On paper, this Texas A&M team is no better than the 2005 version that finished 5-6 and at times looked inept.

And maybe, individually, they’re not even as talented. The difference, though, is this year’s team is winning.

“I thought we would be a better ball club,” A&M coach Dennis Franchione said. “But to go through the schedule and get to this point (at 8-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12), I probably didn’t give that a lot of thought.”

But the seeds were planted in May at a leadership council meeting, when the players talked for 45 minutes about “being a team and having a great summer and caring about each other and Aggie spirit and a spirit of oneness.”

“I just sat back and enjoyed it,” Franchione said.

Living the good life

And now he’s enjoying his best season since leaving Alabama for the greener pastures of College Station.

“They believe in each other and they enjoy each other and they believe they’ll find a way,” Franchione said. “There’s no egos in the way of this team’s success, and the offense and defense root for each other. It’s a pleasant year to coach because of the chemistry.”

Back in July, Fran talked about the perils of a November schedule that includes home games against Oklahoma and Nebraska and concludes with a road trip to Austin to face defending national champ Texas.

And now that he’s survived September and October, these games really mean something.

“Without (the team chemistry), we wouldn’t have a chance to win these next three games,” he said. “But these players believe in themselves and believe in what they can accomplish. Not every team can get to November and still have their goals in front of them like we do.”

Sooner train still rolling along

But the team squarely in front of them just might be the team that’s playing the best in the league right now. Even without their best player.

Since losing running back Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone), the Sooners have blown out Colorado, 24-3, and whipped a potent Missouri team, 26-10.

Super sub Allen Patrick has rushed for 272 yards on 71 carries and carried the Sooners to a 6-2 record overall and 4-1 mark in the Big 12 going into Saturday’s game at A&M.

“The biggest thing you notice is he’s running with confidence and taking it north and south,” Franchione said. “I was hoping the offensive line wouldn’t be playing as good as they’re playing, but they’re playing pretty good.

“When you’ve got Adrian, you need to utilize him. And now that he’s gone, they’re utilizing other talent. And they do have talent.”

The Sooners also have the best defense in the league, allowing just 278.4 yards and 15.1 points per game. They made Missouri quarterback Chase Daniels look average, forcing four turnovers and turning the Tigers’ mistakes into points.

“We did a great job of covering, eliminating the run game, getting pressure and chasing the quarterback and not letting him set his feet,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said.

That’s what Stephen McGee has to look forward to on Saturday. All the chemistry in the world can’t slow down the Sooners.

jhill@wacotrib.com

757-5715

JERRY HILL’S BIG 12 FOOTBALL RANKINGS

Team record last

1. Texas (8-1) 1

Dug out of 21-0 hole

2. Oklahoma (6-2) 3

Defense is the story

3. Texas A&M (8-1) 4

Believe in themselves

4. Nebraska (6-3) 2

On two-game skid

5. Missouri (7-2) 5

Last win in Lincoln: ’78

6. Okla. St. (5-3) 8

Starting to turn heads

7. Texas Tech (5-4) 6

519 wasn’t enough

8. Baylor (4-5) 7

Tough to win with No. 2

9. Kansas (4-5) 9

Reesing to believe

10. Kansas St. (5-4) 12

One more win for bowl

11. Colorado (1-8) 10

Running out of options

12. Iowa St. (3-6) 11

No second-half rally