Texas A&M Aggies: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
TYLER, Texas -- East Texas often is considered one of the nation’s most underrated areas in finding elite talent when it comes to college football recruiting. Sunday featured the inaugural East Texas Sports Network combine, which showcased more than 100 players from East Texas.
The event took place at the Accelerate Performance Enhancement Center (APEC) training facility, which has trained professionals such as quarterback Graham Harrell, running back Kendall Hunter and pro baseball pitchers Phillip Humber and Josh Tomlin.
The event took place at the Accelerate Performance Enhancement Center (APEC) training facility, which has trained professionals such as quarterback Graham Harrell, running back Kendall Hunter and pro baseball pitchers Phillip Humber and Josh Tomlin.
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For quarterback Brandon Harris (Bossier City, La./Parkway), the schedule book is starting to fill.
The first day to mark off the calendar is Thursday, when his Parkway team scrimmages Alexandria (La.) Senior High to conclude spring drills. He'll play in front of coaches from several major colleges. At the end of the scrimmage, sometime around 7 p.m, he'll announce which six schools he plans on visiting this summer.
"It's going to be a big day," he said. "I can't wait."
The first day to mark off the calendar is Thursday, when his Parkway team scrimmages Alexandria (La.) Senior High to conclude spring drills. He'll play in front of coaches from several major colleges. At the end of the scrimmage, sometime around 7 p.m, he'll announce which six schools he plans on visiting this summer.
"It's going to be a big day," he said. "I can't wait."
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Now that spring ball has started, ESPN 150 defensive tackle Gerald Willis III has been inundated with interest from college recruiters visiting New Orleans Edna Karr High School. He expected that.
That’s why, even if he’s comfortable with naming his top four schools, his list remains a fluid one. New schools are working hard to get in the mix, and Willis is ready to hit the road for more visits this summer.
That’s why, even if he’s comfortable with naming his top four schools, his list remains a fluid one. New schools are working hard to get in the mix, and Willis is ready to hit the road for more visits this summer.
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Brandon Harris must feel like he's going through a tryout camp.
The 2014 quarterback from Bossier City, La.'s Parkway High has had coaches coming by his school all week to either watch him throw individually or to watch his team practice.
The week has worked out well for him so far. After a good workout in front of a group of teams led by Ohio State on Monday, Harris said he's been seen by Texas A&M, Tennessee, Baylor, South Florida and Louisiana Tech. Those workouts have yielded a new development in his recruiting process.
The 2014 quarterback from Bossier City, La.'s Parkway High has had coaches coming by his school all week to either watch him throw individually or to watch his team practice.
The week has worked out well for him so far. After a good workout in front of a group of teams led by Ohio State on Monday, Harris said he's been seen by Texas A&M, Tennessee, Baylor, South Florida and Louisiana Tech. Those workouts have yielded a new development in his recruiting process.
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The legend of Devante “Speedy” Noil has been building for years and years, and the latest chapter is about as impressive as it gets.
As a junior, the coveted New Orleans Edna Karr athlete accounted for 3,975 total yards and 50 touchdowns -- 21 of them rushing -- as the program’s unstoppable lefty quarterback. Edna Karr went 14-0 and finally won the state title game it had lost in 2010 and 2011. It was, for all intents and purposes, a dream season.
As a junior, the coveted New Orleans Edna Karr athlete accounted for 3,975 total yards and 50 touchdowns -- 21 of them rushing -- as the program’s unstoppable lefty quarterback. Edna Karr went 14-0 and finally won the state title game it had lost in 2010 and 2011. It was, for all intents and purposes, a dream season.
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OL Uhatafe talks LSU-TAMU experience 
October, 21, 2012
10/21/12
9:37
AM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Salesi Uhatafe (Euless, Texas/Trinity) had heard about the potential frenzy of the crowds in College Station from his stepbrother, Texas A&M freshman Polo Manukainiu.
It didn’t truly hit him until Saturday, when he watched the Aggies host LSU. Uhatafe, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive guard, left Kyle Field with a new outlook on the program.
“[Manukainiu] coached me up on what to expect,” Uhatafe said. “He said he likes it out there because he liked the people and the atmosphere. I couldn’t understand it until [Saturday]. They probably have the craziest fans around. There’s a lot of tradition there.”
It didn’t truly hit him until Saturday, when he watched the Aggies host LSU. Uhatafe, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive guard, left Kyle Field with a new outlook on the program.
“[Manukainiu] coached me up on what to expect,” Uhatafe said. “He said he likes it out there because he liked the people and the atmosphere. I couldn’t understand it until [Saturday]. They probably have the craziest fans around. There’s a lot of tradition there.”
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Each week this season, GigEmNation will rank Texas A&M's top 10 performers of the season up to this point. After five games this season, including the most recent win over Louisiana Tech, here's a glance at who has shined so far:
1. QB Johnny Manziel
The redshirt freshman bounced back from his three-turnover performance against Mississippi in a huge way, setting another total yardage record in the 59-57 win over Louisiana Tech. Manziel compiled 576 total offensive yards (395 passing, 181 rushing) and accounting for six touchdowns. The yardage total broke the Texas A&M and SEC record he already set against Arkansas and he earned Walter Camp Football Foundation National Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance. He's the nation's top freshman in points responsible for, total offense, passing efficiency, passing yards and rushing and if he performs well against LSU, you could start hearing Heisman Trophy hype begin to gain steam with his name attached.
1. QB Johnny Manziel
The redshirt freshman bounced back from his three-turnover performance against Mississippi in a huge way, setting another total yardage record in the 59-57 win over Louisiana Tech. Manziel compiled 576 total offensive yards (395 passing, 181 rushing) and accounting for six touchdowns. The yardage total broke the Texas A&M and SEC record he already set against Arkansas and he earned Walter Camp Football Foundation National Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance. He's the nation's top freshman in points responsible for, total offense, passing efficiency, passing yards and rushing and if he performs well against LSU, you could start hearing Heisman Trophy hype begin to gain steam with his name attached.
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3 Up, 3 Down: Texas A&M 59, La. Tech 57
October, 14, 2012
10/14/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
It took some fight and many dramatic twists and turns Saturday, but eventually, No. 22 Texas A&M escaped Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La., with a 59-57 win over No. 23 Louisiana Tech. With the win, the no. 22 Aggies (5-1) have now won five straight and will prepare for a showdown with LSU (6-1) next weekend at Kyle Field. But before we jump to that, let's look back at the high and low points of the Aggies' win:
THREE UP
1. Johnny Manziel: After a tough day against Mississippi, the redshirt freshman quarterback dazzled again. He broke his own Texas A&M and SEC total offense record, which he set against Arkansas two weeks ago, compiling 576 total yards (395 passing, 181 rushing) and accounting for six touchdowns (three passing, three rushing). He made a critical mistake, throwing an interception to Shakeil Lucas, but Manziel bounced back by leading two consecutive touchdown drives to give the Aggies a 15-point lead.
THREE UP
1. Johnny Manziel: After a tough day against Mississippi, the redshirt freshman quarterback dazzled again. He broke his own Texas A&M and SEC total offense record, which he set against Arkansas two weeks ago, compiling 576 total yards (395 passing, 181 rushing) and accounting for six touchdowns (three passing, three rushing). He made a critical mistake, throwing an interception to Shakeil Lucas, but Manziel bounced back by leading two consecutive touchdown drives to give the Aggies a 15-point lead.
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Instant Analysis: A&M 59, La. Tech 57
October, 14, 2012
10/14/12
1:22
AM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
After a wild game with dramatic twists and turns, including a furious comeback attempt, Texas A&M outlasted Louisiana Tech 59-57 and escaped Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La., with a win to improve to 5-1 overall and give the Bulldogs (5-1) their first loss.
It was over when: Texas A&M running back Ben Malena recovered a Louisiana Tech onside kick attempt with 37 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs already had recovered one onside kick to set up their final touchdown, but Malena stepped in front of the ball and secured it for the Aggies to take a knee and leave with a win.
Game ball goes to: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. The redshirt freshman continues to shine and broke the Texas A&M and Southeastern Conference records that he set against Arkansas earlier this season, compiling 576 total offensive yards. Manziel was 24-of-40 passing for 395 yards and three touchdown passes while rushing 19 times for 181 yards and three scores, including a 72-yarder that gave the Aggies their final points.
Game ball, Part 2: Louisiana Tech receiver Quinton Patton deserves a game ball for his tremendous effort for the Bulldogs. The Biletnikoff Award watch list member showed why he's considered one of the best receivers in the country, catching a whopping 21 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns. The Aggies rarely had an answer for him, and Patton played a huge role in the Bulldogs' late rally to narrow the Aggies' lead.
Rising star: Louisiana Tech true freshman running back Kenneth Dixon. He had 18 carries for 111 yards (an average of 6.2 per carry) and had two touchdowns. He broke plenty of tackles on his second scoring run of the night. Texas A&M redshirt freshman receiver Mike Evans also was impressive and continues to produce for the Aggies as perhaps Manziel's favorite receiver, catching four passes for 137 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown catch.
What it means: For the Aggies, it sets up a huge showdown with 6-1 LSU next week at Kyle Field. Texas A&M saw some issues that existed in its season-opening loss to Florida (penalties and missed tackles among them) and after a strong first four games on defense, allowing 57 points certainly won't be comforting for coach Kevin Sumlin and defensive coordinator Mark Snyder.
For Louisiana Tech, it means its BCS-busting hopes are all but dashed. The Bulldogs likely will drop out of the rankings, but Sonny Dykes and Co. have nothing to be ashamed of. They showed tremendous fight and gave an SEC team a run for its money. The Bulldogs are still the favorites to win the WAC, and should they run the table the rest of the way, they'll jump back in and move up the rankings.
And depending how he fares next week against LSU, Manziel might start hearing the word "Heisman" mentioned in connection with his name pretty soon.
Aggies survive late La. Tech rally, win 59-57
October, 13, 2012
10/13/12
10:40
PM CT
By ESPN.com Staff | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Kita K WrightJohnny Manziel rushed for 181 yards and passed for 396 to carry the Aggies.• Recap » | Box score » | Highlights »
Halftime: Texas A&M 39, La. Tech 16
October, 13, 2012
10/13/12
10:35
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Texas A&M takes a four-score lead into the locker room at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La., holding a 39-16 lead over Louisiana Tech at the midway point:
Stat of the half: The Aggies have rolled up a whopping 428 offensive yards in the first half. Louisiana Tech's defense has showed little resistance to the Aggies' first-half attack, with the exception of forcing Texas A&M to kick a few field goals. The offense has moved the ball seemingly at will, and the 39 points is a reflection of that.
Player of the half: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. He's 15-of-22 for 271 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions and has 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Clearly, he's bouncing back fine after his three-turnover day at Mississippi.
What’s working for the Aggies: On offense, just about everything. Running game is great (157 yards), and Christine Michael even got in on the mix, starting the scoring with a 40-yard touchdown run. Manziel has made some big throws, and Mike Evans was a recipient of one of those, catching a 75-yard touchdown pass. On defense, the Aggies were strong in the first quarter and struggled some in the second, allowing all 16 points.
What’s not working for the Aggies: The tackling could be a little better for the Aggies on defense. Also, they didn't generate a ton of pressure on quarterback Colby Cameron as the Bulldogs began to move the football.
What Texas A&M needs to do to win: Keep scoring points and taking care of the football. Louisiana Tech's offense likely willcome out with some energy after scoring points at the end of the half, but the Aggies have a nice cushion to work with.
Stat of the half: The Aggies have rolled up a whopping 428 offensive yards in the first half. Louisiana Tech's defense has showed little resistance to the Aggies' first-half attack, with the exception of forcing Texas A&M to kick a few field goals. The offense has moved the ball seemingly at will, and the 39 points is a reflection of that.
Player of the half: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. He's 15-of-22 for 271 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions and has 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Clearly, he's bouncing back fine after his three-turnover day at Mississippi.
What’s working for the Aggies: On offense, just about everything. Running game is great (157 yards), and Christine Michael even got in on the mix, starting the scoring with a 40-yard touchdown run. Manziel has made some big throws, and Mike Evans was a recipient of one of those, catching a 75-yard touchdown pass. On defense, the Aggies were strong in the first quarter and struggled some in the second, allowing all 16 points.
What’s not working for the Aggies: The tackling could be a little better for the Aggies on defense. Also, they didn't generate a ton of pressure on quarterback Colby Cameron as the Bulldogs began to move the football.
What Texas A&M needs to do to win: Keep scoring points and taking care of the football. Louisiana Tech's offense likely willcome out with some energy after scoring points at the end of the half, but the Aggies have a nice cushion to work with.
Chat wrap: La. Tech run game stands out
October, 12, 2012
10/12/12
4:32
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
GigEmNation writer Sam Khan Jr. chatted with readers on Friday about Texas A&M football and recruiting. Here's the full transcript of the chat. After four consecutive wins, the Aggies travel to Shreveport, La. for a non-conference tilt with Louisiana Tech at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday at Independence Stadium.
Staff prediction, matchups to watch
October, 12, 2012
10/12/12
1:42
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Texas A&M 48, Louisiana Tech 27
Louisiana Tech is a good team, but if the Bulldogs can't get stops, it's going to be a long night. The Bulldogs rank 119th in the country in total defense in passing defense and 106th in scoring defense. With Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel's playmaking ability, the emergence of Ben Malena and the running game and the plethora of receiving weapons the Aggies have to choose from led by Mike Evans and Ryan Swope (not to mention an elite offensive line), expect the Aggies to pile up the points. And the Bulldogs haven't played a team as talented as the Aggies are on both sides of the ball. Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron hasn't thrown an interception this year and if he takes care of the ball like that again, it could be a closer game. But the Aggies likely have too much firepower for the Bulldogs here.
Player to watch: Donnie Baggs, Texas A&M
Louisiana Tech is a good team, but if the Bulldogs can't get stops, it's going to be a long night. The Bulldogs rank 119th in the country in total defense in passing defense and 106th in scoring defense. With Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel's playmaking ability, the emergence of Ben Malena and the running game and the plethora of receiving weapons the Aggies have to choose from led by Mike Evans and Ryan Swope (not to mention an elite offensive line), expect the Aggies to pile up the points. And the Bulldogs haven't played a team as talented as the Aggies are on both sides of the ball. Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron hasn't thrown an interception this year and if he takes care of the ball like that again, it could be a closer game. But the Aggies likely have too much firepower for the Bulldogs here.
Player to watch: Donnie Baggs, Texas A&M
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Five storylines: Texas A&M vs. La. Tech
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
4:00
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Texas A&M steps out of Southeastern Conference play for a week to take on their originally scheduled season opening foe, Louisiana Tech. The game was postponed from Aug. 30 because of Hurricane Isaac, and both teams enter ranked in the national polls (the Aggies are no. 22, the Bulldogs are no. 23). The Aggies (4-1) have won four straight while Louisiana Tech is undefeated.. Let's take a look at five storylines for the Aggies as their next game approaches:
1. Fear the BCS busters?
Louisiana Tech comes into the game with a national ranking, an undefeated record and hopes of being the latest BCS buster. The Aggies are the only ranked team left on the Bulldogs' schedule (their final six games are WAC opponents). Head coach Sonny Dykes said on Monday, "I do not even know how to spell BCS. That is like miles and miles away from our thoughts." But there's no denying the possibility of running the table if Louisiana Tech were to pull off the win. You can bet the players are well aware of that and if they needed any more motivation than a non-automatic qualifying conference team needs playing an AQ conference foe, it can be provided by that.
2. Bounce back day for Manziel?
Last week's 30-27 comeback win over Mississippi was Texas A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel's first truly rough day as the Aggies starter. He turned the ball over three times and the team turned it over six. Still, they were able to pull out the win, but it's worth watching to see how Manziel bounces back from last week's performance.
3. Familiar foes
The last time these two teams met was 2010, but Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, running backs coach Clarence McKinney and offensive line coach B.J. Anderson faced the Bulldogs last season when the quartet was coaching at Houston. The group is well aware of the quality of Louisiana Tech after the Bulldogs had the Cougars down 34-7 late in the third quarter before Houston rallied to win 35-34 in the final minutes. Likewise, Dykes and his staff are plenty familiar with the offensive concepts the Aggies run after facing Houston a year ago. It should make for an interesting chess match.
4. Missing players on defense
The Aggies will be without the services of starting weakside linebacker Steven Jenkins and reserve safety Howard Matthews. Both were suspended this summer by Kevin Sumlin for a "violation of team rules," a suspension that was originally slated for the season opener. When the game's date was moved after Hurricane Isaac, so was the pair's suspensions. Also, sophomore defensive back Deshazor Everett left the Ole Miss game early with an injury. Sumlin didn't discuss his status for the game this week, so it's unknown whether he'll be available. Donnie Baggs will start in Jenkins' place.
5. Plenty of confidence for Aggies
The Aggies should come into this game with plenty of confidence after their win over Ole Miss. They didn't play well overall, considering the turnovers they committed and their third-down defense, yet still came away with an SEC road win. So after facing that adversity and still winning, they should be riding high coming into the showdown with Louisiana Tech.
[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PresswireLouisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes is very familiar with Kevin Sumlin and the members of his staff who were at Houston last year.
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PresswireLouisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes is very familiar with Kevin Sumlin and the members of his staff who were at Houston last year.Louisiana Tech comes into the game with a national ranking, an undefeated record and hopes of being the latest BCS buster. The Aggies are the only ranked team left on the Bulldogs' schedule (their final six games are WAC opponents). Head coach Sonny Dykes said on Monday, "I do not even know how to spell BCS. That is like miles and miles away from our thoughts." But there's no denying the possibility of running the table if Louisiana Tech were to pull off the win. You can bet the players are well aware of that and if they needed any more motivation than a non-automatic qualifying conference team needs playing an AQ conference foe, it can be provided by that.
2. Bounce back day for Manziel?
Last week's 30-27 comeback win over Mississippi was Texas A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel's first truly rough day as the Aggies starter. He turned the ball over three times and the team turned it over six. Still, they were able to pull out the win, but it's worth watching to see how Manziel bounces back from last week's performance.
3. Familiar foes
The last time these two teams met was 2010, but Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, running backs coach Clarence McKinney and offensive line coach B.J. Anderson faced the Bulldogs last season when the quartet was coaching at Houston. The group is well aware of the quality of Louisiana Tech after the Bulldogs had the Cougars down 34-7 late in the third quarter before Houston rallied to win 35-34 in the final minutes. Likewise, Dykes and his staff are plenty familiar with the offensive concepts the Aggies run after facing Houston a year ago. It should make for an interesting chess match.
4. Missing players on defense
The Aggies will be without the services of starting weakside linebacker Steven Jenkins and reserve safety Howard Matthews. Both were suspended this summer by Kevin Sumlin for a "violation of team rules," a suspension that was originally slated for the season opener. When the game's date was moved after Hurricane Isaac, so was the pair's suspensions. Also, sophomore defensive back Deshazor Everett left the Ole Miss game early with an injury. Sumlin didn't discuss his status for the game this week, so it's unknown whether he'll be available. Donnie Baggs will start in Jenkins' place.
5. Plenty of confidence for Aggies
The Aggies should come into this game with plenty of confidence after their win over Ole Miss. They didn't play well overall, considering the turnovers they committed and their third-down defense, yet still came away with an SEC road win. So after facing that adversity and still winning, they should be riding high coming into the showdown with Louisiana Tech.
With Texas A&M's upcoming matchup against a fellow top-25 team approaching, undefeated Louisiana Tech (5-0), GigEmNation took the chance to get some perspective on the No. 23 Bulldogs with Shreveport Times reporter Jimmy Watson, who covers them.
Sam Khan Jr: With Louisiana Tech being undefeated and the Aggies being the only ranked team standing in their way, what's the buzz around the program like leading up to this matchup?
Jimmy Watson: La. Tech fans are excited about being ranked for the first time since the 1999 season and can’t wait for Saturday’s showdown. While the team doesn’t even want to talk about it, the fans are hoping to be BCS busters if they can get past the Aggies.
SK: What has impressed you the most about the Bulldogs to this point in the season?
JW: The lack of interceptions by quarterback Colby Cameron, the speed that the offense runs play and the performance of freshman running back Kenneth Dixon, who is better than expected.
SK: What are some areas that the Bulldogs still need work in that you think the Aggies might look to exploit?
JW: Tech’s defense has given up a number of big plays in the passing game and are susceptible to crossing patterns deep.
SK: In your opinion, did the change of the date of the game help or hinder the Bulldogs' chances at a win?
JW: I think it seriously hurt their chances. The Aggies certainly have their feet under them and have adjusted to a very good young quarterback.
SK: Louisiana Tech is no. 3 in the country in scoring offense and no. 11 in total offense. What has been the biggest key to that success?
JW: The balance in running and passing. A lot of people think all they do is sling it around all over the place. But against UNLV on Saturday, Tech had about 300 yards passing and about 300 rushing. Similar to Kevin Sumlin’s teams at Houston, Tech expects to run a lot of plays to wear down the defense. They ran 97 against UNLV.
SK: Before the season you mentioned freshman running back Kenneth Dixon as a name to watch that might be unknown and clearly he has played well. Who's another player that may be under the radar for the Bulldogs that could make an impact on Saturday night?
JW: Ray Holley. He’s a senior and was slated to play in the slot before the other super freshman running back, Tevin King, went down with an ACL injury. Holley moved over to running back and has provided a speed alternative to Dixon, who is a power back.
SK: How do you think the Bulldogs will approach defending a quarterback as mobile as Johnny Manziel?
JW: You only hope to contain him. Manziel will get his yards against Tech’s defense, which is giving up 30-something points per game. Saw where there were a lot of Aggie turnovers against Ole Miss. If they have anything close to that number against Tech, winning will be difficult.
Sam Khan Jr: With Louisiana Tech being undefeated and the Aggies being the only ranked team standing in their way, what's the buzz around the program like leading up to this matchup?
Jimmy Watson: La. Tech fans are excited about being ranked for the first time since the 1999 season and can’t wait for Saturday’s showdown. While the team doesn’t even want to talk about it, the fans are hoping to be BCS busters if they can get past the Aggies.
[+] Enlarge
Troy Taormina/US PresswireQuarterback Colby Cameron and Louisiana Tech are 5-0 under coach Sonny Dykes.
Troy Taormina/US PresswireQuarterback Colby Cameron and Louisiana Tech are 5-0 under coach Sonny Dykes.JW: The lack of interceptions by quarterback Colby Cameron, the speed that the offense runs play and the performance of freshman running back Kenneth Dixon, who is better than expected.
SK: What are some areas that the Bulldogs still need work in that you think the Aggies might look to exploit?
JW: Tech’s defense has given up a number of big plays in the passing game and are susceptible to crossing patterns deep.
SK: In your opinion, did the change of the date of the game help or hinder the Bulldogs' chances at a win?
JW: I think it seriously hurt their chances. The Aggies certainly have their feet under them and have adjusted to a very good young quarterback.
SK: Louisiana Tech is no. 3 in the country in scoring offense and no. 11 in total offense. What has been the biggest key to that success?
JW: The balance in running and passing. A lot of people think all they do is sling it around all over the place. But against UNLV on Saturday, Tech had about 300 yards passing and about 300 rushing. Similar to Kevin Sumlin’s teams at Houston, Tech expects to run a lot of plays to wear down the defense. They ran 97 against UNLV.
SK: Before the season you mentioned freshman running back Kenneth Dixon as a name to watch that might be unknown and clearly he has played well. Who's another player that may be under the radar for the Bulldogs that could make an impact on Saturday night?
JW: Ray Holley. He’s a senior and was slated to play in the slot before the other super freshman running back, Tevin King, went down with an ACL injury. Holley moved over to running back and has provided a speed alternative to Dixon, who is a power back.
SK: How do you think the Bulldogs will approach defending a quarterback as mobile as Johnny Manziel?
JW: You only hope to contain him. Manziel will get his yards against Tech’s defense, which is giving up 30-something points per game. Saw where there were a lot of Aggie turnovers against Ole Miss. If they have anything close to that number against Tech, winning will be difficult.
ABOUT GIGEMNATION
Sam Khan Jr.
Sam Khan Jr. joined ESPN.com in 2012 after nearly seven years with the Houston Chronicle, covering the University of Houston, college sports and high school sports. Khan lives in Houston with his wife. He can be reached at skespn@gmail.com.