Last Updated on November 23, 2009 9:20 pm by drew
Texas Showdown
College Station,
Getting his first victory at Kyle Field would have a great deal more meaning than just beating a heated rival again.
The third-ranked Longhorns look to take another step toward the BCS title game when they visit Big 12 South rival Texas A&M on Thursday night.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made
With victories over Texas A&M (6-5, 3-4) and
The Aggies have the 11th-worst pass defense in the nation, allowing 259.0 yards, and that looks like a favorable matchup for McCoy, the Heisman Trophy runner-up last season to
The quarterback, though, completed 56.7 percent of his passes and had one touchdown and four interceptions in losses to Texas A&M in 2006 and ’07. McCoy was much sharper in last season’s 49-9 win in
"One of our goals was to win the Big 12 South, but our focus right now is going to be on Texas A&M," McCoy said. "We only have (four) days to prepare. Totally on Texas A&M, that is where we are headed."
McCoy became the winningest quarterback in NCAA history Saturday with his 43rd victory as a starter, completing 32 of 41 passes for 396 yards with four touchdowns to earn Big 12 offensive player of the week honors.
Jordan Shipley and Malcolm Williams each had over 100 yards receiving and James Kirkendoll added 86 on eight catches – two for touchdowns.
"We have so much talent. Anybody can go out and have a 100-yard game. Sometimes Colt sees certain people," Williams said.
Shipley has a school-record 1,204 receiving yards, but just 146 yards and one touchdown in three career games against Texas A&M.
"The seniors have done a great job of keeping everybody focused and coach (Mack) Brown is doing a great job of keeping everybody focused," Shipley said. "It’s a fun deal. We enjoy getting to play on Thanksgiving. I think we’ll be fine."
The Longhorns should be tested by an Aggies offense that ranks seventh nationally at 459.3 yards per game. The unit is spearheaded by record-setting quarterback Jerrod Johnson.
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"I really haven’t thought about the records much," Johnson said. "When I leave A&M, maybe I can look back at the things I’ve done. Right now, I’m in the present, I’m just trying to win games. It’s frustrating that I haven’t been able to win more so far."
Johnson helped the Aggies become bowl eligible and avoid a third straight loss in a 38-3 win over Baylor on Saturday. He went 19 of 25 for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
Christine Michael ran for 116 yards and two scores while Cyrus Gray added 107 yards rushing for Texas A&M, which went 4-8 in 2008 in its first season under coach Mike Sherman.
"It’s huge for us,"
"It’s going to be fun,"
Posted: 11/23/09 9:20PM ET