Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

It's pretty unbelievable to think how far this team has come from the 5-6 campaign just two seasons ago.

Last year's nine wins were extremely impressive, especially considering the team dropped back-to-back one-point games (against Oklahoma and Nebraska). The three regular season losses were by a total of six points, not even a freaking touchdown equaled three losses. The schedule is pretty much the same as last year, but a trip to Miami for Week 4 will complicate things.

Quarterback Stephen McGee is tougher than 98% of Miami's roster, so the Aggies can build from that. He's quoted on his bio as saying he "hates to lose more than he loves to win." As a sophomore, McGee earned his stripes making his first starts and that should translate to even better numbers this year. Undefeated on the road, McGee doesn't make a lot of mistakes (just two INTs last year). There isn't much experience at receiver, so outstanding tight end Martellus Bennett will see a lot of action this year (and he's a huge target at 6'7, 250 pounds).

But probably the most beneficial part of having McGee at quarterback is flexibility: McGee can run, last year to the tune of 666 yards.

But if McGee's not running, look out for going Jorvorskie Lane. He's pretty impossible to miss: Just keep an eye on the 6', 265-pound Mack truck who barrels out of the backfield. J-Train is just Texas football, through and through (19 TDs last year). The third prong to the Aggies' running attack is Mike Goodson. The sophomore is coming off a tremendous inaugural season, averaging nearly 7 yards a clip. It's little wonder why Dennis Franchione had the No. 8 rushing offense in the country last year, and it should only be better this time around.

The defense really needs to step it up this year, and with five seniors (all starting up front) this shouldn't be a problem. Last year's group wasn't really the Wrecking Crew that College Station is used to.

The fuel of this year's defense will be Chris Harrington. Get familiar with the 6'5, 265-pound rush end, especially when the NFL Draft rolls around. He's a difference maker and that group can once again become the Wrecking Crew if it thrives on his production and grows up some.

What is the true X-factor is this 4-2-5 that aTm will feature this fall. Jordan Pugh, who some call a safety and some call a whip linebacker, is rather undersized to play real close to the line, but he'll likely be called upon to do that throughout games. It'll be interesting to see what kind of matchups he pulls. However, there's enough talent there and this unit should aim to be a Top 25 defense again.

Call me crazy, but I am predicting them to reach the Big 12 title game against Nebraska. Do it, call me crazy. No, really.

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Jorvorskie Lane ... Probably the best video I've posted yet.

80s theme song: "Working for the Weekend" - Loverboy (1981) … The opening verse really says it all: Everyone's watching, to see what you will do. Everyone's looking at you. Everyone's wondering, will you come out tonight. Everyone's trying to get it right.

Save this date: Oct. 20 at Nebraska