College Confidential

Goodson hurt too

The injuries are piling up for Texas A&M. Already missing quarterback Stephen McGee, who suffered a sprained throwing shoulder on the first drive, the Aggies are now without starting tailback Mike Goodson. Goodson was helped off the field, favoring his right leg, after a 1-yard loss late in the second quarter. The Aggies are driving with 1:12 left and the ball at the Lobos 10.
-- Lori Dann

New Mexico strikes back

After back-to-back interceptions led to a pair of A&M touchdowns, New Mexico decided to stick to the ground on its third possession. Good call. The Lobos needed only six plays to score their first touchdown on a 45-yard run by Rodney Ferguson, closing the gap to 14-7. New Mexico has the ball again on its 15-yard line early in the second quarter.
-- Lori Dann

No perfect answer for two friends

TCU football coach Gary Patterson considers New Mexico coach Rocky Long a close friend.
The two have enjoyed golfing together before, but have traded comments about the scheduling of Saturday's season opener between the Horned Frogs and Lobos.
"Coach Long stated that we wanted to play at this time and they wanted to play at Thanksgiving,'' Patterson said during Monday's weekly media luncheon. "That would not necessarily be true. I don't think anybody wants to play their first conference game anytime to open the season. The choice was to give them two weeks off before they played us on Thanksgiving, or have the same amount of time to have preparation for this first ballgame."
Long told the Desert News in Salt Lake City "it wasn't our choice" and acknowledged they wanted to play Thanksgiving Day. A look at the schedules basically confirms what Patterson said: The Lobos face Colorado State on Nov.15, and would've had 11 days to prepare for TCU, while the Horned Frogs would get four days of prep.
Patterson said he's looking forward to returning to New Mexico, where he was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach from 1996-1997. He loved the town, the fans and knows it will be a great environment.
"I'm fired up about getting yelled at,'' Patterson said.

-Trae Thompson

Just another big play

New Mexico's Rafael Neda just grounded up the middle to second base, where TCU shortstop Bryan Kervin scooped up the ball, touched second and threw to first for the double play. TCU's coming to bat, leading 2-0. -Trae

Big play

All tied 2-2 here in the bottom of the seventh.
TCU left fielder Steve Ellington just layed down a bunt about five feet in front of home plate. Lobos pitcher Jacob Norton charged the ball, and mishandled it, and Ellington reached. Matt Vern scored from third for TCU. An error was charged to Norton, but no one was at first to make a catch for New Mexico.
Gutsy, heads up play by TCU to put the pressure on the Lobos. -Trae

Lobos still lead, 2-1

About to begin the sixth. I've been busy filling out my all-tournament ballot. -Trae

Bottom of the fourth

New Mexico scored on a gapper in right center field by Mike Brownstein. The Lobos lead 2-1, but saw the inning end when Scott Gracey was tagged out at home on the relay off Brownstein's hit.
Greg Holle is done for TCU. Taylor Cragin, a situational pitcher, is in to relieve. -Trae

Outstanding catch

Attention ESPN - This is a web gem, and one of tonight's Top 10 plays. Easily.
Bryan Holaday was just up for TCU, and hit a popfly foul to right field. Lobos right fielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez ran right at the fence full speed just past the New Mexico dugout, jumped, made the catch, fell over the fence and held on to the ball for the first out. -Trae

Tied up

Just like Utah, New Mexico was able to rope a shot down the first base line in the top of the second. Rafael Neda tripled, and sent in Bobby Moore, who singled to left field. It's 1-1. -Trae

Frogs lead 1-0

Chris Ellington's sac fly to center sent home Steve Ellington from third in the bottom of the first.
About to start the second. TCU starter Greg Holle looked good early. He just needs to relax, and let his defense do the work. -Trae