Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) made a statement after defeating the Florida Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) 33-20 on the road inside The Swamp, as redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed dazzled in his first career start.
Just moments before kickoff, it was announced that starting quarterback Conner Weigman would miss the game due to an AC joint (shoulder) injury previously sustained during A&M’s opening season loss to Notre Dame. Knowing Marcel Reed’s duel-threat ability, the young signal caller looked poised throughout the afternoon.
Looking like a perfect fit for OC Collin Klein’s offense, Reed’s 31-yard run in the first possession on 2nd & 21 immediately revealed the stark difference between him and Conner Weigman’s athletic profile, but again, this was just one game to go off of.
Finishing the game with 178 yards and two touchdowns through the air, including 83 rushing yards and a score on the ground, Texas A&M’s elite day rushing performance helped control the line of scrimmage, racking up 300-plus rushing yards for the second consecutive week.
Due to A&M’s rushing production against the Gators, Reed only threw one pass in the final 19 minutes of the game, but overall, this was one of the most impressive debuts from a player clearly on the rise.
Leading into what should be an interesting week, head coach Mike Elko has a choice to make ahead of Texas A&M’s week 4 home game vs. Bowling Green, especially if Conner Weigman’s health status improves over the next five days.
If he sticks with Reed’s hot hand, expect more designed runs tailored to his skillset, while Klein will be able to open up the playbook and test things out, knowing that defenses will likely load the box and open up passing lanes if they replicate Saturday’s success.
For Weigman, it’s all about getting healthy and returning to his original form, but as we’ve seen in years past, a Wally Pip-like situation could be brewing in College Station.
Texas A&M will host Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.
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.