GAME DAY MATCHUPS
A&M's run game vs. OSU's run defense: The Aggies got a lift from Jorvorskie Lane last week in a power-set formation, but tailback Mike Goodson has to get going if A&M wants to consistently move the chains and keep the high-powered OSU offense on the sidelines. The return of senior offensive tackle Travis Schneider (leg injury) will help. OSU has improved its run defense by moving safety Andre Sexton to outside linebacker, where he has a team-leading 24 tackles. Edge: OSU
A&M's pass attack vs. OSU's pass defense: The health of quarterback Jerrod Johnson and wide receiver Ryan Tannehill could determine how well the Aggies do against a unit that allowed 387 yards passing against Houston and 277 last week to Troy. Senior safety Ricky Price, senior cornerback Jacob Lacey and junior cornerback Perrish Cox have a combined 74 career starts. Edge: Texas A&M
OSU's run game vs. A&M's run defense: The Cowboys run downhill behind quarterback Zac Robinson, who also is a threat to run but hasn't had to with three running backs who have at least 250 yards each and average 7.8 yards per carry as a group. "[Robinson] is a weapon with his arm and his feet and I think his brain," A&M head coach Mike Sherman said. "He seems like a very smart quarterback. He makes very few mistakes." Senior center David Washington is back after missing last year with an injury. He leads a solid line. Edge: OSU
OSU's pass attack vs. A&M's pass defense: Sophomore wide receiver Dez Bryant already has six touchdown catches, matching his total last season. He gets plenty of attention, which frees up tight end Brandon Pettigrew who will play on Sundays. Pettigrew has the frame (6-foot-6, 255 pounds) to help the running game. Freshman defensive back Trent Hunter gave the Aggies a lift last week with 17 tackles, but can he play the pass? Edge: OSU
Special teams: OSU has multiple playmakers in the kicking game. Bryant averages 19.1 yards per punt return, and Cox averages 34.2 yards per kickoff return. Both have returns for touchdowns this season. OSU has punted only 10 times, but every one has been effective. Matt Fodge has hit seven inside the 20 with the other three not returned because of fair catches. Dan Bailey is 5-of-6 kicking field goals but the longest is 27 yards. Edge: OSU
Intangibles: OSU head coach Mike Gundy is a combined 0-9 against A&M, Texas and Oklahoma. He needs this game. A record crowd will inspire a team that already will be focused after losing two straight one-point games to the Aggies. Edge: OSU
-- ROBERT CESSNA
GAME DAY KEYS
A&M must ...
Score, score, score. The Aggies can't afford scoring lulls because OSU's offense is too good. If A&M has any trick plays, don't save them for Halloween.
Be Good, son. The Aggies need a big game from tailback Mike Goodson, the former OSU pledge who has combined for 107 yards and no TDs on 25 touches in his first two games against the Cowboys.
Be physical. A&M has forced OSU's starting quarterback to leave the game in the last two meetings. Robinson's backups are a combined 3-of-6 passing for 40 yards with four carries for 18 yards.
OSU must ...
Not get fancy. The Aggies are 115th against the run for a reason. The Cowboys need to feed their talented running backs.
Dez-zle them. A few play-action passes should result in big gainers for wide receiver Dez Bryant. Last year, all-conference receiver Adarius Bowman had two first-half touchdown catches against the Aggies.
Do something special. Bryant and Perrish Cox are the league's best punt and kick returner, respectively. A big play from them could be the difference if A&M manages to stay close.
CESSNA'S PICKS
Here are the weekly picks by Robert Cessna (Last week: 6-1; Season: 32-3):
Texas A&M at Oklahoma State -- A&M might be glad this game isn't televised. FYI, Dennis Franchione lost his Big 12 opener at Texas Tech by a score of 59-28. Oklahoma State 55-32
Oklahoma at Baylor -- Sooners head coach Bob Stoops might be leery of being ranked No. 1, a bigger foe than the improving Bears. Oklahoma 52-21
Missouri at Nebraska -- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says he's a sore loser. Chase Daniel is going to make the former free safety plenty mad. Missouri 52-35
Texas Tech at Kansas State -- The Red Raiders haven't been tested yet, and that still might be the case after this game. Texas Tech 49-28
Texas at Colorado -- Colorado was able to wrestle Darrell Scott away from UT in recruiting. Now the Longhorns have superior talent at only 21 positions over the Buffs. Texas 42-21
Kansas at Iowa State -- An interesting matchup. ISU won its last two home games last season in Big 12 play. Kansas 30-21