A&M's offense leading nation

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M's offense has quickly evolved from one of the worst in the country to the best.

The Aggies (2-0) lead the nation with 589.5 yards per game heading into today's game against Alabama-Birmingham (1-2). A&M has used a fast-paced, no-huddle attack in its first two games and run a total of 175 plays - 90 in an opening 41-6 victory over New Mexico and 85 in last week's 38-30 victory over Utah State.

Coach Mike Sherman, in his second season, also has simplified the terminology in his complicated playbook and streamlined the process of calling plays.

Sherman said he thinks the Aggies' numbers should be even better because they have been whistled for 30 penalties already, most of them false starts on the offensive line.

"I think we should be more productive," he said. "Productivity is really a measurement of wins and losses at the endof the season, and we'll see at that time."

Sherman said a goal is to wear out the opposing defense, and it's worked well so far. The Aggies have averaged 248 yardsrushing in their first two games to rank 11th nationally and have 14 offensive plays that gained 20 yards or more.

Last season, A&M ranked 78th in total offense (341 yards per game), 114th in rushing (88.5 yards) and had 49 offensive plays go for 20 yards or more.

"I think it's pretty cool," said junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who ranks second in the Big 12 in total offense behind Texas Tech's Taylor Potts. "That's definitely one thing we strive for, total yards, passing and running the ball, just to be an effective offense. But I think we're worlds away from where we need to be."

While the penalties have been frustrating, the Aggies are the only Big 12 team that has yet to commit a turnover, akey reason why the offense has been clicking. Last year, A&M had 27 turnovers and were minus-10 in turnover margin.

"The biggest stat we have is the turnover ratio," Sherman said. "That's really the only stat I pay a whole lot of attentionto. That is the most important one."

Johnson has thrown to 10 different receivers already, but favorite target Jeff Fuller is out at least 4-6 weeks after breaking his right leg against Utah State last week. His absence should create more opportunities for freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu, who caught three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score last week.

"That guy had a game, didn't he?" sophomore receiver and backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. "He went out there and surprised us all. We see him in practice every day, and we know he is a huge athlete and can make big plays for us. But for the first time, we got to see him in a game step upand make big plays for us."

The Aggies could pad their numbers again against the Blazers, who rank as one of the nation's worst defenses this season - 110th in yards allowed (460 per game), 118th against the pass (334 yards per game) and 90th in points allowed (29 per game).