State, so their all-time record vs the Bulldogs is 1-0.[26]

Arkansas

The game featured the former Southwest Conference rivals in their first conference matchup since 1991 (Arkansas' last year in the SWC).

Though leading 10-7 after the first quarter, Arkansas would be shut out the remainder of the game in a blowout win for A&M.

1 234Total
Arkansas 10 000 10
• Texas A&M 7 201714 58
  • Location: College Station, Texas (Kyle Field)
  • Game start: 11:21 a.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:42
  • Game attendance: 86, 442
  • Game weather: 76°,cloudy with light rain, winds S at 13 mph
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (SECN): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Andre Ware (commentary), Cara Capuano (sideline reporter)

Ole Miss

1 234Total
• Texas A&M 7 10013 30
Ole Miss 10 737 27
  • Location: Oxford, Mississippi (Vaught-Hemingway)
  • Game start: 6:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:25
  • Game attendance: 55,343
  • Game weather: 55°, clear, winds N at 7 mph
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (commentary), Angela Mallen (sideline reporter)

Louisiana Tech

1 234Total
• #22 Texas A&M 21 18713 59
#23 Louisiana Tech 0 161427 57
  • Location: Shreveport, Louisiana (Independence Stadium)
  • Game start: 8:17 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 4:28
  • Game attendance: 40,453
  • Game weather: 78°, clear, winds S at 17 mph
  • Referee: Penn Wagers
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Joe Davis (play-by-play), Kelly Stouffer (commentary), Cara Capuano (sideline reporter)

The game was originally scheduled for August 30, 2011. On August 28, 2012 the Louisiana Tech Athletic department announced that the game would be postponed to October 13, 2012 (previously a bye week for both teams) anticipating that Hurricane Isaac could make travel for the teams and fans difficult or that the game time weather could be hazardous.

LSU

1 234Total
• #6 LSU 0 14010 24
#20 Texas A&M 9 307 19
  • Location: College Station, Texas (Kyle Field)
  • Game start: 11:00 a.m.
  • Elapsed time: 4:00
  • Game attendance: 87,429
  • Game weather: 75°, clear, winds S at 11 mph
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Brian Griese (commentary), Jenn Brown (sideline reporter)

Auburn

1 234Total
• #20 Texas A&M 21 21147 63
Auburn 0 7140 21
  • Location: Auburn, Alabama (Jordan-Hare Stadium)
  • Game start: 6:08 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:00
  • Game attendance: 85,119
  • Game weather: 63°, partly cloudy, winds WNW at 12 mph
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (commentary), Angela Williams (sideline reporter)

Mississippi State

1 234Total
• #16 Texas A&M 14 1077 38
#15 Mississippi State 0 076 13
  • Location: Starkville, Mississippi (Davis Wade Stadium)
  • Game start: 11:01 a.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:10
  • Game attendance: 55,240
  • Game weather: 72°, clear, winds WSW at 5 mph
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (commentary), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)

In honor of the 2000 Independence Bowl (dubbed "The Snow Bowl" due to a freak snowstorm that hit the Shreveport area before game time, which was the last game between the two schools), Mississippi State received a waiver to wear all white uniforms despite being the home team. In response to the Mississippi State uniforms, Adidas (the uniform provider for both teams) approached A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin with the idea of an all-black uniform for the Aggies.[39] The uniform configuration unveiled to the team as a surprise in the locker room before the game.

Alabama

1 234Total
• #15 Texas A&M 20 009 29
#1 Alabama 0 1437 24
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Bryant-Denny Stadium)
  • Game start: 2:46 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:29
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Game weather: 72°, clear, winds SSE at 9 mph
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (commentary), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Texas A&M and Alabama have a long history of football coaches being at both schools (Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, and Dennis Franchione) and had met 4 times previously, but this was Texas A&M's first-ever trip to Tuscaloosa. This game was also Texas A&M's 12th-ever game against the #1 ranked team. The win catapulted quarterback Johnny Manziel into the national limelight and positioned him for serious Heisman trophy consideration.

Sam Houston State

1 234Total
Sam Houston State 0 0721 28
• #8 Texas A&M 7 27130 47
  • Location: College Station, Texas (Kyle Field)
  • Game start: 2:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:18
  • Game attendance: 87,101
  • Game weather: 66°, clear, winds ESE at 1 mph
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (FSNPPV): Ralph Strangis (play-by-play), Shea Walker (commentary), Will Johnson (sideline reporter)

Missouri

1 234Total
Missouri 0 7913 29
• #9 Texas A&M 21 21107 59
  • Location: College Station, Texas (Kyle Field)
  • Game start: 6:08 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:50
  • Game attendance: 87,222
  • Game weather: 61°, clear, winds ENE at 3 mph
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Steve Levy (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (commentary), Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)

For the 3rd year in a row Texas A&M and Missouri played in College Station.

Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl Classic)

1 234Total
• #9 Texas A&M 7 7207 41
#11 Oklahoma 3 1000 13
  • Location: Arlington, Texas (Cowboys Stadium)
  • Game start: 7:10 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:31
  • Game attendance: 87,025
  • Game weather: 72°, indoors
  • Referee: Tom Zimorski
  • TV announcers (FOX): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Charles Davis (commentary), Julie Alexandria (sideline reporter)

References

  1. 1 2 "2012 Aggie Football - Mississippi State" (PDF). Texas A&M Athletics. November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 3, 2012.
  2. ↑ Lester, Sean (February 14, 2012). "Texas A&M Reveals Plan for Student Seating". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Football Season Tickets Sold Out". Texas A&M Athletics. March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  4. ↑ "'Johnny Heisman': Manziel first freshman to win trophy". KHOU. December 8, 2012. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013. Retrieved 2012-12-08.
  5. 1 2 Taglienti, Michael. "Texas A&M Football: Where the Aggies Ended Up in the NFL Draft". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  6. ↑ "2012 Texas A&M Spring Football".
  7. ↑ Mauss, Jeremy. "Texas A&M Spring Practice 2012: RB Christine Michael Is A Surprise Participant". sbnation.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Offense Edges Defense at Maroon & White Game". aggieathletics.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  9. ↑ Low, Chris. "Recapping Texas A&M's spring game". espn.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  10. ↑ "Texas A&M 2012 Football Training Camp". Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  11. ↑ "2012 National College Football Awards Association Watch Lists" (PDF). National College Football Awards Association. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  12. ↑ "Class Ranking - ESPN". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  13. ↑ "2012 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  14. ↑ "2012 Team Ranking". Scout.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  15. ↑ "BtExaS a& M dEPtH CHart" (PDF). Aggie Athletics. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  16. ↑ "2012 Texas A&M Football #24 Florida vs Texas A&M". Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Mike Gillislee, No. 24 Florida spoil Texas A&M's SEC debut". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  18. ↑ "SEC Football Players Of The Week". Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Florida, 1869-2012". Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  20. ↑ "2012 Texas A&M Football Texas A&M vs SMU". Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Johnny Manziel throws for A&M freshman-record 294 yards in rout". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Southern Methodist, 1869-2012". stassen.com. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  23. ↑ "South Carolina State vs Texas A&M (Sep 22, 2012)". Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Johnny Manziel lifts Texas A&M over South Carolina St". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  25. ↑ "Texas A&M's Dustin Harris sets school, SEC record with 246 punt return yards vs. SC State". dallasnews.com. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Texas A&M vs South Carolina State, 1869-2012". stassen.com. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Arkansas vs Texas A&M (Sep 29, 2012)". Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  28. ↑ "Johnny Manziel's school-record 453 yards lift Texas A&M to 1st SEC win". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  29. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Ole Miss (Oct 06, 2012)". Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Texas A&M rides late rally to win over Ole Miss". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  31. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Louisiana Tech (Oct 13, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  32. ↑ "QB Johnny Manziel accounts for 6 TDs as Texas A&M outguns La. Tech". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  33. ↑ "LSU vs Texas A&M (Oct 20, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  34. ↑ "No. 6 LSU forces five turnovers, rallies past Texas A&M". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Auburn (Oct 27, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M overpower slumping Auburn". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Mississippi State (Nov 03, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  38. ↑ "Johnny Manziel ignites Texas A&M in rout of Mississippi State". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  39. ↑ "A&M Debuts Special Black Uniforms". Texas A&M Athletics. November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 3, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Alabama (Nov 10, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  41. ↑ "JJohnny Manziel, Texas A&M pull upset as No. 1 Alabama's rally falls short". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Sam Houston State vs Texas A&M (Nov 17, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Johnny Manziel's record-setting day keys Texas A&M's rout". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  44. ↑ "Missouri vs Texas A&M (Nov 24, 2012)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Johnny Manziel shines as Texas A&M rolls over Mizzou". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Texas A&M vs Oklahoma (Jan 04, 2013)". Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Johnny Manziel sets AT&T Cotton Bowl record with 516 total yards". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
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