COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - Texas A-and-M quarterback Stephen McGee went to where any kid from the state's rolling Hill Country would go to find the perfect metaphor for team bonding.
The hardware store.
Before this season, the sophomore bought 140 feet of thick chain
in 12-link segments and gave one to every A-and-M player and coach.
The 12 links symbolize the eleven players on the field, plus the
Aggies' 12th Man tradition.
McGee says he told his mates that if the Aggies were to excel,
they'd have to do it together.
The chains reinforced what McGee first proved to his teammates
in last year's finale against Texas -- that he was ready to lead
them. Leading receiver Chad Schroeder says McGee's "one of the
strongest Aggies in that locker room."
A-and-M's eight-and-three overall and four-and-three in Big 12
play. They finish another regular season tomorrow against archrival
Texas in Austin. The eleventh-ranked Longhorns are nine-and-two
overall and six-and-one in conference.
The Aggies lost last year's meeting, 40-to-29, but McGee felt
like he won over the A-and-M faithful and his teammates with a
gutsy, inspiring performance. He ran for 108 yards and two
touchdowns in his first career start, surprising Texas with
efficient command of the option offense.
McGee ranks seventh in the Big 12 in pass efficiency and eighth
in passing yardage.