Fans Are: Frustrated but no longer mutinous. Dennis Franchione was an expensive, splashy hire who has yet to deliver much for Aggie faithful. Rival Texas has ascended to the game's highest ranks during his tenure with the Aggies only last year snagging a 12-7 victory against the 'Horns. Last year's team was good, but fans expect better.
Expectations: To seriously challenge for an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game. Compete with and/or beat Texas. Not suffer any more last-minute losses or 77-0 thrashings.
Questions:
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1. There isn't much roster turnover from last year. Is this year's nucleus good enough to overcome a tough schedule including road games against Miami (FL), Texas Tech, Nebraska and Oklahoma?
I'm not so sure. On offense Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane are tremendous leaders, but until that Texas win this group of players had never achieved that kind of victory. Although the Aggies are improving I think the fans' pessimism about coach Franchione is in the players' heads which will continue to haunt them in big games.
2. That's not very heartening. Give me some good news, what do Aggie fans have to look forward to this spring?
Plenty. The offensive line will probably be one of the best Aggie outfits in a long time. The camaraderie building starts in winter workouts and then pushes out to the spring practice field before all the freshmen arrive in the fall and make a mess of things.
Also, it should be fun to get a look at the development of rising sophomores McGee, Lane, rising freshman tailback Mike Goodson and rising sophomore tight end Martellus Bennett. On defense Chris Harrington should push for Big 12 and national honors this year.
3. Has the Holiday Bowl loss to California been forgotten?
Hopefully not. It should serve as great springtime motivation for the guys about the need for concentrated effort each and every game. Beating Texas was critical and worthy of immense celebration, but the great teams find ways to turn around and complete their seasons.
That game should burn in every Aggie heart and mind until at least the Miami game in week four.
