In an effort to equate my fellow Bulldog fans with the Spirit of Aggieland, I asked my turkey hunting buddy and Texas A&M graduate, Lance Wenmohs, to share what makes A&M unique. Here is what Lance shared with me:
1. 12th Man - students stand during the game. A&M web site probably has more facts on the tradition. Here is a good link...http://aggietraditions.tamu.edu/
2. Aggie Band - military style band. Unlike any other marching band (hey Rod and Mike, do *not* go to the concession stand at halftime. The Marching Aggie Band is hands-down the best halftime show in America).
3. Midnight Yell Practice - At midnight before each home football game, Aggies gather to pump up the Twelfth Man for the next day's big game. Remember A&M has yell leaders, not cheer leaders like other schools. Yell Leaders are selected by the student body, these five Aggies are the"Keepers of the Spirit" of Aggieland.
4. For the game that followed 9-11, A&M did a "red, white & blue out" where t-shirts were distributed red, white & blue t-shirts to the 3 decks at Kyle Field. It was cool. Here is a link to the photo. http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv2293.php
5. Aggie Muster - Every April 21, Muster brings together more Aggies worldwide on one occasion than any other event. Silver Taps - A final tribute is held the first Tuesday of the month when a student has passed away the previous month.
So with the Bulldogs flying out of Fresno today for College Station, do they depart with enough in the tank to pull off the upset? Texas A&M will enter Saturday's game ranked 23rd in the country. Fresno will enter 1-0 fresh off a 24-3 win over Sacramento State.
Without Jason Shirley in up-front, the 'Dogs won't be physical enough to contain Javorskie Lane, Michael Goodson, and ex-Burnet Bulldog Stephen McGee.
Give it to the Aggies.
Texas A&M - 34
Fresno State - 14
