Quarterbacks
Edge: Nebraska
People may have been calling for Bobby Newcombe after Eric Crouch got off to a bad start against Kansas last week. But I think in terms of the overall quarterback spot, the edge goes to Crouch over Randy McCown. I expect Crouch to be back on his game and to run the option much better this week. I think they had kind of an emotional letdown after losing to Texas and he didn't play well. McCown, however, is coming a really hot game in which he was 20-of-29 passing and threw for two touchdowns against Oklahoma State, but he does have a bad non-throwing shoulder. He is also operating without a healthy supporting cast. Running back Dante Hall is questionable and may not play, and Chris Taylor hasn't practiced much this week.

	GILMORE'S GRADES
	Texas A&M		Nebraska
		QB	X
		RB	X
	X	WR/TE	X
		OL	X
	X	DL	X
	X	LB	X
		DB	X
	X	Special teams
	X	Coaching

Running backs
Edge: Nebraska
This category comes down to health. Nebraska, led by Dan Alexander and Correll Buckhalter, is No. 9 in the nation in rushing. Texas A&M has struggled running the ball, averaging only 153 yards a game. Their backs haven't been healthy, and the line hasn't blocked well. No Aggie back has produced a 100-yard game this season. Eric Bernard has done a solid job, but he is not the spectacular, breakaway back they need.

Receivers/Tight ends
Edge: Push
If Taylor (bruised shoulder, strained back) is healthy and can play, I give the Aggies the edge. Otherwise, I would favor Newcombe. It's not quantity, but quality. It appears that he is settling into the wingback spot. He had two big catches last week for touchdowns. Unless Taylor is ready to go full speed, I like the Cornhuskers. Tracey Wistrom can be effective for Nebraska if Crouch, in a defensive struggle, can get the ball to him.

Offensive line
Edge: Nebraska
Looking at the blitz packages and the running games, this will be a tough defensive struggle -- the Blackshirts against the Wrecking Crew. The Nebraska line will be challenged, but the 'Huskers have the advantage with Crouch in the backfield. The linemen won't have to sustain blocks as long. The Aggies will blitz him, but I like the Nebraska line because they will pound away. Texas A&M will have some success against the 'Husker line with their blitzes, yet the Aggies may give up a big play or two. The Aggies offensive line has struggled and failed to put together a consistent running game. Part of it can be attributed to backfield injuries, and they have also been hampered up front. The Aggies have started five different line combinations in the last five games.

Defensive line
Edge: Even
I like the front sevens for both teams. Although the Nebraska defense has overshadowed them, the Aggies run defense is good, allowing only 90 yards a rush to rank 10th in the country. In terms of strength, I would favor the 'Huskers, but I prefer the Aggies in terms of quickness. Hence, this category is a push.

Defensive backs
Edge: Nebraska
The 'Huskers have a clear advantage, with cornerback Ralph Brown and safety Mike Brown, two outstanding players. By and large, Nebraska shut down Major Applewhite, despite a few big plays. Meanwhile, the Aggies had a terrible performance against Josh Heupel of Oklahoma.

Special teams
Edge: Texas A&M
Neither team has distinguished themselves in the return game. For the Aggies, it's a reflection on Hall's injury. If he plays, he may be more likely to return kicks than play in the backfield. That would give them an edge. The Aggies merit an advantage anyway with Terence Kitchens, who is one of the top five kickers in the country.

Coaching
Edge: Texas A&M
R.C. Slocum did a nice job of getting his team to bounce back from a difficult loss to Oklahoma. He got them to focus and play well. On the other hand, Nebraska pulled off a win against Kansas, but if the Jayhawks had been able to do anything offensively in the first half, they wold have won the game. I think Nebraska is still trying to rebound from the hangover of losing to Texas, and haven't done it yet. In this game, in terms of preparing his team, I give the edge to Slocum over Solich.