College Station, Texas Although it was not the way The Citadel wanted to start off the season, the Bulldogs showed signs of improvement as Saturday's offense, the best against any Division I-A opponent since their 2004 performance against Duke, led the Bulldogs against a shutout in Saturday's 35-3 season-opening loss at Texas A&M's Kyle Field.

Totaling 243 yards for the game, the Bulldogs racked more first-half yardage (173) and first downs (nine) against the Aggies than against Florida State and Ole Miss totaled for both games in the 2005 season.

Leading the Bulldogs on offense was junior quarterback Duran Lawson who totaled 196 yards, including 68 to lead The Citadel in rushing yards. Lawson went 19-for-38 with no interceptions, while The Bulldogs played seven receivers, totaling 128 passing yards. The Bulldogs held the ball for the majority of the game, racking up 30:36 in time of possession while the Aggies held the ball for 29:24.

However, TAMU's size and strength, partnered with penalties and the Bulldogs' loss of 2005 All-SoCon selection James Wilson, who left the game in the first half with a shoulder injury, kept the Bulldogs from any opportunity to close the gap.

Leading the Aggies to the 35-3 victory was sophomore quarterback Stephen McGee who totaled 218 yards, going 16-for-24 with one rushing touchdown and no interceptions. Senior running back Courtney Lewis led TAMU in scoring with two touchdowns and 46 yards on 11 carries.

Penalties hurt the Bulldogs as The Citadel was slapped with eight penalties for 65 yards. Meanwhile, the Aggies were called for four penalties for 30 yards.

The Citadel defense also performed well on the night, holding the Aggies to only 35 points, recovering all four of A&M's fumbles. It is the first time in recent history that the Bulldogs recovered four fumbles against a Division I-A opponent. 

The Bulldogs' only scoring drive was early in the second quarter as The Citadel drove 77 yards in 18 plays. The drive was capped off with a 29-yard field goal by Blake Vandiver. That 77-yard drive was the longest for The Citadel since driving 80 yards at Chattanooga on Nov. 5, 2005 in a 31-21 loss to the Mocs.

The Citadel returns home to Charleston as they open the new West Side of Johnson Hagood Stadium, hosting the crosstown rival Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the “Chucktown Throwdown.” Kick-off for the Chucktown Throwdown is slated for 7 p.m.