Texas A&M (1-1) demolished McNeese State 52-10 on Saturday afternoon, as the head coach, Mike Elko, earned his first win with the program since taking over late last year.
Inheriting starting quarterback Conner Weigman, the redshirt sophomore returned to the field for the first time in over a year against Notre Dame to open the 2024 season, but after a career-low performance with just 100 yards and two interceptions on the night, doubt set in from the fan base.
Bouncing back in week 2, Weigman threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns while earning a Pro Football Focus-leading 97.7 offensive grade and 96.6 passing grade, returning to setting his feet and delivering accurate throws.
However, several drops from his receivers, including from former La Tech WR Cyrus Allen, took away from what could have been an even more productive outing. While Allen led the game with 75 receiving yards, it hasn’t been established who Weigman’s primary, dependable receiving option will be.
An easy name is junior wide receiver Noah Thomas, who caught his first touchdown of the year against McNeese, but his lack of explosiveness in his cuts continues to be an issue. Senior Moose Muhammad III is another intriguing candidate due to his quickness and athleticism, but consistency has also been a problem.
Former Troy wide receiver Jabre Barber officially returned from injury but only saw the field for eight snaps. Freshman Terry Bussey, possibly the most explosive option, though inexperienced, played 33 snaps at wide receiver while scoring on a 65-yard jet sweep but did make a reception.
Finally, senior Jahdae Walker, who left Saturday’s game due to a hand injury, might be Weigman’s go-to option in the middle of the field if every previous receiver mentioned fails to step up, as he was by far the Aggies’ most productive and dependable receiver down the stretch of the, finishing the 2023 season with 590 yards and two touchdowns, including three 100-plus yards games.
Time will tell which players step up, but time is of the essence.
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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