Vitals: Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&M

Everything you need to know for the Cowboys' conference opener against the Aggies.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:58 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Sep 30, 2010 3:58 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

Texas A&M Aggies (3-0) at Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0)
6:30 p.m. CST
T. Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Returning Statistical Leaders:

	Oklahoma State	Texas A&M
Passing	Brandon Weeden 74-10, 975 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INTs	Jerrod Johnson 64-109, 865 yards, 7 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing	Kendall Hunter 60 rushes, 473 yards, 6 TDs	Christine Michael 57 rushes, 331 yards, 3 TDs
Receiving	Justin Blackon 24 receptions, 431 yards, 8 TDs	Jeff Fuller 18 receptions, 280 yards, 3 TDs

Injury Report:

Texas A&M: S Steve Campbell (foot, probable); CB DeMaurier Thompson (knee, out)

Oklahoma State: DT Shane Jarka (knee, probable).

Where to Find It:

On TV: ESPN
On Radio: Cowboy Radio Network

What You Need to Know?.

Texas A&M is coming off a less-than-impressive performance against Florida International. The Aggies were down 20-6 going into the fourth quarter and scored 21-unanswered points to escape with a win at home. TAMU has also been unable to stop the pass so far this season, giving up nearly 300 yards and seven passing touchdowns through the first three games.

Oklahoma State’s transition to the new offense has been a bit bumpy at times, but the Cowboys have still averaged 57 points per game in their first three contests. However, despite the new system’s emphasis on passing, OSU has still managed 204 yards on the ground per game this season. The Cowboys have been just as effective through the air as well, passing for nearly 400 yards per game through three games.

Who You Need to Watch?

After being selected the Big 12’s preseason offensive player of the year, TAMU quarterback Jerrod Johnson has had an up-and-down season, averaging 288 yards per game passing, but throwing four picks against three sub-par opponents. After leading the nation in sacks in 2009, Texas A&M defensive end Von Miller garnered many postseason awards, but has yet to notch a sack in 2010. Demontre Moore has picked up the yolk that Miller carried last year, pulling down three sacks through three games.

Justin Blackmon has been the biggest beneficiary of the new high-powered offense. The sophomore from Ardmore is leading the nation in receiving yards per game with 143.67 yards with just eight receptions per game for an average of nearly 18 yards per catch. Running back Kendall Hunter has proven why he was once one of the most talked about running backs in the nation, rushing for 157 yards per game this season for Oklahoma State and nearly eight yards per carry.