The 2012 Texas A&M Aggies football season marked a pivotal moment in the program's history. It was their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a monumental shift that promised both exciting opportunities and formidable challenges. This schedule review dives into the key games, significant moments, and the overall impact of this transformative year.
The Aggies, under the leadership of head coach Kevin Sumlin, entered the SEC with high expectations. They were coming off a successful season in the Big 12 and were eager to prove themselves against the SEC's elite. The 2012 season didn't disappoint, delivering a mix of thrilling victories and hard-fought battles that solidified A&M's place in the conference.
The 2012 Texas A&M Aggies Football Schedule: A Game-by-Game Look
The Aggies faced a rigorous schedule, including some of the SEC's most storied programs. Here's a breakdown of their season:
September 1, 2012: vs. Florida A&M (W, 66-0) - A dominant opening game against an FCS opponent set the tone for the season.
September 8, 2012: vs. Louisiana Tech (W, 58-24) – A convincing win against a strong Louisiana Tech squad showed the team was ready for the SEC competition.
September 15, 2012: at SMU (W, 41-38) - A close, hard-fought road victory against a solid SMU team showed the grit and determination of the Aggies.
September 22, 2012: vs. No. 1 Alabama (W, 29-24) - This game became legendary. The upset victory over the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, in Johnny Manziel's breakout performance, sent shockwaves through college football and catapulted A&M onto the national stage. It's widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in college football history.
September 29, 2012: vs. Arkansas (W, 31-27) - Another SEC victory that cemented the Aggies' growing reputation.
October 6, 2012: at LSU (L, 24-19) - A tough loss against a strong LSU team highlighted the challenges of the SEC.
October 13, 2012: vs. Mississippi State (W, 48-31) - A solid win showcased the Aggies' offensive firepower.
October 20, 2012: at Auburn (L, 28-13) - A loss to Auburn, though a strong opponent, served as a reminder of the consistently high level of competition in the SEC.
October 27, 2012: vs. Ole Miss (W, 41-38) - A close game showcasing the team's ability to overcome challenges.
November 3, 2012: at Missouri (W, 31-27) - The last game of the season in this conference gave the Aggies their second consecutive win.
November 10, 2012: vs. UTEP (W, 48-31) - Another commanding victory against an outmatched opponent.
November 17, 2012: vs. No. 24 Texas (W, 63-21) - A decisive win over the in-state rival Longhorns added another highlight to a successful season.
November 24, 2012: at No. 10 Missouri (L, 28-21) - The Aggies lost their final regular season game to a top 10 Missouri team. This close call showed that they needed further improvement to consistently beat top-ranked SEC teams.
Key Players of the 2012 Season
Johnny Manziel's performance was the undeniable highlight of the season. His electrifying play earned him the Heisman Trophy, making him the first freshman to win the coveted award. Other key contributors included Mike Evans, Ryan Williams and other star players who contributed heavily to the Aggies' success.
The Impact of the 2012 Season
The 2012 season proved to be a resounding success for Texas A&M. Their transition to the SEC was seamless, marked by a thrilling upset of Alabama and a strong overall performance. The season laid a solid foundation for future success in the conference, establishing the Aggies as a force to be reckoned with. It also solidified the program's national profile and solidified Johnny Manziel's place in college football history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While many questions might arise regarding this historic season, some of the most frequently asked are addressed below:
What was Texas A&M's final record in 2012?
Texas A&M finished the 2012 regular season with an 11-2 record.
Who was the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies in 2012?
Kevin Sumlin was the head coach.
Did Texas A&M win the SEC Championship in 2012?
No, Texas A&M did not win the SEC Championship in 2012. They lost their final game in the season.
Where did Texas A&M play their games in 2012?
While Kyle Field in College Station was their home stadium, their games were played at various venues across the country, due to the travel involved in playing an SEC schedule.
The 2012 season remains a significant chapter in Texas A&M football history, a testament to their ability to adapt, compete, and succeed at the highest level of college football. The memories and achievements of that year continue to inspire and motivate Aggie fans to this day.
