Tag: Conner Weigman

The experts weigh in on the Texas A&M vs LSU matchup in Week 9

Experts are split on their predictions for the primetime game between Texas A&M vs LSU

The SEC is wide open to take, and at the same time, it’s full of one-loss teams. No. 14 Texas A&M and No. 8 LSU are the only teams without an SEC loss.

After Saturday night, there will only be one with an unblemished conference record, and the team will be on top of the standings going into week 10 of the college football season. Over the last decade, the best way to determine the winner of this matchup was to pick whoever was playing at home.

With how evenly these teams are matched and the betting spread under three points, I think going with the most recent trend is warranted in this situation. Texas A&M starting quarterback Conner Weigman will bounce back for a big game, winning a close back-and-forth contest.

Here is who the experts are picking to come out victorious in this week’s matchup:

Steven Lassan / Athlon Sports

Thomas Neumann /Athlon Sports

Eddie Timanus / USA Today

Shehan Jeyarajah / CBS Sports

David Cobb / CBS Sports

Texas A&M will host LSU on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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‘That’s the Conner Weigman you’ll see a lot more of’: Johnny Manziel weighs in on Texas A&M QB

Conner Weigman was projected to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation ahead of the 2024 season, with some even anticipating the Texas A&M signal-caller would be a dark horse candidate to be the best at the position in the nation.

Conner Weigman was projected to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation ahead of the 2024 season, with some even anticipating the Texas A&M signal-caller would be a dark horse candidate to be the best at the position in the nation.

He quickly fell from grace, though, struggling mightily in the season-opening loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was not at all the quarterback who was advertised in the preseason, completing 12 of his 30 passing attempts for 100 yards with 2 interceptions.

Injury issues didn’t help. That’s exactly what hindered him when he injured the AC joint in his throwing shoulder at the very beginning of the season. Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel sees that as something that instantly put Weigman up against the odds from the very beginning.

“You don’t really know how the injury stuff is going to go,” Manziel said. “You get hurt, you get banged up, and all you can really do is fight your way back to getting back on the field with your guys. Obviously, him coming back in his first game, I thought he handled it extremely well.”

He’s been solid ever since the return against Missouri, in which he completed 18 of his 22 passing attempts for 276 yards. In the following game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, he connected on 15 of his 25 passing attempts for 217 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.

“That’s the Conner Weigman you’ll see a lot more of moving forward rather than what you saw in the opening week against Notre Dame,” Manziel said. “He’s a very talented kid and one that I think has a lot of potential at Texas A&M.”

So far this season, Weigman has completed 61.5% of his passes for 718 yards with 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions over four games.

Weigman has been a piece in the Aggies’ road to a 6-1 overall record, but a lot more has played into the success in 2024. Much of that has to do with the dawning of the Mike Elko era.

“I think they’ve done a great job. Coach (Mike) Elko has come in and brought  a lot of life to our program,” Manziel said. “The guys have readily responded to it. Where we are right now throughout the season after starting out with an opening loss. It shows a lot of resilience and a lot of a team coming together.”

Moving forward, Texas A&M will look to record a seventh consecutive victory as the Aggies face LSU at Kyle Field on Saturday.

“It’s exciting to see where they’re at right now and hopefully they can continue to play well.”

Watch: Texas A&M’s all-black uniforms unveiled ahead of hosting 8th-ranked LSU

Texas A&M’s sleak all black uniforms vs. LSU have been revealed!

Texas A&M’s much-anticipated Week 9 home showdown vs. 8th-ranked LSU is just two short days away, as both programs have reeled off six consecutive wins after losing their openers. At the same time, the once regular season-finale rivalry is now a midseason matchup.

Over the past six seasons, trading wins has become a custom in the series, while the historic 74-72 OT Texas A&M win, which literally changed college football overtime rules in today’s game, is obviously seen as the highlight of a rivalry once completely dominated by the team from Baton Rouge.

This season, both programs look evenly matched with strengths on both sides of the ball, while LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks like the more established signal-caller heading into the game.

However, Texas A&M’s defense has continued to improve each week, while the Aggie running game is one of the best-performing units in the country.

In the end, whoever wins will likely control the time of possession and win the turnover battle. Ahead of the game, Texas A&M’s all-black uniform reveal made its way to social media after days of high anticipation.

Sporting an all-black jersey and pants, an all-black helmet with “Aggies” across each side is as sleek as it gets and a first for the program since in several seasons. Credit to head coach Mike Elko and the athletic department for the creative touch.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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HC Mike Elko discusses Texas A&M’s culture change during Wednesday’s SEC Telconference

One of the biggest reason’s for Texas A&M’s success this season has been the culture change under head coach Mike Elko

On Wednesday, during the weekly SEC Teleconference, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko took questions from the media ahead of the Aggies’ critical primetime Week 9 showdown against 8th-ranked LSU while reflecting on what led the program a 6-1 start and 4-0 record in SEC play.

The changing culture under Elko’s leadership has been more than apparent amid A&M’s six-game winning streak, as the team’s consistent weekly improvement on offense and defense has resulted in the program going 2-0 on the road in conference play after failing to win a road game in nearly three seasons.

Built around physicality, consistent effort, and the ability to adjust when needed, Elko discussed the program’s culture change and gave full credit to the roster’s buy-in this offseason.

“The credit goes to the kids. They didn’t have to listen. They didn’t have to buy in. They chose to buy in and change things. … I’m proud of them and happy that they’re getting the results on the field.”

Texas A&M’s 2024 captains, sophomore linebacker Taurean York and junior left tackle Trey Zuhn III, deserve credit for leading the team on the field and helping keep the culture intact.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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LSU starting QB Garrett Nussmeier changes his tune regarding Kyle Field impact

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is now fully aware of Kyle Field’s in-game impact

Ahead of No. 14 Texas A&M’s Week 9 primetime home matchup against 8th-ranked LSU, Tigers starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, one of the top signal callers in the country after waiting his turn the last two years, discussed his first career start inside what could be a sold out Kyle Field.

Back in June, Nussmeier’s opinion of Kyle Field’s overall impact was that of most of the Aggies’ competitors, who want to look unaffected by any crowd until the results tell another story.

“Kyle Field is loud, I’ll give them that, but it’s not Death Valley.”

However, he now knows after likely watching Missouri quarterback Brady Cook’s mistake of downplaying the Stadium’s impact after falling 41-10 in Week 6.

“Obviously we acknowledge that it’s going to be a tough envrionment, it’s gonna be loud and exciting.”

Nussmeier referenced the “one game at a time” mentality that led to the Tiger’s comeback win over Ole Miss, knowing that Texas A&M’s defense would be ready to adjust when necessary.

The winner of Saturday’s game will more than likely stay atop the SEC standings for the rest of the regular season unless late-season lapses occur, making this one of the most important games of the year for both squads.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Is Texas A&M vs. LSU the most significant game since the Aggies entered the SEC?

We’re in for one heck of a game on Saturday night

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-1 SEC) enters Week 9 of the 2024 college football season on a six-game winning streak while still sitting atop the SEC standings after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 on the road for the program’s second conference road win this season.

While a win is a win, Texas A&M’s offense was somewhat disjointed, as starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s two interceptions hindered the Aggies from blowing out the Bulldogs, instead giving the home team life on several late possessions.

However, the Aggie’s red zone offense was excellent yet again. At the same time, early defensive lapses resulted in a 360-degree turnaround in the second half, limiting Mississippi State’s offense to under 100 yards after the half.

So, just how critical is Texas A&M’s upcoming matchup against LSU? Head coach Mike Elko is well aware of what the Tigers present from a talent standpoint.

“They’re extremely talented. They’ve gotten more and more comfortable with the defense.”

“Some of the nature progression and growth, you’ve seen that from them from start to finish.”

Knowing that their A-game is more than necessary to make Saturday’s game a fourth-quarter contest, the postseason implications make this game one of the biggest of the season. The winner on Saturday is in a clear position to reach the SEC Championship game.

On Tuesday, TexAgs Co-Owner Billy Liucci previewed the matchup with SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, furthering the notion that Saturday night is the most significant game for Texas A&M since the program entered the SEC during the start of the 2012 season.

“It’s the biggest LSU-A&M ever…I think it’s the biggest home game the Aggies have had since they joined the SEC.”

In the series history, LSU currently leads 32-23-3. Still, since the legendary 74-27 7 OT Texas A&M win at the end of the 2018 season, both programs have traded wins year to year ever since, with the Tigers, behind current Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, helping secure a 42-30 win at home.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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‘We trust Conner Weigman’ Texas A&M HC Mike Elko is sticking behind his starting QB

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is firmly behind his starting quarterback

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) heads back to Kyle Field for what some now deem as the Aggies’ toughest game on the schedule against 8th-ranked LSU, as the Tigers have also won six consecutive games after losing their home opener.

Behind veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s offense has continued to improve. At the same time, the defense, minus star linebacker Harold Perkins, has looked better in some areas due to the play of sophomore backer White Weeks, who is currently second in the SEC in tackles with 68.

However, Texas A&M has been one of the best teams in the country, especially at home, since losing to Notre Dame to open the year. For the Aggies to get past the Tigers, starting quarterback Conner Weigman will need to elevate his play compared to what we saw during Saturday’s 34-24 win over Mississippi State.

After completing 15/25 for 217 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions,  Weigman’s bad footwork led to accuracy issues and poor decisions. Still, as we’ve seen through his last three starts, the redshirt sophomore should be trusted to fix his mechanical issues.

On Monday, head coach Mike Elko noted that Weigman was likely racing through his progressions while the relentless Mississippi State cowbells didn’t help calm things down mentally.

“He just got out of wack with his progression on the other two that could’ve been picked, but I do think that a piece of football is that not every throw is going to be right. You don’t come out of a game without stuff to correct.”

While these are easily correctable issues, Elko stands firmly behind Weigman ahead of hosting LSU, knowing that his signal-caller has stood up to the challenge when highly ranked teams come to Kyle Field, including Texas A&M’s 41-10 blowout win against then top 10-ranked Missouri.

“We trust Conner (Weigman), and Conner should trust himself because he’s really talented. We want him to go through his progression and make the throws he’s capable of making.”

“He knows he has to protect the football. … We’re not shying away from throwing the football.”

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M vs. South Carolina Game Time, Channel options have been revealed

Texas A&M’s Week 10 road game vs. South Carolina has a Game Time, while the channel designation is still undecided

14th-ranked Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) heads back to Kyle Field for a primetime Week 9 showdown against 8th-ranked LSU. The Aggies hope to return to playing A+ level football compared to the up-and-down showing during A&M’s 34-24 win over Mississippi State.

Both teams have reeled off six consecutive wins after losing their season openers. At the same time, LSU took care of business against a tough Arkansas team on the road 34-10 behind freshman running back Caden Durham’s 101 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

If the Aggies can get past the Tigers on Saturday night, another road test, which looks like the toughest game on the schedule against South Carolina, awaits for what is now a confirmed night game inside Williams-Brice Stadium.

Texas A&M will enter the matchup already 2-0 on the road in SEC play after not winning a conference road game since the 2021 season before defeating Florida earlier this year. However, South Carolina’s 16th-ranked defense is the real deal, already racking up 28 sacks in seven games.

Texas A&M will face South Carolina at 6:30 or 6:45 p.m. CT. The channel is still undetermined, but SEC Network, ESPN, or ABC will air the matchup.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Notable Pro Football Focus grades after Texas A&M’s 34-24 win against Mississippi State

Here are some of the notable PFF grades from Texas A&M’s 34-24 win over Mississippi State

14th-ranked Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) remains in first place in the SEC standings after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 on Saturday afternoon, as the Aggies will host 8th-ranked LSU inside what could be a sold-out Kyle Field in Week 9.

While a win is a win, Texas &M’s offense left too many plays on the field, mainly due to starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s poor footwork and accuracy issues that led to two costly interceptions. However, enough plays were made through the air and on the ground, including junior running back Le’Veon Moss’s two rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, head coach Mike Elko and DC Jay Bateman made several adjustments that led to an impressive second-half outing, as the Aggies pressured Bulldogs freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren and essentially shut down Mississippi’s passing attack.

After the game, Pro Football Focus released the latest grades from the matchup. Here are the most notable grades on both sides of the ball for every Texas A&M contributor:

Offense:

Quarterback Conner Weigman finished the game with a team-low 48.5 PFF grade, a 36.1 offensive grade, and 33.1 passing grade within a clean pocket. Weigman’s two interceptions came in a clean pocket, as the signal caller was only pressured. Overall, this was one of his worst career performances.

On the offensive line, starting right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams was stellar once again, finishing with the second highest pass blocking grade (85.8), while starting left tackle Trey Zuhn led the team with an 88.2 pass blocking grade, which is good for third among 209 offensive tackles.

In 38 snaps, senior wide receiver Jabre Barber finished with a team-high 78.9 offensive grade, and and 80.4 receiving grade after leading the team with 92 receiving yards.

Defense:

Defensively, junior linebacker Scooby Williams led the unit with an 84.6 defensive grade, paired with a 84.9 run defense grade and a 77.7 pass rushing grade after recording six tackles and two tackles for loss, including his first career interception.

Sophomore linebacker Taurean York led the Aggies with 12 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, earning 69.0 defensive grade and a team-high 84.7 tackling grade in one his his better career performances.

On the defensive line, defensive tackle Shemar Turner and defensive end Rylan Kennedy were consistently in the backfield making plays, finishing with impressive defensive grades and pass rush marks:

Shemar Turner: 84.3 defensive grade (season-high), 76.9 run-defense grade, 75.9 defensive grade, and a 79.2 pass-rush grade.

Rylan Kennedy: 75.9 defensive grade, 53.9 run-defense grade, 70.8 pass rush grade.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman ‘just got a little bit fast’ per Aggies coach Mike Elko

“Going into halftime he was in a good spot. In the second half he just got a little fast. I kept telling him on the sideline to slow down.”

The Texas A&M football team returned from a bye this weekend and earned a double-digit victory against Mississippi State, led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman.

The No. 14 Aggies (6-1, 4-0 SEC) beat the Bulldogs (1-6, 0-4) by a final score of 34-24 on Saturday evening at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville. Despite entering the matchup 100% healthy, Weigman didn’t look sharp against the lesser conference foe.

“I thought going into halftime he was in a good spot,” coach Mike Elko said postgame. “I think in the second half he just got a little bit fast. I kept telling him on the sideline to slow down.”

In the first 30 minutes of action, Weigman was 7-of-11 for 121 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. In the second half, he was 8-of-14 for 96 yards and 1 interception.

Elko has made it clear this season that Weigman is his guy. But if he doesn’t play more consistently going forward, the 12th Man will continue to call for redshirt freshman QB Marcel Reed to replace him as the starter.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.