The Week

Unlike the Longhorns, A&M trailed all the way in its upset loss, falling behind at the half 16-0. SMU built the lead in rather unusual fashion. The first touchdown followed an 80-yard drive that was helped along by two pass-interference calls. The score came when Tight End Oscar Roan recovered a fumble on the bounce and galloped the final 14 yards of a 27-yard play. A 43-yard return of a pass interception set up the second touchdown, Ricky Wesson's 20-yard run.

The Aggies got back in contention on two touchdowns by Fullback Jerry Honore. Trailing 16-14 with 2:28 remaining, they took over on their 13. But on first down Tackle Steve Morton nailed Quarterback David Walker for a safety.

Even though it has an outside shot at going to the Cotton Bowl, Texas Tech is taking no chances on staying home for the holiday. After defeating Texas Christian 28-0, the Raiders accepted an invitation to play Vanderbilt in the Peach Bowl.

Texas Tech did not get untracked offensively until Don Roberts replaced Tommy Duniven at quarterback late in the first half of a scoreless game. Defensively, there were few problems. "I'm still trying to figure out their secondary," said TCU Quarterback Jimmy Dan Elzner. That secondary set up two touchdowns with interceptions.

Two years ago Rice Coach Al Conover fired up his team for Arkansas by throwing a folding chair through a dressing-room window. Last week he took the good-luck symbol from his office, where it has been ever since, and brought it back to Fayetteville. It didn't work. Arkansas won 25-6.

1. Texas A&M (7-2)
2. Houston (6-2)
3. Texas Tech (6-2-1)

EAST

Freshman Elliott Walker replaced injured Tony Dorsett in every possible way in Pittsburgh's 35-24 victory over Temple. Walker scored four touchdowns, three in the fourth quarter, and gained 169 yards in 25 carries. The Owls held a 17-14 lead entering the final period, but Walker's scoring runs of two, one and 62 yards saved the day for the Panthers.

Pittsburgh, it seemed, missed Dorsett about as much as Boston College missed its rushing leader, Mike Esposito. Espo's replacement, Earl Strong, gained 145 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Eagles flew past Tulane 27-3. Strong was only half of a devastating one-two punch that included Keith Barnette, who picked up 156 yards and tallied one TD. Fred Steinfort, a junior soccer-style kicker, provided the other points with field goals of 20 and 55 yards. He is now seven for 10 overall, with four successful attempts from beyond the 50. BC has won its last three; Tulane has lost its last three.

Army and Navy both posted victories, the Cadets edging Air Force 17-16 on Mike Marquez' 33-yard field goal with 17 seconds left and the Middies holding off The Citadel 28-21. Marquez was an unlikely hero for Army. The team's regular kicker, Mike Castelli, was injured in the first quarter, so it was up to Marquez to offset three field goals by the Falcons' Dave Lawson.