CURT McKEEVER / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, November 9, 2006 6:00 pm
Much has been made of Texas A&M being ranked No. 2 nationally with an average time of possession of 33:52 (Michigan ranks No. 1 at 34:05).
What’s especially impressive is that in the last seven games, the average difference in TOP has favored the Aggies by more than 11 minutes. After their first three games, they were at a slight deficit.
Not surprisingly, over the same seven-game stretch, A&M has limited opponents to 21.2 percent success on third-down conversions (14-for-66). In Big 12 action, the Aggies’ offense is converting 52.8 percent of its third downs, and for the season, it’s a Big 12-best 51.5 percent (70-for-136).
PROTECTING THE BALL: If you think ball security is overrated, consider that under fourth-year coach Dennis Franchione, A&M is 17-2 when it has a positive turnover margin. When that number is even or negative, the Aggies are 7-19.