SMU

Running Back: Zach Line

Line rushed for 1391 total yards which is the second largest single season mark reached in school history, while doing so he rushed for 10 TDs. Line also rushed for at least 100 yards in seven games last season, and in Line’s best game he rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown against Marshall. Line has the ability to run people over and make defenders miss in open space. Line efficient 6.1 yards per carry also allows the Mustangs to go into each contest with a balanced offensive attack.

Quarterback: Kyle Padron

Junior Kyle Padron surprised those who thought his 460 yard performance in the 2009 Hawaii Bowl was a fluke by leading SMU to a second Conference USA West Title and a second bowl game with stats such as 3,828 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 14 interceptions. He also added 244 yards on the ground, with another 4 rushing touchdowns. Padron has the biggest advantage, similar to Tannehill’s 2010 season, but also has a full season on top of that.

Wide Receiver: Cole Beasley

Second Team All-Conference USA, Cole Beasley had the second most caught passes in a single season for the 2010-2011 season, 87. Beasley had one of his best seasons with the SMU football team in 2010, when he totaled six touchdowns and 1,060 passing yards, which was the fourth highest for the season. Beasley possesses the necessary experience of a wide receiver to play against a strong team such as the Aggies, who have not faced each other since 2005.

SMU’s Offense

Second Team All-Conference USA, Cole Beasley had the second most caught passes in a single season for the 2010-2011 season, 87. Beasley had one of his best seasons with the SMU football team in 2010, when he totaled six touchdowns and 1,060 passing yards, which was the fourth highest for the season. Beasley possesses the necessary experience of a wide receiver to play against a strong team such as the Aggies, who have not faced each other since 2005.

SMU’s Defense

Junior Ja’Gared Davis was key to the successful defensive linemen against Houston, having nine tackles and a half sack. As for the 2010-2011 season, Davis was named First Team Conference USA and honorably mentioned to CollegeFootballNews.com All-American, along with a season high of 90 tackles. The defensive linemen may not be the best in the country, but they are definitely above the teams’ defenses for the Conference USA West division.

Texas A&M

Running Back: Cyrus Gray

Gray rushed for 1180 yards in 2010 averaging 5.7 yards a carry and rushed for 12 TDs. Gray is leader of the explosive Aggie offense that averaged over 31 points a game last season, he has the potential to be a Heisman candidate at the start of the 2011 season. Gray was backup for the first six games of the season. In the last seven games of the season Gray topped the 100 yards rushing mark and was a key piece of the Aggies success on offense.

Quarterback: Ryan Tannehill

Senior Ryan Tannehill is a hard quarterback to judge. Tannehill only appeared in seven games last season, including the Cotton Bowl loss to LSU. Tannehill put up similar numbers to Padron’s half season, but has a much tougher schedule ahead of him than the games he played in last season. Tannehill has the potential to have a successful season, but unless he has an receiver core like that of Padron’s, don’t expect his inconsistency to get any better.

Wide Receiver: Jeff Fuller

First Team All-Big 12, Jeff Fuller has been one of the most successful Wide Receivers in A&M football history. Fuller was named a finalist for the 2010 Bilentnikoff Award, he broke the A&M record of obtaining 72 catches for the 2010-2011. Fuller also set 1,066 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. When compared to the Big 12, Fuller is ranked third in receiving yards per game, 82.0. During his Texas Tech game he earned 11 catches and 171 yards, along with two touchdowns.

Texas A&M’s Offense

First Team All-Big 12, Jeff Fuller has been one of the most successful Wide Receivers in A&M football history. Fuller was named a finalist for the 2010 Bilentnikoff Award, he broke the A&M record of obtaining 72 catches for the 2010-2011. Fuller also set 1,066 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. When compared to the Big 12, Fuller is ranked third in receiving yards per game, 82.0. During his Texas Tech game he earned 11 catches and 171 yards, along with two touchdowns.

Texas A&M’s Defense

Although the Aggies’ defense was not very strong last year, they posses individuals who can make the change in the defense this season. Senior Garrick Williams, honorably mentioned All-Big 12 for the second straight year, earned greatly significant stats for the 2010-2011 season. Williams impressively obtained 112 tackles, second on the team, 54 of which were solo hits. Senior Terrence Frederick was honorably mentioned for the All-Big-12.