Texas A&M’s 2024 season began with a disappointing 23-13 loss to Notre Dame.
The game was tied 13-13 with just four minutes left in the fourth quarter, as Irish QB Riley Leonard led his team down the field for a go-ahead touchdown, virtually ending the game. Set to face FCS opponent McNeese State this weekend, Texas A&M’s offense will be under the microscope.
After passing for only 100 yards and two interceptions to open the year, Aggies starting quarterback Conner Weigman will look to find holes in the Cowboys’ secondary. At the same time, McNeese State’s offense will look to establish the run early and use the legs to their star QB.
Here are three McNeese State players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. McNeese State.
QB Clifton McDowell
Standing at 6-5 and 230 pounds, McDowell entered the transfer portal after spending last season with Montana, leading the Grizzlies to the FCS title game in 2023.
Finding a home in Louisiana with a Cowboys team needing a steady signal caller. Texas A&M’s secondary should keep him at bay, but his legs could give the defense issues after allowing Riley Leonard to rush for 63 yards last Saturday. In two games this season, McDowell has thrown for 273 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
Note: Clifton McDowell is questionable to play in the game due to injury
LB Micah Davey
McNeese State has some dudes on the defensive side of the ball, starting with junior linebacker Micah Davey, who accounted for 130 tackles, 70 solo tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections last season. Already netting 31 tackles and half a sack in two games, Davey will be all over the field against the Aggies.
DL Stephen Johnson
Like most FCS programs, utilizing the transfer portal is an absolute must, as McNeese State head coach Gary Goff went out and acquired former Auburn defensive lineman Stephen Johnson, who stands at a whopping 6-4 and 330 pounds. A powerful defender, Johnson didn’t see the field during his first season with the Tigers but has already recorded six tackles in two games. However, I expect A&M’s strong interior O-line to be prepared.
Texas A&M will host McNeese State on Saturday, Sept. 7, for an early kickoff at 11:45 a.m. The game will air on the 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.