Suffering is an optional emotion when it comes to rooting for a team, but for Texas A&M fans, there always seems to be an early season letdown as embattled Head Coach Jimbo Fisher has only started 2-0 once during his five years at the helm.
Not to further add to the misery train, but second-year defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin’s future is currently in flux after one of the worst defensive showings in nearly a decade, as a mix of missed tackles, poor coverage, and lack of effort gave way to Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke shredding the Aggie D for 374 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
Through all the bad, some good, specifically the play of sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman, came out of the 48-33 drubbing, as any remaining question regarding who has taken hold of the starting signal spot for now and the near future has been put to rest.
Harrassed by the Hurricane’s pass rush for most of the afternoon, Weigman completed 31-53 for 336 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions despite all while being blitzed on 33 of his 57 dropback attempts. Without taking a sack, Weigman’s impressive combination of poise and grit, coupled with his quick release and downfield vision, kept the Aggies in the game despite the defense’s ineptitude.
Ending the game with a notable 83.5 QBR, Weigman’s trajectory in new OC Bobby Petrino’s offense puts the Aggies in a great position to stay in every game if the defense and offensive let them. According to PFF, Weigman had 2.5 seconds or more in the pocket, which is good for seventh in the country over the Week 2 slate, yet his high-pressure rate tells a different story and leaves many of us wondering just how much progress the O-line has made since the offseason.
Again, this is all based on two games in September, so despite the immediate call to arms regarding Jimbo Fisher’s future, etc., ten games remain to determine the identity of the 2023 Texas A&M Aggies, but in the meantime, hopefully, Conner Weigman’s ascendance as a reliable signal caller puts some fans at ease till the next game is played.
Texas A&M will return to Kyle Field to take on Louisiana Monroe on Saturday, Sept. 16, as the game will air on the SEC Network at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]