All the derisive comments regarding second-year coach Mike Sherman and his inability to recharge Texas A&M are suddenly quieting down.

Two consecutive victories -- which came after a three-game losing streak -- create the possibility of bowl bid, which the Aggies can secure with one more win after beating Iowa State 35-10. A&M improved to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12.

An offense that looked as if it might wilt in conference play during a stunning 48-point defeat at Kansas State on Oct. 17 is potent again. The Aggies did not punt against the Cyclones while generating 514 yards.

"We're trying to get to a bowl. This was the next step to that," said quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who accounted for 267 total yards while completing 23 of 28 passes with three touchdowns.

Qualifying for bowls once seemed to be a given for Texas A&M, which was perhaps the South Division's top program when the Big 12 was founded in 1996. But a decline under R.C. Slocum led to the demise of the program under Dennis Franchione.

Sherman has attempted to resurrect the Aggies' fortunes, but is doing so with young players who provide the speed needed to fit his schemes. Offensively, A&M appears to be posing threats with that speed, as Cyrus Gray enjoyed his second straight 100-yard game rushing.

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