Looking for McNeal, UT looks at Schaeffer

UT quarterback Brent Schaeffer, who hasn’t played since fracturing his collarbone Oct. 30 at South Carolina, resembles the Aggies’ multi-talented quarterback in style and stature. Schaeffer has returned to practice and could play in the Cotton Bowl.

"(McNeal is) just a bigger Schaeffer," UT defensive tackle Turk McBride said. "I don’t know if he’s faster than Schaeffer or if Schaeffer is faster than him, but I know they’re exactly alike to me, but (McNeal) is probably just a little bit bigger."

McNeal, a 6-foot-2, 206-pound junior, is also a lot more proven than the 6-2, 195-pound Schaeffer, a freshman who started the first three games of the season.

McNeal is the Aggies’ second-leading rusher with 700 yards and averages 4.9 yards per carry. He has eight rushing touchdowns.

McNeal has thrown for 2,550 yards and 13 touchdowns with three interceptions, completing 57.8 percent of his passes.

"He’s probably a little bit bigger (than Schaeffer)," UT linebacker Jason Hall said. "I don’t know if he’s faster. He’s just a proven guy. He’s done it in games for Texas A&M all year long.

"They’re very similar. They’re Michael Vick type guys. (McNeal) can get out on you, he can run, he can pull up and pass it 70 yards deep. It’s just a huge, huge challenge for us."

Schaeffer’s return to practice may help the defense get ready for that challenge.

Like McNeal, Schaeffer is as much a threat to run as to pass.

"We haven’t had that in previous years, facing a running quarterback in practice," Hall said. "So that kind of helps us out."

McNeal is the only quarterback in Texas A&M history to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 4,000 yards in his career.

His 3,250 yards total offense is a single-season school record.

Schaeffer has a long way to go before he attains McNeal-like status, but for now he can give the Vols’ defenders an idea of what they’ll see in the Cotton Bowl.

"(McNeal) presents a huge challenge for us because he’s a proven runner and a proven passer," Hall said, "so he’ll be one of the toughest quarterbacks we’ve faced all year because he presents a dual threat. We’ll have to try to read our keys well and keep him contained and keep him in the pocket.

"He’s the real deal."