Tag: Abilene Christian Football

Texas A&M leads Abilene Christian 17-7 at halftime after a lackluster start

In the first game post-Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M’s offensive line is struggling vs. FCS Abilene Christian but still leads 17-7 at the half.

In Texas A&M’s first game after the recent firing of now-former head coach Jimbo Fisher, last Saturday’s impressive 51-10 win over Mississippi State looked like a flash in the pan compared to the Aggie’s lackluster performance against the visiting FCS Abilene Christian Wildcats on senior day.

In quarterback Jaylen Henderson’s second consecutive start this season, the sophomore duel threat was absolutely stellar against the Bulldogs, accounting for four touchdowns, but in the first possession against ACU, Henderson’s arm was his due to immense pressure in his face, causing an interception which was returned for a touchdown, as the Wildcats took a 7-0 lead early.

At the same time, A&M’s offensive line finally looked like they found a rhythm for the first time all season. Fast forward to face an ACU front that has yet again exposed the O-line’s ineptitude, allowing three sacks in just over nine minutes in the first half against the Wildcats. Let’s just say offensive line coach Steve Adazzio’s hot seat is virtually on fire.

However, Henderson (12/18, 1 TD, 1 INT) did get things going late in the half after OC Bobby Petrino sped up the tempo, leading to a 13-yard fade to wide receiver Noah Thomas in the end zone, as the Aggies took a, well, more comfortable 17-7 lead heading into the half.

Defensively, A&M has kept the Wildcats in check, recording five pass deflections and two tackles for loss, led by Butkus award nominee and junior linebacker Edgerrin Cooper with four tackles thus far.

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Final injury report ahead to Texas A&M vs. Abilene Christian

Hear is the final injury report ahead of Texas A&M’s final home game of the 2023 season vs. Abilene Christian.

When the news broke that Jimbo Fisher had been fired from Texas A&M (6-4, 4-3 SEC) on Sunday, everything relating to the 2023 season paused until assistant head coach Elijah Robinson was granted the interim position for the remaining three games, as the Aggies are back to work this week to finish the season strong.

On Monday, Robinson, in his first official media appearance as head coach, focused on his new responsibilities, what he learned during his last five seasons under Fisher, and how the team responded to the news after learning of Robinson’s promotion:

“When we talked to the team and addressed them about the transition, I thought those guys handled it really well. Those guys embraced me. They weren’t happy about what happened, but they were ready to move forward.”

Heading into his first game in the interim role, Robinson has already made an immediate impact, as reports out of practice this week described a team as confident as ever without letting Fisher’s dismissal affect their collective focus with three games left to finish out strong.

Regarding the injury report ahead of kickoff vs. ACU, quarterback Max Johnson’s status has unfortunately been kept in the dark. Still, he is not expected to play, meaning sophomore Jaylen Henderson will make his second straight start after scoring four touchdowns in last weekend’s 51-10 thrashing of Mississippi State.

Concerning wide receiver Evan Stewart, it was reported that he returned to practice this week and, outside of any last-minute updates, will play against the Wildcats, hopefully providing Henderson with a full receiving arsenal to do some serious damage through the air.

Here is Texas A&M’s complete injury list:

Texas A&M

  • QB Conner Weigman (Out, foot)
  • TE Donovan Green (Out, ACL)
  • QB Max Johnson (Questionable, Ribs)
  • DB Jardin Gilbert (Out, shoulder)
  • RB Le’Veon Moss (Questionable, hamstring)
  • WR Evan Stewart (Questionable, lower body)

In his first game as interim head coach, Robinson will lead Texas A&M against the visiting Abilene Christian Wildcats on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11:00 a.m., where the game will air on ESPN+ and SEC+.

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Aggies Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. Abilene Christian

Our Staff at Aggies Wire have predicted just how things may shake out during Texas A&amp final home matchup vs. Abilene Christian.

Texas A&M (6-4, 4-3 SEC) has begun a new chapter in the football program after the recent firing of head coach Jimbo Fisher, as longtime assistant coach Elijah Robinson has taken over the interim role for the remaining three games, including the Aggies future bowl game.

This week, Texas A&M will face Abilene Christian (5–5) while honoring the senior football class, most notably including wide receiver Ainias Smith, safety Demani Richardson, and offensive lineman Layden Robinson, to name a few.

While Fisher’s dismissal has dominated the headlines, it was sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson’s four-touchdown performance in the first start of his collegiate career. At the same time, the Aggies’ defense notches five sacks and three interceptions in their 51-10 win over Mississippi State.

The Aggies should dominate this matchup from a personnel standpoint alone. Still, with Elijah Robinson now at the helm, this team has reportedly practiced well this week despite the shocking news and has adjusted well to Robinson’s coaching style.

Ahead of the matchup, we provided several storylines to help give the full scoop on what to expect on Saturday afternoon.

Here are our official prediction staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. Abilene Christian.

Managing Editor, Cameron Ohnysty: 

“In the first game without Jimbo Fisher manning the sideline, a new era in Texas A&M Football will take shape, and in a game where the Aggies should dominate from start to finish over the undersized Abilene Christian Wildcats, quarterback Jaylen Henderson is poised to make his second consecutive start after scoring an impressive four touchdowns in his first collegiate start in last weekend’s 51-10 win over Mississippi State.

In the seniors last game at Kyle Field, I expect wide receiver Ainias Smith and safety Demani Richardson to make multiple splash plays on offense and defense, and yes, it’s finally second-year OC Bobby Petrino’s offense in every facet, so expect a much cleaner look similar to last weekend’s blowout.”

Final prediciton score: Texas A&M 55, ACU 7

Staff Writer, Jarrett Johnson: 

“Whether Max Johnson plays or not the Aggies will win in lopsided fashion, and we’ll get our first look at the Bobby Petrino offense as the sole play caller for the Aggies. Last week we saw Fresno State transfer Jaylen Henderson go off on Mississippi State for multiple touchdowns in a blowout win and I’d bet we see more or that this week as they get ready for LSU.

The defense will look to increase their sack and tackle for loss numbers as they are already amongst the nation’s best. With an opponent, on paper, they should beat We need to see dominate 1st half so the starters can take break in the 2nd. I’ll go as far as to say Cooper will get to double digit sacks on the season during this game Saturday.

Coming off the firing of Jimbo Fisher surely caused discomfort but if any week to fire Jimbo this was the one to do it. ACU is a very beatable opponent and will bear the brunt of the Aggies frustration in which I believe will be a record setting day across the board.”

Final score prediciton: Texas A&M 63, ACU 16

In his first game as interim head coach, Robinson will lead Texas A&M against the visiting Abilene Christian Wildcats on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11:00 a.m., where the game will air on SEC+.

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.

Initial injury report ahead of Texas A&M vs. Abilene Christian

Here is Texas A&M’s initial injury report ahead the Aggies’ last home game of the 2023 season vs. Abilene Christian.

When the news broke that Jimbo Fisher had been fired from Texas A&M (6-4, 4-3 SEC) on Sunday, everything relating to the 2023 season paused until assistant head coach Elijah Robinson was granted the interim postion for the remaining three games, as the Aggies are back to work this week to finish the season strong.

On Monday, Robinson, in his first official media appearance as head coach, focused on his new responsibilities, what he learned during his last five seasons under Fisher, and how the team responded to the news after learning of Robinson’s promotion:

“When we talked to the team and addressed them about the transition, I thought those guys handled it really well. Those guys embraced me. They weren’t happy about what happened, but they were ready to move forward.”

Now, looking ahead to the Aggies early kickoff vs. the visiting Abilene Christian Wildcats, this will be the last home game for the seniors, including safety Demani Richardson and standout wide receiver Ainias Smith.

In terms of A&M’s current injury report ahead of the game, Robinson did note that there has been no update regarding quarterback Max Johnson’s status. At the same time, no injured player from last weekend’s 51-10 win over Mississippi State will likely remain out against ACU.

However, being that this is the last time several starters will play in Kyle Field, I suspect we’ll see a different-looking lineup on offense and defense, but don’t put it past Johnson to fight his way back in the lineup. If he can’t go, expect quarterback Jaylen Henderson to make his second consecutive start after accounting for four touchdowns against the Bulldogs in his dazzling debut.

Here is Texas A&M’s complete injury list:

Texas A&M

  • QB Conner Weigman (Out, foot)
  • TE Donovan Green (Out, ACL)
  • QB Max Johnson (Questionable, Ribs)
  • DB Jardin Gilbert (Out, shoulder)
  • RB Le’Veon Moss (Questionable, hamstring)
  • WR Evan Stewart (Questionable, lower body)

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.