Comparing the two first-year coaches in the Big 12 based on the biggest result, Texas A&M made the least progress this season.

Playing against Art Briles and Baylor, the Aggies and their first-year coach, Mike Sherman, were no match. The Bears prevailed 41-21 Saturday, removing the Aggies from postseason consideration, as they dropped to 4-7 overall, 2-5 in the Big 12.

Texas A&M fell into a last-place tie with Baylor in the South Division, a spot the Bears have occupied all but once over the previous 12 years the Big 12 has existed.

While it's probable the rivals will remain tied in the cellar at the end of the season, there is little doubt which program is the most improved and clearly better.

That distinction belongs to Baylor, which opened a 41-7 lead and attacked Texas A&M unmercifully behind the diverse threat posed by speedy freshman quarterback Robert Griffin.

Although Texas A&M has developed numerous youngsters this season, none possesses the kind of breakaway threat Griffin presents. It's that kind of explosiveness the Aggies must somehow tap if they are to compete in the scary good South.

The upgrade could take some time if quarterback Jerrod Johnson has trouble bouncing back from a bad performance against the Bears. He committed five turnovers, four off interceptions, and offered no answer to Griffin's heroics.

"I thought our offense would be more functional in the game and keep our defense off the field," Sherman said.

Instead, developing more consistency and keeping the offense from making so many mistakes is an objective A&M must carry into the game against Texas on Nov. 27. A&M is in jeopardy of an 0-5 run through the South Division after allowing Baylor to snap a four-game losing streak.

SEASON RECAP

Arkansas State 18, Texas A&M 14 -- Arkansas State snapped Texas A&M's 20-game win streak in home openers by rallying for a victory. Reggie Arnold rushed for 145 yards as the Red Wolves won for the first time in 15 games against Big 12 opponents.

Texas A&M 28, New Mexico 22 -- Backup QB Jerrod Johnson threw three touchdown passes after replacing injured Stephen McGee and led Texas A&M to a road victory against New Mexico. The Aggies triumphed despite generating just 236 yards in total offense.

Miami (Fla.) 41, Texas A&M 23 -- Miami produced 398 total yards and also capitalized on two takeaways inside the Texas A&M 15-yard line to hand the Aggies a defeat. Sophomore Jerrod Johnson started at quarterback in place of injured Stephen McGee. Johnson threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, but was responsible for the two turnovers deep in his territory.

Texas A&M 21, Army 17 -- Texas A&M QB Stephen McGee re-injured his throwing shoulder and was replaced again by Jerrod Johnson as the sluggish Aggies held on to nip winless Army 21-17. Johnson threw a touchdown strike barely a minute into the third quarter, but that was the lone score of the second half for A&M, which surrendered 280 yards rushing.

Oklahoma State 56, Texas A&M 28 -- Oklahoma State scored first-half touchdowns on three returns to mount a 21-point lead at the break before outlasting Texas A&M. The Aggies produced 402 total yards, one more than the Cowboys, but couldn't recover from five turnovers.

Kansas State 44, Texas A&M 30 -- Kansas State jumped to a 24-point lead in the second quarter and then prevented Texas A&M from making it a one-possession game as the Aggies stumbled 44-30 for their third defeat at home in four opportunities. QB Jerrod Johnson set A&M records with 487 yards in total offense and 419 yards passing, but the Wildcats responded with a balanced attack, which included 115 yards rushing by backup RB Logan Dold.

Texas Tech 43, Texas A&M 25 -- QB Jerrod Johnson completed 26 of 39 passes for 283 yards and engineered Texas A&M to a three-point halftime lead before No. 7 Texas Tech rallied for a victory. The Aggies were shut down in the second half, totaling just 32 yards while allowing the Red Raiders to score on four of five possessions.

Texas A&M 49, Iowa State 35 -- Sophomore QB Jerrod Johnson completed 31 of 39 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns as Texas A&M outlasted Iowa State. The two last-place teams in their respective divisions of the Big 12 combined to produce more than 500 yards apiece.

Texas A&M 24, Colorado 17 -- QB Jerrod Johnson threw three third-quarter touchdown passes to rally the Aggies to the win. The Aggies produced just 76 yards of offense in the first half and trailed 10-3 before Johnson engineered 212 yards of offense in the third quarter. S Trent Hunter snagged the second of two interceptions in the closing minutes to seal the win.

Oklahoma 66, Texas A&M 28 -- Oklahoma produced 653 yards of total offense and was never threatened, handing Texas A&M a record fifth home defeat. The Aggies dug a 28-0 deficit and committed four turnovers as their run game was limited to 26 yards and QB Jerrod Johnson threw two interceptions while completing just 11 of 31 passes.

Baylor 41, Texas A&M 21 -- Quarterback Jerrod Johnson threw four interceptions and also lost a fumble as Texas A&M had trouble getting untracked in a 41-21 loss at Baylor. The Aggies fell behind 41-7 and lost to the Bears for just the second time in the past 22 meetings.

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