Vols will ride ground game

Aggies' QB Reggie McNeal will make big plays, but the Vols' running game will beat Texas A&M into submission.

Originally Published: December 27, 2004
By Tony Granieri | Scouts Inc.
The Aggies rebounded from a slow start to finish 7-4 overall. They couldn't get the big win against the elite teams -- Texas and Oklahoma -- down the stretch and a loss to Baylor proved this team is still young and has room to improve.

The encouraging news is that three of the Aggies' four losses came to BCS bowl participants (Utah, Oklahoma and Texas). While a trip to the Cotton Bowl can hardly be considered a disappointment, it is somewhat frustrating for a Texas A&M team that was one or two big plays away from knocking off a pair of Big 12 powerhouses.

Who: Texas A&M vs. Tennessee
When: Jan. 1, 11 a.m. ET (FOX)
Where: Dallas, TX
The Volunteers have frustrations of their own, after losing two starting quarterbacks to injury and suffering through a tough loss to Auburn in the SEC Championship. Phil Fulmer's team has fought through its fair share of adversity this season, but can still end the year with 10 wins.

Tennessee must turn the offensive reigns over to RBs Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs Jr., who rank as the third-most productive rushing tandem in the entire country. Conversely, the Aggies need a big outing from dual-threat QB Reggie McNeal against a Volunteers pass defense that ranks 88th in the country.


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