Mizzou HC Eli Drinkwitz doesn’t buy quarterback depth chart ahead of Saturday’s matchup

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz feels Texas A&M’s Week 5 depth chart is “just semantics”

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) will face the undefeated Missouri Tigers (4-0, 1-0 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as the Aggies head home for their third game inside Kyle Field, coming off a close 21-17 win over Arkansas on Saturday afternoon.

Behind quarterback Marcel Reed, the redshirt freshman completed 50% of his passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns, including another score on the ground. Reed is now 3-0 as an Aggie starter, even though Conner Weigman has returned to practice this week amid the redshirt sophomore’s shoulder injury.

On Monday, head coach Mike Elko previewed the challenge Texas A&M’s defense will face against Missouri’s passing attack under head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden have connected for four touchdowns in four games.

“They do a really good job of attacking you sideline-to-sideline and then pushing you vertical in the throw game. … He’s always quick to go to a trick play at the right time.”

“He’s a really good offensive coach, and they’ve done a really good job for a really long time.”

On Tuesday, Drinkwitz, speaking to the media, immediately questioned Texas A&M’s Week 6 depth chart. Since Week 2, every depth chart has shown Conner Weigman as the team’s starting quarterback, which Drinkwitz wasn’t buying.

“I mean, at this point, I know on their depth chart, it says the other kid’s the starting quarterback, but that’s just semantics in my opinion” Drinkwitz stated. “The other guy’s 3-0 as the starter, and whether he’s listed as questionable or whatever, I don’t see them going back.”

“They cleary have a different offensive identity when this guy is their quarterback and they’ve built an offense that fits around his system.”

Drinkwitz later stated that Marcel Reed’s appearance at Monday’s press conference insinuated that he would start on Saturday, noting that that is all based on “semantics” ahead of the critical matchup.

Texas A&M will host Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11:00 a.m. CT. The game will air on ABC and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

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Texas A&M’s Week 6 depth chart ahead of facing Missouri

Texas A&M’s Week 6 depth chart continues to show little change ahead of facing Missouri

Texas A&M (4-1. 2-0 SEC) is coming off a 21-17 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the annual Southwest Classic showdown last Saturday, as the Aggie offense drove down the field in the 4th quarter to score the eventual game-winning touchdown.

In his third consecutive game, redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed continued to have “wow” moments. However, his deep throwing accuracy was an issue that prevented the offense from blowing the game wide open in the second half.

Texas A&M’s defense stepped in both pass rush and secondary, as junior defensive end Nic Scourton recorded two sacks, including the game-sealing strip-sack against Razorbacks QB Taylen Green.

On the ground, junior running back Le’Veon Moss has continued to be the Aggies’ offensive MVP, rushing for 117 yards, including an impressive 90 yards in the second half. While progress has been made, this week’s home matchup vs. the 9th-ranked Missouri Tigers poses the program’s biggest challenge yet.

On Monday, before head coach Mike Elko spoke to the media, Texas A&M’s Week 6 depth chart showed little change as each position group, outside of quarterback, has become more fluid through the Aggies’ 4-game winning streak.

After starting his first game of the season, cornerback Dezz Ricks finished second on the team with five tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection, which should lead to elevated snaps in the weeks ahead.

Staying at cornerback, senior CB Jaydon Hill’s first-half struggles in coverage at nickel could garner more play time for sophomore Bravion Rogers. However, after witnessing HIll’s speed as a blitzer, taking him off the field in certain packages will be tough.

At quarterback, Marcel Reed is 3-0 as the Aggies’ starter. Still, as Conner Weigman continues to heal from his AC Joint (shoulder) injury in his throwing shoulder, it’s not clear who will start against Missouri, but all indications point to Reed making his fourth start at this time.

Texas A&M will host Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11:00 a.m. CT. The game will air on ABC and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

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Initial injury report ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 6 matchup vs. Missouri

Here is the latest Texas A&M injury report provided by head coach Mike Elko

Texas A&M (4-1. 2-0 SEC) left AT&T Stadium with a critical Week 5 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks in a defensive battle that featured the resurgence of the Aggies’ defensive line, who recorded three sacks and ten tackles for loss.

Currently first in the SEC with a 2-0 conference record, head coach Mike Elko knows that while the Aggies won, there’s plenty to clean up on both sides of the ball, especially in the passing game. Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed’s third consecutive start wasn’t memorable by any means, but he got the job done after accounting for all three of A&Ms touchdowns.

On Monday, Elko spoke to the media in the usual fashion, providing a brief preview of the 9th-ranked Missouri Tigers while reflecting on what went wrong and the problems still persist ahead of Saturday’s big game.

Injury-wise, quarterback Conner Weigman, who has missed the last three games due to his right shoulder injury, will continue to be a game-time-decision and will more than likely not be able to return until after the Week 7 bye week.

“It’s just one of those things with the shoulder. He’ll be a game-time decision this week, and we’ll see how it goes.”

During Saturday’s game, running back Le’Veon Moss, who finished the game with 117 rushing yards, dealt with some anxiety and a minor shin injury and is “good to go” ahead of facing Missouri.

Elko did not provide an update regarding offensive lineman TJ Shanahan, who missed his first game of the season, but the sophomore is on track to return to action, barring any changes this week.

Texas A&M will host Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11:00 a.m. CT. The game will air on ABC and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

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Aggies QB competition adds candidate as Elko proclaims ‘Henderson is always ready to go’

Weigman entered the season as the Aggies starting QB but another injury to the incumbent has opened the door for multiple other candidates.

Junior quarterback Conner Weigman entered the season as the unquestioned Texas A&M starter but another injury to the incumbent has opened the door for multiple other candidates to emerge from the signal caller competition.

Redshirt freshman QB Marcel Reed is making a strong case after starting the last three games. However, Aggies head coach Mike Elko mentioned another option following a 21-17 win against Arkansas in the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium.

“We have great relationships in that room, in general. Jaylen Henderson is always ready to go, as well. We have three QBs we trust that can play. Marcel was the guy today,” Elko said yesterday. “Marcel is still growing. Still up and down moments with him. He is a young kid. For us to be an explosive offense, we need Noah (Thomas) to be a playmaker. It was great to get him in the offense today.”

Next up for No. 21 Texas A&M is a challenging SEC morning matchup against No. 11 Missouri. The Aggies host the Tigers at Kyle Field on Saturday at 11 a.m. on ABC.

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Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed will start vs. Arkansas

Conner Weigman is out, and Marcel Reed will start at quarterback vs. Arkansas

Ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 5 matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday afternoon, it was announced just an hour before the game that redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman, who is questionable to return this week, is officially listed as out.

Missing his third consecutive game, redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed will now make his third career start this season, which was anticipated throughout the week. After taking all of the first-team reps, Reed should continue progressing after completing just 1-8 passes against Bowling Green with pressure in his face, which pocket after go takes more reps to fix.

In last Saturday’s 26-20 win against the Falcons, the Aggies were somewhat lethargic on both sides of the ball. At the same time, Reed’s dual-threat running ability kept the Aggie offense moving down the field while scoring either a touchdown or field goal on nearly every possession.

Against the Razorbacks’ top-15-ranked run defense, Reed must make plays with his legs if the Aggie running game fails to get going early.

Texas A&M will face Arkansas inside AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN.

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Final injury report ahead of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

Here is the final availability report for both Texas A&M and Arkansas ahead of Saturday’s game

Texas A&M (3-1. 1-0 SEC) will face Arkansas (3-1, 1-0 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as the Southwest Classic will resume inside AT&T Stadium for a final game in the venue after a decade-plus.

After defeating Bowling Green last weekend, head coach Mike Elko didn’t learn much about his team. The Aggies struggled to move the ball at a consistent rate on offense, while the defense gave up several big plays that led to the Falcons’ two touchdowns.

For the Razorbacks, reaching 3-1 and 1-0 in the season is very impressive compared to the program’s preseason projections, defeating the Auburn Tigers 24-14 on the road last weekend in one of the wildest finishes of the season so far. On Saturday, whoever controls the clock, limits the turnovers, and produces more explosive plays will likely win.

On Friday, the final availability report for both teams was released, as redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman returned to practice in a limited fashion this week and is now listed as questionable, meaning there’s a 50% he is available according to the SEC rules.

Here is the rest of the injury report for Texas A&M and Arkansas.

Texas A&M injury report:

  • Rueben Owens – RB (Out for the season)
  • Mark Nabou – OL (Out for the season)
  • Tyreek Chappell – DB (Out for the season)
  • TJ Shanahan – OL (Out)
  • Conner Weigman – QB (Questionable)
  • Enai White – DL (Questionable)
  • Bryce Anderson – S (Probable)

Arkansas injury report:

  • Jaylon Braxton – DB (Out)
  • Rashod Dubinion – RB (Out)
  • Miguel Mitchell – DB (Out)
  • Hudson Clark – DB (Probable)
  • Patrick Kutas – OL (OUT)
  • Andreas Paaske – TE (Out)
  • Khafre Brown – WR (Out)
  • Monte Harrison – WR (Out)
  • Ty Washington – TE (Probable)

Texas A&M will face Arkansas inside AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN.

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The experts weigh in on the Texas A&M vs Arkansas matchup in Week 5

Texas A&M is a slight favorite in their Week 5 matchup against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium

Saturday marks the last time Texas A&M and Arkansas will play in the Southwest Classic in Arlington at AT&T Stadium. The Aggies have been the bully over the last 10 games with a 9-1 record.

This has the potential to be one of the games of the week. It’s not on par with Alabama vs. Georgia, but bragging rights are on the line, and Razorback coach Sam Pittman is in a make-it-or-break-it season. The Aggies are still working out something, and Arkansas is starting to come around on both sides of the ball.

Each team will come out of this game with a solid understanding of where they stand, as both teams have enough talent to press each other in all three phases. It’s a contest that’s too close to a call, and predictions will be mixed for the Aggies over the previous week.

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

Steven Lassan / Athlon Sports

Thomas Neumann / Athlon Sports

Pete Fiutak / CFN

Shehan Jeyarajah / CBS Sports

Richard Johnson / CBS Sports

As you can see, it’s a mixed bag, and as cliche as it might sound, this contest will probably just come down to who wants it more.

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Texas A&M HC Mike Elko prasies left tackle Trey Zuhn’s progress this season

Texas A&M starting left tackle Trey Zuhn has continued to stand out this season

Texas A&M’s 2024 season continues with a Week 5 showdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday afternoon. The long-standing rivalry will end its stay at AT&T Stadium this year, and a new venue will be announced ahead of the 2025 season.

Set to face a Razorback offense that averages over 40 points per game, head coach Mike Elko knows that the defense will need to pressure quarterback Taylen Green early and often, but it all starts with the blocking upfront for the Aggie offense.

During Wednesday’s weekly Aggie Football Hour, Elko pointed out the progress made by starting left tackle Trey Zuhn, who has played some of the best football of his career since the start of the season, consistently ranking as one of the team’s highest-ranked players per Pro Football Focus after every game.

Already a polished pass protector, Zuhn’s run-blocking prowess has steadily enhanced, and Elko couldn’t be more impressed with the junior’s steady leadership.

“Trey (Zuhn) has played really well for us. He has been our most consistent offensive lineman. He enjoyed a really healthy offseason. … He’s playing at a really, really high level. It’s back-to-back weeks for him that he has been our offensive lineman of the week.”

While quarterback Conner Weigman will likely be a game-time decision, redshirt freshman Marcel Reed will be placed in the spotlight again. For Reed to have a solid outing in the pocket, Zuhn will need to be on top of his game to protect his blindside.

Texas A&M will face Arkansas inside AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN.

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Initial SEC Week 5 Availability Report for Texas A&M vs Arkansas

The injury reports have been updated for Texas A&M Aggies vs Arkansas game on Saturday

The SEC announced prior to the season that teams must follow new guidelines when reporting player availability. The new guidelines are called the “Availability Report. ” The teams must provide an initial injury report on Wednesday, followed by a daily update with the final report 90 minutes before the game.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko recently gave a guarded update on Conner Weigman’s progress and when he thinks he might be back on the field.

He’s taking reps on the side right now. I think he’s progressing and getting better well hopeful that we’re going to have him available on Saturday you’ll kind of be more of a game time decision in that

However, for now, Marcel Reed has been doing a more than serviceable job taking over as the starting quarterback while Weigman heals.

Below, you can find Wednesday’s injury report:

Texas A&M injury report:

OUT:

  • Rueben Owens – RB (Out for the season)
  • Mark Nabou – OL (Out for the season)
  • Tyreek Chappell – DB
  • TJ Shanahan – OL

QUESTIONABLE:

  • Enai White – DL
  • Conner Weigman – QB

PROBABLE:

  • Bryce Anderson – DB

Arkansas injury report:

OUT:

  • Miguel Mitchell – DB
  • Patrick Kutas – OL
  • Andreas Paaske – TE
  • Khafre Brown – WR

QUESTIONABLE:

  • Ty Washington – TE
  • Jaylon Braxton – DB
  • Hudson Clark – DB
  • Tyrell Reed Jr. – RB

PROBABLE:

  • Monte Harrison – WR

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Updated injury report ahead of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

One Texas A&M starter will miss Saturday’s game vs. Arkansas

Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1, 1-0 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as both teams will meet for a final time inside AT&T Stadium before a new venue is announced for next season.

Coming off an underwhelming but competitive 26-20 win over Bowling Green last weekend, head coach Mike Elko knows that there are plenty of issues to iron out before the Aggies take the field on Saturday afternoon. Looking at the health of the roster after last week’s win, Elko spoke of several injury updates during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, including Conner Weigman’s likely game-time decision for Saturday’s game.

While Elko is hopeful that Weigman will be available for the game, he also reported that starting center TJ Shanahan will miss the game after leaving the first half vs. Bowling Green with a lower-body injury. Elko also noted that safety Bryce Anderson is questionable, while defensive end Shemar Stewart will be available this weekend.

Both Anderson and Stewart briefly left the game only to re-enter the defensive lineup while playing most of the second half, so I’d assume Anderson’s status is more precautionary than anything else.

Texas A&M will face Arkansas inside AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN.

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