Spring Break
Mile-high showdown
By: Brad Cox
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Sports
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Saturday, the Aggies will put their two-game winning streak on the line at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Despite their 2-6 record, the Colorado Buffaloes play in the highest stadium altitude in the Big 12.
The lower atmospheric pressure at elevations above 2,400 feet causes a decreased oxygen pressure, which can lead to hyperventilation, fluid loss and increased heart rates.
"The usual school of thought is either you go out there real early and acclimate yourself, or you get there as late as possible," Sherman said. "I don't think a 24-hour time difference makes a big deal. If you're out there and play the game within 24 hours I don't think it's going to be a problem."
A&M players will need to adjust to the climate to continue their late run through the Big 12.
After closing a three-game losing streak with an embarrassing 62-14 loss at Kansas State on Oct. 17, the Aggies made their first push toward turning the season around with a 52-30 win at Texas Tech the next week. A&M continued the trend with a 35-10 win against Iowa State at home.
"We are facing an A&M team that is really electric right now," said Colorado Head Coach Dan Hawkins. "One of the best offenses in the Big 12, one of the best offenses in the country, one of the best quarterbacks and they are doing a great job running the ball."
At 5-3 overall, the Aggies are one win shy of being bowl eligible. A&M failed to reach bowl eligibility under Sherman in 2008, after playing the 2007 Alamo Bowl under interim Head Coach Gary Darnell after Dennis Franchione resigned at the end of the season.
The Aggies are not looking too far forward, focusing on beating Colorado, not what the win would mean.
"The biggest thing about that is it's a win, and that's what you want," said senior safety Jordan Pugh. "To be bowl-eligible, you've got to win. And this would be just our sixth win."
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