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STILLWATER, Okla. - Entering Saturday's round of Big 12 games, there were four undefeated teams in conference play. Sunday morning, only two were left standing: the University of Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
The Aggies (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) joined the Sooners as the only 3-0 teams in the Big 12 with a 36-20 win Saturday night over Oklahoma State University, which was one of the former undefeated teams at the start of the night. The game marked the fifth consecutive victory for A&M.
"We played a fine team, nationally ranked and on the road," said A&M head coach Dennis Franchione. "We played solid offense and solid defense, and that's exactly how we have to play."
The Aggies defeated teams back-to-back on the road for the first time since 2002, deflated OSU's homecoming festivities and, most importantly, defeated a ranked opponent on the road for the first time since 1997.
"This was a big game for us," said senior wide receiver Jason Carter. "We've read the stuff that said they haven't lost a homecoming game in a while, and they're one of the more dominant offenses in the nation and one of the better teams in the Big 12. We wanted to show everyone tonight that we're one of the better teams, too."
Once again, the Aggies were led offensively by junior quarterback Reggie McNeal, who posted 98 yards rushing and added another 288 through the air, earning McNeal National Player of the Week honors. Oklahoma State head coach Les Miles said McNeal was certainly a handful.
"He's awfully talented," Miles said. "He threw the ball extremely well, and he can dodge and dart like none other and makes plays with his feet. I was definitely impressed tonight."
Also helping the Aggies to win was the defense. A&M knew coming into the game that crucial to its success was stopping Oklahoma State junior running back Vernand Morency, who came into the game averaging 173.8 yards per game, the best in the nation. The Aggies held Morency to a total of 111 rushing yards, but forced him to fumble twice, which he hadn't done in 140 carries.
A&M senior offensive lineman Geoff Hangartner said the key to the Aggies' victory on the offensive and defensive side of the ball Saturday night could be traced back to one thing: confidence.
"We have confidence right now that we can play with anyone in the Big 12," Hangartner said. "I'm not going to say that we're a front runner right now, but I think we have confidence that we can play with anyone in this league, something we didn't have last year."
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