Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jack Molitor Texas A&M junior running back Michael Goodson (3) breaks a run down the sidelines during A&M's game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys Saturday in Stillwater, Okla. Goodson rushed for 115 yards in the game. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Jack Molitor Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jerrod Johnson surveys the field for a receiver during A&M's game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys Saturday in Stillwater, Okla. Johnson threw two touchdowns and two interceptions. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Stephanie Keske [Click to enlarge]

The Texas A&M football team suffered its largest margin of defeat in 2008 Saturday at No. 17 Oklahoma State. The Aggies were doubled up 56-28 on the scoreboard, committed five turnovers and were carved up by Cowboys' star wide receiver Dez Bryant, who hauled in three touchdowns for more than 20 yards a piece and ran back a punt 78 yards for a touchdown.

But A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman said a few groups on the team made major improvements and he was encouraged by the morale and direction of the team. Sherman and senior offensive tackle Travis Schneider said they saw marked improvement on the offensive line.

"I really challenged [the offensive line] during the week and told them they needed to step it up," Sherman said. "As a group, collectively they played a lot better. [Junior center] Kevin Matthews really stepped up and played at the level I expected him to play. I felt the other guys improved as well, but Kevin really jumped out there from where he was the week before."

Schneider said Sherman specifically called out players on the line, asking them to show athleticism. They responded, Schneider said, and played with chips on their shoulders and took more pride in their job.

"It's been hard to get a cohesiveness with all these injuries and you don't always have the same five guys out there," Schneider said. "And we have a lot of young players out there this year. It's different to go out and practice against the [first string] and then going out on the field with 80,000 people. I think we're getting better as a unit."

Sophomore quarterback Jerrod Johnson played his second complete game of 2008 against the Cowboys, filling in for injured senior Stephen McGee. Johnson completed 24 of 43 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Sherman said Johnson did a lot of things right, but needed to be patient and allow the offensive line to block. Johnson threw two tipped interceptions that were returned for touchdowns.

Sherman said the trainers did not have a feel for McGee's condition for the Kansas State game and he would be reevaluated later in the week. He said Johnson took a beating during the game and was experiencing general soreness but did not sustain significant injuries.

The morale of the secondary was an issue before and after the game, Sherman said. Bryant torched senior cornerback Danny Gorrer for 106 receiving yards and Sherman said the coverage backs needed help but can't let opponents get in their heads. He said he would measure the unit based on how they bounce back against Kansas State.

"It's frustrating because expectations are high, as they should be," Sherman said. "I told myself that I was going to take it a day at a time. I believe in the process, I believe in our people, I believe in the plan."

Defensive coordinator Joe Kines said he was pleased with the linebackers, namely Von Miller. Miller, a sophomore converted from defensive lineman, represents the closest combination on the A&M team of size and speed that Kines said he looks for.

"[Miller] has some skills we have to take advantage of," Kines said. "He has handled [the transition from defensive lineman to
linebacker] as well as anybody. It's hard to teach someone everything that will happen to you at linebacker in a couple of weeks."

Kines' A&M defense will line up against another potent Big 12 offense Saturday at Kyle Field, but the Aggies are expecting a completely different game plan.

"They do a nice job of play-action pass, not unlike the Indianapolis Colts offensively," Sherman said. "They want to throw it, as opposed to Oklahoma State, who I think wanted to run it first, they want to throw it first."

Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman is on pace for his best touchdown-interception in his 3-year career. Freeman has tossed 12 touchdowns and two interceptions and thrown for 1,275 yards. Kines said Freeman has a "bazooka arm," and it is rare to see a quarterback that can throw across the field with the strength Freeman has.

"If you sat down, wanted to write Santa Claus a letter and ask him for a quarterback, [Freeman] is about what you would ask for," Kines said.

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