College Station, Texas ? Coach Dennis Franchione came to Texas A&M with a reputation for turning programs around in his second year.

After a dismal 4-8 debut last year and a 41-21 season-opening loss to Utah in 2004, it looked like there would be no second-year magic with the Aggies.

But since that loss, A&M has won five straight, including Saturday’s surprising 36-20 victory over Oklahoma State, and shares the Big 12 Conference South lead with Oklahoma with a 3-0 conference record. The Aggies are ranked 17th heading into today’s game against Colorado.

The second-year surge has surprised even Franchione.

“I couldn’t have said I thought the likelihood of it was real strong,” Franchione said. “But I wasn’t going to doubt them. I was going to believe in them. So, am I surprised a little bit of where we are, you have to be.”

Some Aggies said the season-opening loss actually helped them.

“I think losing to Utah in the first game was the best thing that could have happened to us,” guard Aldo de la Garza said. “We learned a lot. My father says you learn a lot more in losing than when you win.”

De la Garza is part of an offensive line that has given junior quarterback Reggie McNeal strong protection. McNeal hasn’t thrown an interception in a school-record 181 attempts. He has thrown seven touchdowns and rushed for seven. He ranks seventh nationally in total offense.

“We worked so hard in the off-season; we worked so hard to not let it happen again,” said McNeal, who threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns and ran 98 yards for two more scores against OSU. “This year, I can sit in the pocket, go through my reads and if everyone is covered, I can take off and run. The offensive line is playing better together each week.”

After ranking 105th among 117 Division I-A school in turnover margin last year, the Aggies lead the nation in fewest turnovers with one. After six games last season, the Aggies had 15 turnovers.

The Aggies defense, stripped of its Wrecking Crew title last year for inept play, has been a big boost for A&M, especially after defensive coordinator Carl Torbush juggled his starting lineup after the loss to Utah.

“I’m not sure that some of the things that happened in that loss to Utah didn’t help us get some things squared away, to the point it probably helped us win the next five games,” Torbush said. “You hate to admit it but that’s a fact.”

Justin Warren moved from rover to middle linebacker, replacing Archie McDaniel. Keelon Jackson was elevated to starting strong safety and Renuel Greene took over for Warren at rover.

While both the defense and the offense have improved, Franchione credited players with a change in attitude.

“I knew coach Fran’s philosophy would kick in. I didn’t know when, but I’m glad it’s now,” de la Garza said. “The great thing now is everyone believes in coach Fran and his staff. I think that’s the main thing; we trust each other.”