For over two seasons, former Texas A&M Aggies star Ryan Tannehill waited patiently for his opportunity to play quarterback. After all, it's what he went to College Station for to begin with. A position change to wide receiver proved successful, but throwing touchdowns was his calling. And when it came, he was more than ready.
Back in 2010, when the Aggies were still in the Big 12, head coach Mike Sherman had to make a decision: Stick with starting quarterback Jerrod Johnson after tough losses to Oklahoma State, Arkansas, and Missouri, or finally let Tannehill take the reins. The next game at Kansas was more than enough proof that a change was needed.
Tannehill made his first-career start against Texas Tech, where he gashed the Red Raiders for a school-record 446 passing yards with four touchdowns. Then, the Oklahoma Sooners arrived at Kyle Field and his quarterback legend was officially born.
2010 Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma Highlights
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Although impressive for a first start, throwing all over Texas Tech wasn't exactly the most difficult thing to do in the world. It's what quarterback Ryan Tannehill would do against Oklahoma that would prove if he was ready for the big time. Needless to say, he passed the test.
Tannehill completed 19 of 32 passes for 225 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing for another 24 yards. He, alongside running back Cyrus Gray, helped the Aggies race out to a 12-0 halftime.
OU was completely out of sorts that November night. Landry Jones, DeMarco Murray, and Kenny Stills were all solid in the box score, but that wasn't enough to stop the upset.
After the Sooners missed a 36-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, the Aggies drew up a play that showed Tannehill was a star. He connected on a 64-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ryan Swope and sealed the NCAA college football game for good. TAMU won 33-19.
Tannehill won his first five starts behind center, including his next three matchups against Baylor, Nebraska and Texas. His first loss came against LSU in the Cotton Bowl.
Today, Tannehill is in the NFL and the Aggies are in the SEC playing against the likes of Alabama and Auburn every season. However, no true fan will ever forget when Tannehill took over at quarterback and notched his first huge win against Oklahoma.
