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We're continuing our look at the postseason rankings for each position in the Big 12. Here's a look back at where the receivers ranked in the preseason.

In this position, unlike quarterback, depth is a major, major factor in these rankings.

More postseason position rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs

1. Oklahoma State: The Cowboys boasted two-time Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon, but he wasn't the only weapon. The Cowboys had nine (!) receivers with at least 19 catches and 200 yards receiving this season. Insane. Life is good with Brandon Weeden at quarterback.

2. Baylor: Kendall Wright actually outperformed Blackmon and Ryan Broyles on the stat sheet, catching 108 balls for 1,663 yards. The Bears didn't have the insane depth of OSU, but the trio of Wright, Terrance Williams (59 rec, 957 yards, 11 TDs) and Tevin Reese (51 rec, 877 yards, 7 TDs) were all in the Big 12's top seven receivers.

3. Texas A&M: Ryan Swope emerged to become one of just four Big 12 receivers to notch 1,000-yard seasons. Jeff Fuller's season was disappointing, but he still finished eighth in the league in receiving, and Uzoma Nwachukwu was in the league's top 15 in receiving.

4. Oklahoma: The Sooners weren't quite as solid as they thought to begin the season. Broyles was as advertised, though his Biletnikoff-contending season was cut short by a torn ACL. The unit was productive, but came down with the drops late in the season. Broyles and Kenny Stills were both in the league's top seven in receiving, and Jaz Reynolds caught 41 passes for 715 yards to crack the top 10.

5. Texas Tech: Tech's top target, Darrin Moore, battled injuries all year, but Eric Ward emerged as the team's most consistent target, catching 84 passes for 800 yards and 11 scores. Alex Torres missed two games, but added 616 more yards.

6. Missouri: The Tigers' receivers had their production dip with a dual-threat passer in James Franklin who ran the ball more than his predecessor, but they were still pretty good, despite lacking a true big-time threat. T.J. Moe caught 54 passes for 649 yards and four scores. Tight end Michael Egnew added 50 grabs for 523 yards and three scores. L'Damian Washington, Marcus Lucas and Wes Kemp had unremarkable individual seasons, but their production added up to a good year for Mizzou's receivers.

7. Kansas State: Kansas State was better than most thought to begin the season, but the ground-based offense limited their receivers' ability to finish with big production. Chris Harper (40 rec, 547 yards, 5 TDs) led the group. Tramaine Thompson and Tyler Lockett showed some good promise, too.

8. Texas: The Longhorns could get really good, really fast at this spot. The uncertainty/struggles at quarterback limited this group, but Jaxon Shipley and Mike Davis could both mature into absolute stars. For now, though, they didn't quite crack the top 15 in the Big 12 in receiving. Both topped 40 catches and 600 receiving yards.

9. Iowa State: Darius Reynolds' size downfield will be missed, but Aaron Horne and Josh Lenz are tough covers working the middle of the field. Reynolds caught seven touchdowns, and Horne and Lenz both topped 38 catches.

10. Kansas: Yikes. The Jayhawks didn't have a receiver in the league's top 20, but D.J. Beshears led the team with 40 grabs for 437 yards and three touchdowns. He was the only Jayhawk in the Big 12's top 32 in receiving.

After a rough season that included the death of teammate Joey Villavisencio last week and the firing of coach Mike Sherman, the Aggies got a bowl win. It's been an emotional year at Texas A&M, but it will end in fine fashion with a good win over Northwestern.

The Aggies did it without top rusher Cyrus Gray, too. Gray missed his second consecutive game and the final game of his career with a stress fracture in his shoulder that he suffered early in a win over Kansas.

Here's some instant analysis.

How the game was won: Texas A&M was the better team and proved it for the first three quarters, but like we've seen all year, the team swooned in the second half. This time it came in the fourth quarter. The Aggies survived via two huge third-down catches from Uzoma Nwachukwu and Jeff Fuller to keep the ball out of Northwestern's hands in the final minutes. This season, the Aggies blew leads of 18 (Arkansas), 17 (Oklahoma State), 14 (Missouri), 13 (Texas) and 10 (Kansas State). They avoided a sixth loss in extravagant fashion this season with a clutch late drive to close out the Wildcats.

Turning point: Trailing 7-3, Texas A&M scored on its final three drives of the first half, highlighted by a vertical, 26-yard touchdown catch by Jeff Fuller from Ryan Tannehill. The Aggies took control and the Wildcats weren't able to get within realistic reach the rest of the game. The Aggies scored the first 10 points of the second half for a 30-7 lead.

Player of the game: A&M receiver Ryan Swope. Swope continued his tear this season with eight catches for 105 yards and broke a few tackles on a 37-yard catch-and-run to set up an early touchdown that put the Aggies ahead for good. Fuller had a huge catch late to seal the game, but Swope kept the A&M offense humming in the first half while it built the big lead.

Unsung hero: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter. He spelled what looked like a gimpy Dan Persa and ran for 65 yards and a touchdown in a nice performance.

What it means: One epic bowl losing streak ended while another lives on. Northwestern had lost five bowl games going back to 1949 and made it a sixth. Texas A&M ended its eight-game bowl losing streak dating back to 2001. The Northwestern streak was represented on the sidelines by a monkey wearing a No. 63 jersey, the number of years since the Wildcats won a bowl.

Well wishes: Coryell Judie. The Aggies' kick returner and cornerback finally returned to full health against Texas on Thanksgiving after missing a handful of games with a hamstring injury. However, he suffered a fractured wrist during his final collegiate game. It's a rough break for a huge talent, but he'll hear his name called next April in the NFL draft.

Record performance: With his first field goal midway through the first quarter, kicker Randy Bullock broke Texas A&M's single-season scoring record set back in 1927. The Lou Groza Award winner surpassed Joel Hunt's record of 128 points and finished the season with 139 points after making three field goals and three extra points on Saturday.

Texas A&M players weighed in on the Thursday firing of coach Mike Sherman. Some did so through a school release, and others vented through social-media outlets.

"I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for such a great coach and great man as Mike Sherman," quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. "As a coach and person, he reflected everything that's great about Texas A&M's traditions and values. He helped us become not only better football players but better men. I wish him and his family the very best as they move forward. He will be missed."

Safety Trent Hunter, a senior captain and four-year starter, said Sherman was "a father figure."

"He's a guy that really taught us core values that I will take with me for the rest of my life," Hunter said. "He is a man of integrity, character and honesty. There's not much more that you can ask for in a man than what Coach Sherman brings to the table. His door was always open to us and you could count on him being brutally honest with you no matter what. That's one of the things that I will always respect him for."

On Twitter, more Texas A&M players weighed in, and did so in much more pointed terms.

"What I'm reading better be fake. Not kidding," receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu wrote in a series of tweets as news broke Thursday evening. "Way way wayyyy beyond livid. Furious. Funny how all these decisions are made without thinking of the players. Funny how things work."

Offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi was angry, too.

"Everybody in the front office are so fake I swear, come to us smiling all the time n (expletive) then do this," he tweeted. "People told me its all a business they dont care about the players, but damn! (I don't know) what to think anymore."

Former quarterback Stephen McGee, who played under Sherman and is now with the Dallas Cowboys, weighed in, too.

"Disappointed of news that Coach Sherman will be released. Was a great football coach and an even better man! A&M has lost a really good one!" he wrote on Twitter. "I find it extremely difficult to point to Sherman for the seasons' shortcomings.. He put his team in situations to win every game and at some point players have to make plays.. A&M has made some bold long term decisions. All that being said I will always love and support Texas A&M! Special place, great people and an unmatched spirit!"

Linebacker Von Miller was one of the best Aggies of all time, winning the Butkus Award last season and being selected No. 2 overall in last year's NFL draft.

"It's unfortunate to see Coach Sherm go He is like another father to me He helped me become the person I am today I will never forget, never," he tweeted on his verified account. "Integrity, honor, accountability, faith, brotherhood, and my definition of the aggie spirit all came to me playing for Coach Sherman. gig em"

Time for our weekly look back at the weekend that was in the Big 12.

Best offensive player: Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State. This was a close one, but Klein made a ton of plays late in a tight game and again erased a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead. He finished with 384 yards of total offense and six touchdowns in a 53-50, four-overtime victory over Texas A&M. A&M forced him into pressure throws late; Klein made them. Honorable mention: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State; Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Best defensive player: Elliot Coffey, LB, Baylor. Coffey picked off two passes, made a tackle for loss and had 10 tackles. Honorable mention: Damontre Moore, LB, Texas A&M

Best game: Kansas State 53, Texas A&M 50 (4OT). This was the best game of the year and one of the best in Big 12 history. K-State erased deficits of 14 and 10 points and both teams made a handful of huge plays in overtime, including an unbelievable, game-extending touchdown pass from Ryan Tannehill to Uzoma Nwachukwu. It wasn't enough, though, and Klein beat the Aggies in 4OT with a predictable, yet unstoppable QB sneak.

Best team performance: Oklahoma State. The Cowboys eviscerated Texas Tech on the road, handing the Red Raiders the worst loss in school history, a 66-6 laugher that could have been even worse. Texas Tech's only points came on a fumble return. Good grief, OSU. Don't hurt 'em!

Best guest: Sal Giunta. As part of the Wounded Warrior Project, Giunta was an honorary captain for the Red Raiders. Very cool scene before the game, too, when Tech and the Lubbock Homes for Heroes charity presented a mortgage-free home to soldier Louis Flores. Giunta was the first living veteran since Vietname to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in the armed forces. He rescued several of his squad members in Afghanistan.

Worst quarter: Kansas' fourth quarter. KU looked on the verge of its first conference win ... until it wasn't. RG3 evaporated a 24-3 fourth-quarter deficit with three long touchdowns and forced overtime, where the Bears won it after a missed 2-point conversion to win it for Kansas.

Worst guest: The injury bug. Seriously, this is getting out of hand. Big 12 talents are having big issues staying healthy. Saturday, it was Missouri running back Henry Josey and Texas back Fozzy Whittaker with awful-looking knee injuries. Terrible.

Worst half: Texas Tech. Even Kansas did better against Oklahoma State. In Stillwater, the Jayhawks trailed, 56-7 and took a 7-0 lead to start the game. Tech? It started with a three-and-out and trailed 49-0 at halftime. Ugly.

Worst self-parody: Texas A&M. I mean, at this point, the jokes are beyond old. Four times this year, Texas A&M has lost double digit leads in the second half, and long after the jokes have gone stale, the Aggies are still losing games late. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. If anyone really knew, it'd be fixed by now. This team just hasn't been able to make plays late.

Worst-sounding injury: Tyler Lockett, WR/KR, Kansas State. Lockett, one of the league's most dangerous return men, is out for the season with a lacerated kidney. Good grief, how does that happen playing football? Don't think I've ever heard of that. Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel suffered a "lacerated groin" last week, but that's maybe the only injury I've ever heard of that sounds worse. Here's hoping Lockett's OK long-term.

Worst trip home: Oklahoma State. The Cowboys had plane troubles, and got stuck on a plane and in the Lubbock airport for several hours before making it home to Stillwater. Despite leaving the stadium sometime around 3:30, the C0wboys didn't make it back home until 10:30 and had a pretty boring rough afternoon. That's about all that went wrong for them on Saturday, though.

Worst play: Texas Tech's kick return team. Two return men failed to retain possession, and four seconds after going down 28-0, Josh Stewart recovered the loose ball in the end zone to put OSU up 35-0. Not good, Red Raiders.

Biggest guts: Turner Gill, Kansas. Gill's guts didn't pay off, but it was the right call to try and beat Baylor with one play in overtime. Calling timeout before the two-point conversaion probably wasn't the best move, but KU was so, so close to the win. Gotta go get it when you can. Kansas almost did.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Mike Sherman just finished watching his top-10 team scrimmage on its home field for two hours. He's concerned.

"We’re still looking for that third running back," the Aggies coach says without a hint of sarcasm.

Safety Trent Hunter has worries of his own, and encounters it every time he steps on the practice field.

"Our receivers right now, I’d put up against any team in the nation," the senior says.

Life is good for the Texas A&M offense in preseason camp, which is stocked with perhaps the best collection of skill-position talent in the Big 12.

There are plenty of reasons for the Aggies faithful to lose a little sleep these days. Will a move to the SEC eventually happen? Does Texas A&M have what it takes to win in Norman against an Oklahoma team that might carry a No. 1 ranking into the matchup?

One question that doesn't need an answer: Will the Aggies be able to put points on the board?

Why is Sherman searching for a third running back?

That's the problem a coach discovers when he has the top two running backs in his conference.

Christine Michael rushed for 844 yards as a freshman in 2009 and looked headed for his first 1,000-yard season as a sophomore in 2010 (631 yards in just over seven games) before breaking his leg and missing the rest of the season.

That's when Cyrus Gray took over, rushing for 938 yards and 10 touchdowns in the season's final seven games.

Both return. And that third running back? Whoever ends up earning the spot (this blogger casts his vote for Mister Jones), he'll have a lot to live up to.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has just six career starts, but he won five of them (all conference games, including wins over Nebraska and Oklahoma) and is throwing to one of the deepest receiving corps in the game today. Tannehill began his A&M career as a receiver and actually led the group in receiving in 2008 and 2009 before ceding to Jeff Fuller, who emerged as one of the nation's top receivers in 2010 with the first 1,000-yard season in Aggies history.

"He’s on another level," Hunter said of Fuller's fall camp performance. "All of our receivers are."

Slot man Ryan Swope equaled Fuller's 72 receptions, amassing 825 yards and four touchdowns. Uzoma Nwachukwu, affectionately known as "Eazy," caught 36 passes for 407 yards and four scores.

Others such as Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson could be poised for big years and add even more depth to the squad.

"They’re just multitalented guys. You can put them anywhere. You can put Jeff at the slot. You can put Ryan outside. Eazy. All our skill guys right now our interchangeable," Hunter said. "All our guys did punt returns and kick returns in high school, played quarterback or running back, and they all played so many different positions, that their skill sets aren’t trapped at one position right now. They’re interchangeable and can go at any position."

And for guys like Hunter, the additional plus for the Aggies is obvious.

"Playing in the Big 12 this year, they have a lot of talent year in and year out, and going against guys that can compete with the best of them will really help us this year," he said. "Especially as a secondary going against receivers like we have."

"They’re so balanced," Hunter said. "I really can’t even pinpoint one thing they do best. They just do everything so well."

Enjoyed my visit to College Station, which featured quite a bit of things, including a scrimmage on Monday morning. Here are a few notes and thoughts:

• Cornerback Terrance Frederick had one of the plays of the day, stepping in front of a Ryan Tannehill pass to the sidelines and returning the interception for what would have been an easy touchdown -- had coaches not blown the play dead once Frederick was clear. "It was just a bad decision. We've been talking about banging that smash [route] all week, and just made a bad decision and threw it out there," Tannehill said.
• I'm consistently struck by how physical Texas A&M plays everywhere on the field. They were in full pads, but Oklahoma is the only team that might be more physical than the Aggies the past two seasons, and we saw who won the battle up front when those two teams played in 2010. If A&M does end up in the SEC, that will serve them well, versus some of the other spread teams in the Big 12 that don't have a downhill running game anywhere near as powerful as Texas A&M or a front seven that is tougher.
• Christine Michael had a ridiculous 20-plus yard run on a draw play that featured a pump fake from Tannehill. He made three or four guys miss before bowling over the defender that did tackle him. "Man, let's go eat!" Michael yelled once he was back on his feet. Eat he did. All scrimmage long.
• Cyrus Gray and Jeff Fuller sat out, but the impact of receiver Nate Askew was huge. He had a handful of catches, despite a couple drops, and was all over the field. It sounds like he'll be a big part of what Texas A&M does offensively. "He's come a long way. It was a long summer and he put in a lot of work," Tannehill said. "We expect a lot from him this fall just because of how he progressed through the summer. He's continued to play well and it's great to have him out there because it's not much of a step off if he comes in behind Jeff or the other side behind EZ [Uzoma Nwachukwu]. He's a great player, a big target that can move really well, so we're excited about what he can do.
• Tannehill says Ryan Swope is Texas A&M's fastest receiver. I had no idea, but I'm not too surprised. I would have probably guessed Kenric McNeal or Nwachukwu.
• Hit of the day was easy: Tight end Michael Lamothe was held up by a couple defenders until a darting Steven Jenkins laid a huge hit that anyone near Kyle Field had to have heard, knocking off Lamothe's helmet.

We talk about it constantly and haphazardly throw players on it, but here's your official 2011 All-Name team, courtesy of yours truly.

Any player on a current roster, regardless of role on the team, is eligible.

The only requirement: Your name must be awesome, for any number of reasons.

OFFENSE

QB: Steele Jantz, Iowa State
RB: Mister Jones, Texas A&M
RB: Brandon Bourbon, Kansas
FB: Joel Ossom, Oklahoma
WR: Uzoma Nwachukwu, Texas A&M
WR: Jaz Reynolds, Oklahoma
TE: Trent Ratterree, Oklahoma
OL: Trevor Marrongelli, Kansas
OL: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
OL: Austin Wuebbels, Missouri
OL: Spencer Drango, Baylor
OL: Manese Foketi, Kansas State

DEFENSE

DL: Stephen Ruempolhamer, Iowa State
DL: Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, Baylor
DL: Pearlie Graves, Texas Tech
DL: James Castleman, Oklahoma State
LB: Toben Opurum, Kansas
LB: Tom Wort, Oklahoma
LB: Cqulin Hubert, Texas Tech
DB: Quandre Diggs, Texas
DB: Terrance Bullitt, Texas Tech
DB: Happiness Osunde, Texas Tech (formerly Junior Osunde)
DB: Sawyer Vest, Texas Tech

SPECIALISTS

K: Bobby Stonebraker, Oklahoma State
P: Michael Reichenstein, Oklahoma State

Any snubs? Who's the MVP?

The Big 12 might be weak at the top of the running back heap, but it's definitely not at receiver. The conference has at least three of the top five receivers in the country, and the top two. They highlight a very strong group of receivers across the league, and I continue our position rankings with receivers today.

Remember that depth plays a big part of these rankings. We'll be ranking the top 10 individuals at each position later on before the season begins.

Other position rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners have the nation's No. 2 receiver, Ryan Broyles, but found a handful of others to surround him in 2010 and should have a couple more in 2011. Sophomore Kenny Stills broke Broyles' freshman receiving record and looks like a budding star. Dejuan Miller came on strong before a season-ending knee injury, but he's back. The Sooners lose Cameron Kenney, but Trey Franks had a strong freshman campaign, and freshmen Justin McCay (redshirt) and Trey Metoyer could provide even more playmakers.

2. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys boast the returning Biletnikoff Award winner and 2011 favorite, Justin Blackmon, with a great group around him, too. Slot machine Josh Cooper returns for his senior year, and fellow senior Hubert Anyiam (the team's leading receiver in 2009) is hoping to return to form after being slowed by an ankle injury in 2010. Isaiah Anderson is a shifty speedster, while Michael Harrison and Tracy Moore offer a more aerial approach to receiving.

3. Texas A&M

The Aggies have the Big 12's No. 3 receiver, Jeff Fuller, who is arguably one of the top-five in the college game. But they also have the Big 12's most experienced receiving unit, with guys who won't be surprised by anything they see in Big 12 play. Juniors Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu are the team's second and third options, but fellow juniors Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson could be bigger pieces of the offense in 2011. Tight end Nehemiah Hicks should see his profile rise in his coming sophomore year.

4. Baylor

Top target Kendall Wright will likely end his career as the Bears' leading receiver for all four of his seasons on the field, and 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior Josh Gordon looks like the new Jeff Fuller. Terrance Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese round out the Bears' top five, who all had at least 40 catches last season, and all return.

5. Missouri

Missouri still lacks a proven big-play threat, but has two pass-catchers who have some of the best hands in the game. Receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew won't drop many passes, and combined to catch 182 for 1,807 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson bring a lot of experience and both had at least 39 catches last season. If Marcus Lucas or Rolandis Woodland can become a consistent downfield threat, Missouri will rise up these rankings by season's end.

6. Texas Tech

Tech's top two receivers, Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis, must be replaced, but the Red Raiders have a few solid candidates to do it. Junior Alex Torres will likely lead the group, but fellow junior Austin Zouzalik and seniors Jacoby Franks and Tramain Swindall will be counted on for more production. Dark horse/juco newcomer Marcus Kennard could blossom into a household name across the Big 12 by season's end.

7. Texas

Sophomore Mike Davis and redshirt freshman Darius White are loaded with potential, but two of the team's top three receivers (James Kirkendoll, John Chiles) are gone, and no Texas receiver caught more than two touchdowns last season. Malcolm Williams and Marquise Goodwin are as different as two receivers could be, but both need to break out to help whoever becomes the Longhorns quarterback next fall.

8. Kansas State

Brodrick Smith will be back this season after breaking his leg in a loss to Nebraska. But two of the team's top three receivers are gone, leaving converted quarterback Chris Harper as the leading returner, though Smith might have held that title if he'd stayed healthy. Sophomore speedster Tramaine Thompson can make plays if he gets the ball with some space.

9. Iowa State

The Cyclones will be breaking in a new quarterback this season and they will need a playmaker to step up. Tight end Collin Franklin led team in receiving last season but he is now gone. Darius Reynolds looks like a possible candidate to fill the role, although incoming slot receiver Aaron Horne might rack up a few catches in space. Darius Darks and Josh Lenz should earn some more targets too.

10. Kansas

Converted defensive back Daymond Patterson is the team's top receiver, but the team's No. 3 receiver junior Bradley McDougald, moved to safety in the middle of the season. Tight end Tim Biere is one of the Big 12's best and led the team with four touchdowns last season. Chris Omigie and D.J. Beshears have some potential, and converted quarterback Christian Matthews keeps showing up in spring games. But all three, along with the rest of the group, would benefit from some consistency at the quarterback spot.

Is Bon short for Bonathan?

• Could new quarterback commit Wes Lunt be the answer for Brandon Weeden's replacement at Oklahoma State? Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman tries to answer the question.
• Athletic director Bill Byrne has facilitated a Texas A&M sports revival, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
• The recruiting package Oregon paid $25,000 for access to in February 2010 included zero 2011 recruits, and the "national" package is mostly players from Texas. None of the players included are in trouble, but notable Big 12ers like A&M receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu, Tech OL LaAdrian Waddle and incoming Baylor transfer Kolby Gray are all featured in the rather slim evaluations. Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian has the report. Here's a the full package if you're interested in reading about the players.
• Bob Stoops says the recent scandals aren't ruining college football. He's wrong, writes Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington requested and was granted a continuance in relation to his pending deviate sexual assault charge.
• Arizona is getting to know former Texas DE Sam Acho, and Dan Bickley at the Arizona Republic says it should fall in love with him.
• Considering there might not be real fantasy football this year, here's a preview of Big 12 fantasy football.
• Get to know Kansas running backs coach Reggie Mitchell.

The ninth in our series looking at the strongest and weakest position for each team in the Big 12: The Texas A&M Aggies.

Strongest position: Skill positions

Key returnees: QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Jeff Fuller, RB Cyrus Gray, RB Christine Michael, WR Ryan Swope, WR Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR Kenric McNeal

Key losses: None

Analysis: You can't pick one position out of this group, really. The Aggies have two of the Big 12's best running backs, both with two years of solid experience in the Big 12.

The same is true of the receiving corps, which is deep and experienced with lots of ability to make sure Tannehill's first full season starting (he was 5-1 in six starts last year) goes well.

In that group of receivers is plenty of balance. Jeff Fuller's size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) makes him one of the best red zone targets in college football, and he caught 12 touchdowns last year. Ryan Swope and Kenric McNeal are some of the league's toughest covers in the slot and Uzoma Nwachukwu is a more balanced receiver with a lot to prove after an underwhelming sophomore year.

Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael are both balanced backs, but Gray's biggest asset is his speed, and Michael is the more powerful back. They complement each other well and could both flirt with 1,000 yards this year. Gray brings a seven-game streak of at least 100 yards rushing into 2011, racked up against defenses like Nebraska, Oklahoma and LSU to close the 2010 season.

The Aggies' backup plan if Tannehill goes down isn't very attractive, with no experience behind him, but he should be among the Big 12's best at the position this year.

Best of all, the offensive line brings back four starters. The Aggies should be among the Big 12's best offenses and defenses, but the biggest asset is its depth and experience at all the skill positions.

Weakest position: Linebacker

Key returnees: Garrick Williams, Sean Porter, Damontre Moore, Kyle Mangan

Key losses: Von Miller, Michael Hodges

Analysis: For the Aggies, linebacker is more of a question mark than a true weakness, but they'll need good players to blossom into great ones if they want to build on last season's strong finish.

Make no mistake, Von Miller and Michael Hodges are huge losses. Miller was the Big 12's best defender last year, and Hodges led the team in tackles, with 115. We already got a preview of what happened to Texas A&M's defense without Hodges in the Cotton Bowl. He went down early with a knee injury and the Aggies fell apart, giving up 41 points to an LSU offense that averaged fewer than 30 last season, ranking ninth in the SEC. It wasn't pretty.

Damontre Moore, at the pivotal Joker position, showed lots of potential last year when Miller was slowed early in the season with an ankle injury, but he was still just a freshman. He'll have to grow up and be counted on for much more as a sophomore this year.

Garrick Williams made 112 tackles last year and should be one of the defense's leaders. Sean Porter may play a bit of the Joker position, but he'll grab another linebacker spot in the Aggies' 3-4 after starting last season and making 74 tackles, third-most on the team.

Replacing Hodges isn't entirely settled yet, but someone will have to step in and be solid in the middle of the defense. Jonathan Stewart and Kyle Mangan played some last year, and freshman Donnie Baggs was in the rotation this spring as well.

More spring superlatives:

• Baylor
• Iowa State
• Kansas
• Kansas State
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State
• Texas

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Twice, Oklahoma State fans' hopes were dwindling. Texas A&M had given up 28 consecutive points to fall behind 35-21, but somehow rebounded to tie the game and had the ball one more time.

The Aggies' Jerrod Johnson, looking to get into field-goal range, took a snap near midfield with just under 30 seconds to play and launched a pass downfield to Uzoma Nwachukwu.

It sailed too far. Waiting to cradle it? Freshman linebacker Shaun Lewis, who returned it 27 yards back into Texas A&M territory, setting up a game-winning field goal and helping Oklahoma State win a share of the Big 12 South.

"He's very unique in him being a freshman and able to make so many huge plays during the season," said coach Mike Gundy. "He’s got great savvy and a knack for being in the right area where the ball is, so you like having a young player that can make that many big plays."

That was the fourth game of Lewis' college career, playing the linebacker spot the defensive coordinator Bill Young calls "Star."

"He came from a high school program that’s very well-coached and played at a high level in Texas, and he’d been in big games in those situations," Gundy said of the Fort Bend Hightower alum from Missouri City, Texas. "He’s unique, and every once in awhile, you’ll run across a young guy who can play like a veteran would with not much experience. You don’t see it a lot, but he obviously had the ability to do that, and as the season progressed, he got better and better.

He wasn't done. In the regular-season finale against Oklahoma, the Sooners looked ready to blow out Oklahoma State in a game that would decide the division. Oklahoma grabbed a 14-3 lead and had the ball, inching toward total control.

Quarterback Landry Jones, rushed slightly, stepped up in the pocket and fired a pass underneath to Ryan Broyles, who finished with 131 receptions. Lewis' orange blur, though, slipped in front of the pass and raced 52 yards for a momentum-shifting score that got Oklahoma State back in the game.

He added another interception later in the game on the back half of one of the greatest plays in recent college football history.

"I got to thinking, 'This guy, he always is in the right place at the right time, you know?'" Gundy said. "In the middle of the season, I started to see that."

Oklahoma State's defense this fall loses a pair of leaders in defensive end Ugo Chinasa and linebacker Orie Lemon, but for a largely inexperienced defense, especially at linebacker, the next step for Lewis, is joining safety Markelle Martin as a player the rest of the defense can look to for guidance.

"He has and to step up," Gundy said. "He’s now a veteran because he’s made those plays in key situations."

ARLINGTON, Texas -- With sometimes as much a month between games, trick plays are a staple of any bowl game.

Texas A&M made sure the AT&T Cotton Bowl was no exception.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill pitched it to running back Cyrus Gray, who pulled up and found a wide-open Uzoma Nwachukwu in the back of the end zone, thanks to a defender who fell in coverage. The Aggies lead 17-14 after the score.

The 14-yard touchdown catch was Nwachukwu's second of the game, and capped off a big drive that stretched 78 yards in seven plays. The Aggies needed the drive badly after losing almost all the momentum from its 10-0 start, and playing with a tired defense getting run down by the LSU running game.

Good trick plays become great when they're run at the perfect time. The Aggies couldn't have picked a better time to hit theirs.

1. Don't kick it to Patrick Peterson. Just don't. LSU's return man ranks fourth nationally with over 16 yards per punt return, and has taken a pair of punts back for touchdowns already this year. He also ranks eighth nationally in kick return yardage, averaging just under 30 yards a return. If the Aggies are into giving up a game-changing return for points in what should be a low-scoring game, then by all means, punt Peterson the ball. If not, just kick it out of bounds or perfect a rugby kick. Matt Dodge of the New York Giants found out earlier this year what can happen if you give a playmaker an opportunity. Peterson is no DeSean Jackson, but he's pretty good. The Aggies better not give him a chance to prove it.

2. Don't force the ball to Jeff Fuller. Perhaps we're a little Peterson-centric here, but throwing the ball up to Jeff Fuller and hoping the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder comes down with it works quite a bit against the majority of Big 12 corners. Here's guessing it won't against Peterson, a 6-foot-1, 222-pound cornerback who will be as physical with Fuller as any corner he's seen all year. Maybe they'll sneak in a reception -- Fuller did beat Prince Amukamara once against Nebraska for a clean 36-yard catch, his only catch of the night -- but trying to throw a jump ball will more often result in a wasted down at best and a turnover at worst. Peterson picked off four passes this year. The offensive line has to give Ryan Tannehill time to get the ball underneath to Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu.

3. Don't forget Ryan Tannehill has legs. Tannehill has played receiver for most of the past two seasons, and he can get out and run if he gets a chance. Against a stingy defense, if there's space, Tannehill should tuck it and run. The Tigers gave up 217 rushing yards to Cam Newton in a loss earlier this year. Tannehill, of course, is no Cam Newton, but the Aggies will have to scrap for yards. Tannehill may take some punishment for venturing into the next level of the defense, but he's a big guy who can take it. Mississippi State's Chris Relf ran seven times for 46 yards. West Virginia's Geno Smith didn't run much or well, finishing with just 10 yards on five carries. LSU hasn't seen a ton of mobile quarterbacks, but Relf and Newton had success. If Tannehill can follow their lead without running too much to the detriment of the passing game, it could open up plenty of other opportunities for the offense. Yards will be precious in this game, and Texas A&M needs to earn them any way it can.

Texas A&M revives an ancient rivalry with LSU in the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Friday night. For the second consecutive year, the game will be played in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, rather than the stadium for which the game is named. The match moves to prime time for the first time as well as part of an attempt to become a BCS bowl in the future.

WHO TO WATCH: Texas A&M running back Cyrus Gray. He's been nothing short of outstanding over the second half of the season after his partner in the backfield, Christine Michael, broke his leg and ended his season. In the three games before the Aggies took on Kansas, Gray had a combined seven rushing yards. He finished the year with six consecutive 100-yard games. His 223-yard finale, in a win over rival Texas, brought him to 838 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Aggies' final six games. Not surprisingly they were all wins, and included two top-10 opponents in Nebraska and Oklahoma. Gray's emergence over the end of the year made the streak possible, and he'll likely need another 100-yard day for the Aggies to knock off No. 11 LSU.

WHAT TO WATCH: The line of scrimmage. This game figures to be the most physical of the Big 12's bowl games, and neither team will be able to win without winning the battle up front. Texas A&M runs it downhill better than about anyone in the Big 12, and LSU ranks a manageable 40th nationally in rush defense. The Aggies will have to deal with superstar defensive tackle Drake Nevis, and protecting Ryan Tannehill is priority No. 2 for the offensive line. He'll need time to poke holes in a solid LSU secondary with his receivers, specifically Uzoma Nwachukwu and Ryan Swope. Jeff Fuller could be in for a tough day against the physical Patrick Peterson. Defensively, the Aggies will have to slow Stevan Ridley. Rushing for 1,000 yards in the defense-heavy SEC should come with some kind of multiplier, but Ridley did it, becoming only the fourth Tiger to achieve the feat.


WHY WATCH: These are two teams competing for the "Quality Loss Championship." LSU's only losses are to BCS teams Arkansas and Auburn, while A&M's losses came to Oklahoma State, Missouri and Arkansas, all 10-game winners. What you have in this game is a pair of quality teams that couldn't quite get it done against teams that were better than them on that day, but the two could meet up for a classic.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 20, LSU 17. I like defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter's chances against a mostly one-dimensional offense. Meanwhile, the Aggies' balance will be enough to get the win. Throwing the ball won't be easy, but when receivers do get open, if only slightly, Tannehill has proved he can get it to them. That hasn't been the case for LSU quarterbacks Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson.

IRVING, Texas -- From time to time, Jerrod Johnson would approach his coaches and notify them that his practice day was over. The pain in his throwing shoulder would be too much.

This would happen, Texas A&M passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tom Rossley said, as late as the week of the Aggies' lopsided 30-9 loss to Missouri. Two weeks later, he lost his spot as the team's starting quarterback.

Publicly, everyone in College Station insisted Johnson's shoulder was "fine" at worst and 100 percent at best.

Anyone who watched him play last year and compared it to his play when he returned after offseason shoulder surgery knew otherwise. Understandably not wanting to make excuses, Johnson told anyone who asked that his arm was 100 percent. He told his coaches when the season began that his arm strength was back to around "80-85 percent."

"I don’t know if it was even that," Rossley said. "He always is going to say the cup is more full."

The media named him the Big 12's Preseason Player of the Year. Rossley -- and the rest of the conference and country -- saw a junior that could make every throw on the field and made plays with his feet. Deep balls floated into teammate Jeff Fuller's hands weekly. He'd drill passes over the middle to receivers like Uzoma Nwachukwu and Ryan Tannehill.

But this year, something was different.

"He just couldn’t do that," Rossley said. "He could do it, but just not the same velocity and get it there on time like he did as a junior."

Texas A&M lost a crushing Thursday night game in Stillwater to Oklahoma State on a last-second field goal. Johnson threw for more than 400 yards and five touchdowns. He also threw four interceptions, the final one setting up the Cowboys' game-winner.

Only one of those four interceptions was a mental mistake.

"He just couldn’t make some of the throws. They were making plays on us," Rossley said. "When you’ve got to get a ball into a window, you’ve got to get it there pretty quick, and he wasn’t able to do that."

Doctors told Johnson and his coaches he would keep getting stronger as his arm got more work and the season progressed. It just didn't happen fast enough. And with a capable quarterback behind him, Rossley and coach Mike Sherman decided to make the switch to Tannehill against Texas Tech on Oct. 30, after giving the pair even playing time in a win over Kansas.

Tannehill hadn't played significant snaps before that Kansas game, but at 3-3, fans wanted something to change. The Aggies had more problems than just at quarterback, but the time had come to give Tannehill a chance.

"We kind of got to a point where we couldn’t wait any more," Rossley said.

Though Johnson's injury derailed his senior season, doctors don't believe it will carry over to the rest of his career. When Rossley looks at Johnson, he sees a coach, but he also sees a quarterback whose arm continued to progress as Tannehill carried the Aggies to a six-game winning streak and a berth in Friday's Cotton Bowl.

"He’s getting stronger still," Rossley said of Johnson, who also visited renowned sports surgeon James Andrews recently for a consult on the throwing shoulder. "The best I’ve seen him throw was when we were warming up to play Texas [in the season finale on Thanksgiving], but he has ups and downs. He still needs some offseason strengthening to get him back to where he was."

Any talk of a second surgery has been between Johnson and his doctors, Rossley said.

If Tannehill should get injured against LSU, Rossley would feel better about his backup, the school's all-time leader in total offense, than just about anyone else in the country.

"He would definitely be better than he was back earlier in the year," Rossley said.

That could carry over to an NFL career. Johnson projected as a late-round NFL Draft pick before the season, and because of his struggles and injury, isn't likely to be drafted unless he can impress scouts with a showcase of his old arm in pre-draft workouts. Rossley says it should still take time, but the NFL types that he, Johnson and Sherman have talked to still say his future isn't on the sidelines.

"They feel like he can still be in the NFL. He’s big, strong, smart, athletic. He has every quality that you could ever want in a quarterback. They’ll get that [shoulder] fixed and he’ll have a pro career," Rossley said.