Despite Texas A&M's 5-0 start to the 2001 season, there was evidence early -- when the Aggies struggled in the opener against McNeese State (38-24) and in their second game against Wyoming (28-20) -- that they could be vulnerable when the schedule got tougher. As it turned out, Texas A&M dropped four of its last six regular-season games before closing out the campaign with a decisive victory over TCU in the Galleryfurniture.com Bowl.

	Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum got a surprise shower to celebrate the Aggies' bowl win over TCU last year.

In those four losses, the Aggies scored just nine points per game. Even against Baylor, which finished 3-8, they struggled to a 16-10 victory. Sustaining drives and scoring points were major problems, as the Aggies finished 107th in the nation in total offense.

Will things be any different in 2002? Based on this spring, there might be some improvement, but whether the strides are minimal or significant is up for debate.

OFFENSE
Everything hinges on the play of QB Mark Farris. The 27-year-old senior -- who has spent time in the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor-league system -- worked during spring practice on expanding the passing game beyond short-range, safety-valve options.

While Farris is under the gun this season, the Aggies' future at QB appears to be brighter than ever. That's because coach R.C. Slocum was able to land super blue-chip prep signal caller Reggie McNeal. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, the multitalented McNeal possesses a strong arm and impressive escape ability. Recruiting guru Tom Lemming tabbed McNeal as the fifth-best prep player in the country and second overall at QB behind only Ben Olson, who signed with BYU.

If Farris can force opponents to respect the pass more, the running game could be productive. Sophomore Derek Farmer hits the hole with authority, combining a rugged style with the necessary breakaway potential. Versatile senior Joe Weber will open at fullback but also figures to see action in one-back sets, along with sophomore Keith Joseph.

In an effort to expand the passing attack and present matchup problems for opposing defenses, the Aggies figure to incorporate four wide receivers on occasion. Senior Greg Porter, a possession receiver, will be back in the mix once he returns from minor-league baseball duty in the Anaheim Angels' organization. Porter's return will give the Aggies five capable wideouts (including junior Jamaar Taylor, sophomore Terrence Murphy, senior Bethel Johnson and sophomore Terrence Thomas).

Sophomore Thomas Carriger likely will open as the starter at tight end; he made the switch from defensive line to tight end in the second half of the 2001 season. But three freshmen, led by Quinlin Germany, could compete for playing time.

Even though Seth McKinney's graduation loss hurts, the offensive line has the potential to be solid. Sophomore Geoff Hangartner, who is coming off a fine spring, figures to be a capable replacement for McKinney at center. A major plus for Hangartner will be assistance on the interior from veteran senior OGs Billy Yates and Taylor Whitley. Junior Andre Brooks returns as the starter at right tackle. And sophomore Jami Hightower is an All-American-caliber left tackle. When his college career is over, Hightower could establish himself as one of the top offensive linemen in Texas A&M history.

DEFENSE
While the offense wants to make significant strides this season, the stop troop hopes to build on the outstanding performance of 2001, when the Aggies finished 10th in the nation in total defense. Observers close to the team feel they could be even more stingy this season, with seven key starters back in the fold.

Highly regarded senior Ty Warren is shifting from nose tackle to defensive end in the Aggies' 3-4 scheme, where he'll look to make up for the graduation loss of Rocky Bernard. Sophomore Marcus Jasmin takes over in the middle. Expect freshman Johnny Jolley to provide serious competition at nose tackle. The physically imposing Jolley (6-3, 295) participated in spring practice and garnered positive commentary. Junior Linnis Smith, who has seen a great deal of playing time, is now the full-time starter at the other defensive-end spot.

A backup his first two seasons, senior Jarrod Penright waited his turn and then established himself as one of the elite outside linebackers in the nation last year. A real force off the edge, Penright recorded 10½ sacks and 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2001. Senior Jesse Hunicutt and sophomore Brandon Johnson are battling for the starting job at the other outside-linebacker spot, left vacant by graduation loss of Christian Rodriguez.

At inside linebacker, the Aggies are in good shape with the return of junior Jared Morris and senior Brian Gamble (each recorded more than 70 tackles last season).

The secondary figures to be the strength of the Aggies' defense, with senior star power in CB Sammy Davis and SS Terrence Kiel. Davis led the Aggies with five interceptions last season and was second with 74 tackles. Kiel has proven to be one of the most aggressive and punishing pure safeties in the Big 12 in recent years. Junior Sean Weston is at the other cornerback, with super sophomore Byron Jones figuring as one of the top nickel backs in the country. Jones burst on the national scene during the Galleryfurniture.com Bowl against TCU when he intercepted three passes, earning him MVP honors. The question in the deep patrol is whether big-play FS Jay Brooks, a key graduation loss, can be replaced adequately. Heading into preseason practice, sophomore Eric Crutchfield and redshirt freshman Jaxson Appel are battling for the starting free-safety job.

The coaching staff reportedly has high hopes for freshman kicker Todd Pegram, but with an unproven kicker there's always concern in clutch situations. With the problems the Aggies have had sustaining and finishing drives, Pegram could be a key to their success this season. Junior Cody Scates returns to handle the punting duties.

OVERVIEW
With a swarming, veteran defense returning and a favorable schedule, the potential exists for the Aggies to challenge Oklahoma and Texas in the Big 12 South. Four of their first five games are home at Kyle Field, while their road encounters include Baylor and Kansas. Both Nebraska and Oklahoma must visit the Aggies in College Station. A Nov. 2 road game at Oklahoma State will be dangerous and challenging. Making that game even trickier is that it's sandwiched between huge home battles against the Cornhuskers and Sooners. If the best-case scenario occurs, the stakes could be high when the Aggies travel to Austin on Nov. 29 to face Texas.

To achieve such a successful campaign, coach R.C. Slocum and offensive coordinator Dino Babers need QB Farris and the passing game to soften up opposing defenses. Then Farmer, Weber and Joseph would have a greater opportunity to kick the ground game into high gear. Otherwise, defenses can jam the box, limit the running room and put the clamps on the offense -- as was the case last season. The bottom line is this: If the offense can give a veteran, talented defense some assistance, the Aggies could have a year to remember. Otherwise, it will be another frustrating four-loss season that fails to satisfy the Aggies' faithful.