The 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl features two teams trying to end 2011 on the right foot. But it will also feature two teams honoring an Aggies lineman tragically killed in a car accident in December.
Both Texas A&M and Northwestern will wear black and white helmet logos to pay tribute to Texas A&M senior lineman Joseph "Joey" Villavisencio, who was killed on December 22 in a car accident while heading home for the holidays. The decals read "Joey V", and include his No. 67 and the Texas A&M logo.
In addition to the helmet decal tribute, Texas A&M has a player making a more personal tribute. Offensive lineman Danny Baker, who was a close friend of Villavisencio and spoke at his funeral, will wear his No. 67 jersey in the Texas Bowl. "Joey V," who rarely saw the field, will be on it in spirit on Saturday in Reliant Stadium.
For more on Texas A&M, visit I Am The 12th Man, and for more on Northwestern, head to Sippin' on Purple.