Whenever a football team loses at every level, the quarterback is almost always blamed for the outcome, even if he doesn’t deserve it.
Much like the NFL, college football is a high-pressure environment for every quarterback. These young men, aged 18-22, are expected to deliver top performances weekly. Early in the season, a bad game can make them feel like the entire school is against them.
Yes, it’s just part of the game, and every player knows it, but in the case of Texas A&M starting quarterback Conner Weigman, Saturday’s loss to Notre Dame has placed him in a weird spot. By his own volition, Weigman opted to take questions from the local media on Monday.
“I won’t back down from anything. I’ll face it head-on. I’ll be the first to tell you that I didn’t play well.”
In his worst career performance, the redshirt sophomore threw for only 100 yards and two interceptions, averaging just 3.3 yards per completion. However, new OC Collin Klein’s scheme and lack of wide receiver separation also played a part in the offense’s failure to produce.
On tape, Weigman was just plain off, starting and ending with his footwork, leading to his inaccuracy throughout the night. In just his 10th career collegiate start, Weigman knows continuing to watch the film will help fix his foot placement issues.
“My footwork. I’ve got to be better. My feet were all over the place after watching the film, and that won’t happen again.”
However, looking for emotional tells, such as avoiding certain tough questions, is important for context when talking to any young quarterback. Still, for all of us who have covered the former 5-star prospect since his freshman season, this is the most confident we’ve seen him since he stepped on campus.
Understanding his leadership position within the team, Weigman continued to take full responsibility for Saturday’s performance and is determined to prove to all his detractors that it was an out-of-character occurrence against an elite defense.
“I take full responsibility. I won’t let that define me as a player. … I’m going to do everything in my power to not let that happen again.”
Providing a collective viewpoint of Weigman’s importance to and trust within the organization, head coach Mike Elko noted on Monday that he and the team are 100% behind their quarterback moving forward, as the focus on shifted to the visiting McNeese Cowboys for an early afternoon week 2 matchup.
“He’s going to respond great. He’s a competitor. He’s a winner. The kids are confident in him. I’m confident in him.”
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.