Tag: Le’veon Moss

Texas A&M’s running game has vastly improved compared to last season

Texas A&M’s running game has been borderline elite in the last two weeks

Texas A&M’s 33-20 SEC road win over the Florida Gators was critical for many reasons, starting with the fact that the Aggies had not won a conference road game in over three seasons, while head coach Mike Elko earned his first SEC win.

In a game dominated by the Aggie offense, the quarterback drama regarding starter Conner Weigman’s shoulder injury led to backup Marcel Reed making his first career start. The redshirt freshman’s poise and athleticism helped open up the playbook for OC Collin Klein.

While Reed was excellent from the pocket, A&M’s running game dominated the day, rushing for 310 yards, including 84 from Reed. In comparison, junior running backs Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels accounted for 178 yards on 31 carries.

The Aggies eclipsed 300-plus yards rushing for the second straight weekend, mainly due to better run blocking and Klein’s scheme. After three weeks of play, Texas A&M’s rushing attack is ranked 9th nationally with 263 yards per game, ranked as the second SEC team behind Tennessee, ranked 3rd with 333 per contest.

Three weeks of play isn’t a large enough sample size to say that this group is elite, but compared to last season’s 90th-ranked unit, only averaging 136 yards per game, this is a huge improvement under Klein and O-line coach Adam Cushing.

So far this season, Texas A&M has run for 787 yards for 6.02 yards per rush, and seven rushing touchdowns.

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.

3 Stars from Texas A&M’s 33-20 win over the Florida Gators

Here are the three players that helped Texas A&M earn a critical win against the Florida Gators

Texas A&M earned what could end up being a season-defining win over the Florida Gators on Saturday afternoon, as backup quarterback Marcel Reed entered one of the most challenging environments in College Football with complete poise in his first career start.

As starting quarterback Conner Weigman watched from the sideline due to his shoulder injury, the redshirt freshman was efficient from the pocket and impressive on the ground, proving that he is the most dynamic signal caller on the roster until Weigman is fully healthy.

Here are the three players that stood out during Saturday’s critical victory:

DE Rylan Kennedy

While the bigger names on Texas A&M’s defensive line received the usual credit, including Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, the consistent play of defensive end Rylan Kennedy, one of the rising stars on the Aggie defense, made the most of his snaps.

Recording three tackles on the day, the sophomore earned a 78.0 defensive grade (the highest on the team) and a 73.5 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Kennedy’s length, strength, and athleticism make him one of the ascending defensive stars among a stacked defensive line.

QB Marcel Reed

What more can be said about the redshirt freshman? Marcel Reed learned that he would make his first career start during the team’s pre-kickoff warm-ups, coming into the game with the mindset of a seasoned veteran. Reed stuck to the game plan OC Collin Klein provided him from start to finish, making his check-downs when needed while using his legs to move the chains efficiently.

Would a healthy Conner Weigman have won this game? I believe so, but after watching Reed in Klein’s scheme, I realize he looks like a better fit. At the end of the day, that’s up to head coach Mike Elko.

Texas A&M’s offensive line 

It’s not just one player along Texas A&M’s offensive line that deserves single credit, and while I could also single out running backs Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels, the O-line paved the way for both backs to lead the Aggie rushing attack.

Ranging from left tackle Trey Zuhn to backup center TJ Shanahan, the offensive line completely controlled the line of scrimmage while pushing Florida’s large defensive line off the ball to open up running lanes. It looked like A&M’s 2020 O-line, which led the team to nine wins.

If this type of play and mindset can keep up heading into the thick of SEC play, Texas A&M’s offense has a chance to live up to its preseason expectations.

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.

Updated injury report following Texas A&M’s 33-20 win over Florida

Here is Texas A&M’s injury report following Saturday’s win over Florida

Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) defeated the Florida Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) 33-20 on Saturday afternoon, as redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed was lights out in his first career start, accounting for three touchdowns. At the same time, the running game produced 300-plus yards on the ground.

Before kickoff, it was announced that starting quarterback Conner Weigman would miss the game due to a shoulder injury sustained during the season-opening loss against Notre Dame. This injury led to Reed’s first career start.

However, starting nickel cornerback, Tyreek Chappell also missed the game, leading head coach Mike Elko to reveal that the senior is out for the season, while Weigman is day-to-day going into the week.

“Obviously, (Tyreek) Chappell is out for the year, non-contact lower leg, and Trey Jones is an upper body thing. I expect him back soon. ”

“With Conner (Weigman), it’s an AC in the shoulder. It happened in the Notre Dame game… This week, he had a full practice on Wednesday but had a setback on Thursday.”

Safety Trey Jones is expected to return to the lineup sooner rather than later. Starting center Koli Faaiu also sustained an in-game injury on Saturday, but according to Elko, it doesn’t look like a long-term issue.

“Koli (Faaiu) did suffer an injury in-game.”

“We don’t think it’s long term.”

However, despite an unnecessary penality on Saturday, backup center TJ Shanahan played very well in his absence, proving the immense depth along the offensive line.

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.

Pro Football Focus grades from Texas A&M’s 23-13 loss to Notre Dame in Week 1

Texas A&M’s offense was very, very bad, and PFF proved that point

Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener vs. No. 7 Notre Dame ended in a 23-13 loss. The 107,000-plus fans in Kyle Field weren’t enough to help the Aggie offense find consistency. Starting quarterback Conner Weigman had the worst game of his collegiate career, throwing for 100 yards and two interceptions on the night.

Entering a new era, head coach Mike Elko’s introduction wasn’t what fans hoped to see, outside of impressive debuts from multiple defenders, including former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton.

However, Texas A&M, despite the poor offensive performance, had chances to win the game, as the Aggie run defense allowed 198 rushing yards, including the game-sealing touchdown from Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love.

Looking at the numbers through Pro Football Focus, Texas A&M’s overall team grade was 54.8, the sixth worst in the country during the opening weekend. Under center, Conner Weigman had the worst offensive grade (29.0) and passing grade (28.0). PFF also noted that both of Weigman’s interceptions were with a clean pocket, so pressure cannot be blamed.

Texas A&M’s offensive grade (47.4) is second to last in the country as a team. Overall, it was a bad day in the office.

Texas A&M will look to rebound next weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Aggies will host McNeese. The game will air on the SEC Network at 11:45 a.m.

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.

Instant reactions to No. 20 Texas A&M football team loss versus No. 7 Notre Dame

With the entire nation watching, the Texas A&M football team fell short on Saturday against Notre Dame. Next up is McNeese State on Sept. 7.

With the entire nation watching, the Texas A&M football team fell short this weekend against Notre Dame.

The No. 20 Aggies (0-1) lost to the No. 7 Fighting Irish (1-0) by a final score of 23-13 on Saturday night in College Station. Notre Dame senior quarterback Riley Leonard bested his former head coach Mike Elko in their respective first games in their new homes.

The game’s first touchdown wasn’t scored until the second half as the top 25 opponents went into halftime tied 6-6 in a low-scoring affair. The victory is the first ranked SEC win for the Fighting Irish since 2004 against No. 9 Tennessee.

Texas A&M junior QB Conner Weigman struggled in his return from injury and first contest under the tutelage of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Collin Klein. Weigman was 12-of-30 for 100 yards and 2 interceptions.

The Aggies’ lone tuddy came on a 1-yard rush by junior running back Le’Veon Moss, who served as Texas A&M’s bell cow against Notre Dame. He tallied 20 carries for 72 yards and 1 TD with 2 catches for 13 yards.

Next up for the Aggies is McNeese State at Kyle Field on Sept. 7 at 11:45 a.m. CT on SEC Network.

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.

Starting QB Conner Weigman featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Starting QB Conner Weigman comes in a No. 3 in our countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is nearing single digits.

Ten days remain before the 7th-ranked Fighting Irish head to College Station for a primetime showdown. New Aggies head coach Mike Elko has completed the long journey to accepting the position, going through his first offseason, and finishing his first fall practice period with the team this month.

Aggies Wire will focus on one player daily for the next ten days, ranking the Top 10 players on the 2024 roster. Coming in at No. 3, starting quarterback Conner Weigman is back under center after fully recovering from his 2023 season-ending ankle injury. Entering his redshirt sophomore season, Weigman’s NFL potential is obvious, but getting through the year healthy is the primary goal.

One of the most talented quarterbacks to ever come through College Station, the sky is the limit for Texas A&M’s offense if, and this is a big if, the offensive line finally improves after several consecutive underwhelming seasons. However, due to added depth and returning talent, Weigman should be better protected (hopefully).

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) looks to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Weigman’s accuracy and touch set him apart from many of his fellow SEC signal callers. At the same time, his overall arm strength has steadily increased this summer after participating in the Manning Passing Academy. However, Weigman’s toughness and resilience have defined his play over the last two seasons.

Despite only nine career starts, Weigman has thrown for 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions while throwing for 1,875 yards. Who he’ll be throwing to is a whole other story, but under OC Collin Klein’s scheme, expect Weigman to spread the wealth around.

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.

Texas A&M’s Week 1 depth chart before facing Notre Dame has been released

Texas A&M’s Week 1 depth chart is interesting, to say the least

Texas A&M’s 2024 season kicks off on Saturday afternoon. New head coach Mike Elko will face a familiar opponent: 7th-ranked Notre Dame will head to College Station for the first time in 20-plus years, as both programs last faced each other during the 2001 season.

During his last two seasons as Duke’s head coach, Elko faced the Fighting Irish last season, falling 21-14 in a memorable contest that featured a bulk of the current 2024 Notre Dame defense that takes the field this weekend.

Even more intriguing, Elko will face his former Duke starting quarterback after Riley Leonard transferred to South Bend early in the offseason.

After a successful fall practice slate, Texas A&M’s 2024 roster is all but set. The Week 1 depth chart has been released to the public, and there are several surprises on offense, especially across the offensive line.

Overall, the left side of the line with Trey Zuhn starting at left tackle and sophomore Chase Bistontis starting at left guard was expected, paired with the center battle between Kolinu’nu Faaiu and Mark Nabou, which is still ongoing this week, per the “<OR>” symbol.

However, many of us expected former Kansas guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams to take over at right tackle, but instead, he will stay at right guard to take advantage of his size and strength. According to the depth chart, junior tackle Dametreous Crownover has likely earned the start right tackle job, but senior tackle Reuben Fatheree II could still end up starting in Week 1.

Defensively, defensive tackles DJ Hicks and Albert Regis are battling for the second tackle spot, while the second linebacker job is still up for grabs, with former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheilds currently in the lead.

At cornerback, former Florida CB Jaydon Hill will miss the first half of Saturday’s game due to a targeting penalty dating back to last season, placing senior Tyreek Chappell as the starter at nickel. On the outside, Will Lee III is the only corner who has secured a starting job.

One last interesting note: starting running back Le’Veon Moss is currently listed as the first team kick returner, while freshman Terry Bussey will likely start out as the team’s primary punt returner. With sophomore RB Rueben Owens out for the season, placing as a kick returner isn’t the best idea.

No. 20 Texas A&M will host No. 7 Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT. and will air on ABC.

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.

Here’s what offensive coordinator Collin Klein brings to the Texas A&M rushing attack

Something that fell under the radar when Klein was hired by Elko in December is how much he’ll positively benefit the Aggies rushing attack.

As a former college quarterback at the Power Five level who was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, offensive coordinator Collin Klein is expected to elevate Texas A&M junior QB Conner Weigman‘s play to another level this upcoming season.

However, something that fell under the radar when Klein was hired by head coach Mike Elko in December is how much he can positively benefit the Aggies rushing attack. Despite sophomore running back Rueben Owens being ruled out for the entire 2024 season, the remaining Texas A&M halfbacks must embrace the “next man up” mentality.

The remainder of the Aggies RB depth chart includes graduate students, EJ Smith & Israel Benjamin, juniors, Amari Daniels, AJ DiNota & Le’Veon Moss, sophomore Preston Landis and freshmen, Ramarian Tillman & Ronnie Crosby III.

And the Valley Shook, an LSU blog a part of SB Nation, writer Max Toscano spent his offseason watching film and is extremely bullish about Klein as he wrote Thursday morning on X, “what A&M OC Collin Klein is doing is revolutionary at the upper levels of football.”

Check out the embedded thread below to see “wacky and insane stuff on the ground” created by Klein and presented by Toscano.

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.

Junior RB Le’Veon Moss featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Junior RB Le’Veon Moss starts as the player to watch in our countdown to the 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is nearing single digits.

Ten days remain before the 7th-ranked Fighting Irish head to College Station for a primetime showdown. New Aggies head coach Mike Elko has completed the long journey to accepting the position, going through his first offseason, and finishing his first fall practice period with the team this month.

Progress has been made on both sides of the ball, as starting quarterback Conner Weigman looks bigger, stronger, and more confident. At the same time, A&M’s stacked defensive line possesses elite talent and depth, as Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman can rotate players throughout the season.

Aggies Wire will focus on one player daily for the next ten days, ranking the Top 10 players on the 2024 roster. Today, junior running back Le’Veon Moss takes center stage.

Entering his third season with the program, sophomore running back Rueben Owen’s season-ending injury immediately placed Moss in the starting role. Fellow junior back Amari Daniels and veteran EJ Smith will rotate in when needed.

At 6-0 and 215 pounds, Moss’s vision, strength, and 2nd level burst set him apart as an every-down back when healthy, as the junior missed several games last season due to various injuries, while the Aggie offensive line failed to open holes once SEC play began.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Still, Moss still ran for nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. Suppose A&M’s O-line can steadily improve after an infusion of talent from the transfer portal. In that case, Moss has a chance to consistently bully second-level defenders and set the offensive tone early, often to achieve a balanced offense in OC Collin Klein’s innovative scheme.

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 Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M HC Mike Elko provides update on RB Rueben Owen’s injury status

Mike Elko’s confirms that RB Rueben Owens will likely miss the entire 2024 season

Minutes after the conclusion of Texas A&M’s 14th fall football practice before the 2024 season, head coach Mike Elko, along with offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, spoke to the local media to provide a conclusive overview of how his 2024 roster performed this month.

With the season opener vs. Notre Dame just two weeks away, Elko provided an update regarding the injury status of sophomore running back Rueben Owens. Owens sustained a lower-body injury during last Saturday’s scrimmage that several reporters deemed season-ending.

Well, for those who were waiting for confirmation from the man in charge, Elko has confirmed that Owens is expected to miss the entire 2024 season but may have a chance to come back if the Aggies make it to the postseason, which could possibly include a berth to the college football playoffs.

“Unfortunately, he suffered a foot injury. He will be out for an extended period of time, most likely the season.”

“That was an unfortunate thing that happened last weekend.”

During the 2023 season, Owens was selected to the SEC All-Freshman team while leading the conference in all-purpose yards (743), rushing yards (385), and kick return yards (249) among true freshman backs.

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.