Tag: Texas A&M 2023 Football Season

Texas A&M interim HC Elijah Robinson speaks during Wednesday’s ‘Aggie football hour’

See what Texas A&M interim HC Elijah Robinson had to say on Wednesday’s “Aggie Football Hour.”

After Texas A&M officially fired Jimbo Fisher on Sunday, Nov. 12, associate head coach Elijah Robinson quickly took over the head coaching postion in the interim role, as his experience, coupled with his vast popularity among the locker room and the coaching staff, garnered tremendous support as soon as his promotion was announced.

On Monday, Robinson spoke to the media in his first press conference of the season to discuss the handoff while thanking Jimbo Fisher for all he had learned over the past five years. Focusing on the players, Robinson’s steadfast leadership and love for the University has not only excited the fan base for the last three games (including a bowl game) but fired up the roster to give it their absolute all to finish the season on a high note.

A popular man this week, Robinson sat down with Voice of the Aggies Andrew Monaco during Wednesday’s “Aggie Football Hour” to dish on everything from Texas A&M Football to his career path if coaching wasn’t his immediate calling. Here is everything Elijah Robinson had to say on Wednesday night.

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Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State kickoff time and TV channel information announced

Texas A&M will host Mississippi State on Saturday, Nov. 11, just a week after traveling to Oxford (MS) for a huge road battle vs. Ole Miss.

Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC) will return to College Station to host Mississippi State  (4-4, 1-4 SEC) on Saturday, Nov. 11, as the Aggies look to earn either their 6th or hopefully 7th win if defeating the 11th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels a week prior comes to fruition.

Out of contention for the SEC Title, there is still a ton to play for, with four games remaining. Let’s remember that the Aggies have already matched their win total from last season and are just one win away from reaching bowl eligibility for the first time in two seasons.

So, for the first time all season, Texas A&M will play a night game inside a packed Kyle Field! Set for 6:30 p.m. CT., the game will air on ESPN2. At the same time, the Aggies are once again looking for revenge after falling to Bulldogs on the road last season in devastating fashion after looking current starting quarterback Max Johnson to a hand injury for the rest of the season.

Yes, Mississippi State has been one of the worst teams in the SEC in 2023, but they consistently pose a threat when facing a Jimbo Fisher-led squad if recent history poses any importance. However, Texas A&M’s elite 9th-ranked defense leads the country in sacks (33), poised to dominate in the trenches under the bright lights.

Historically, going all the way back to 1915, the Bulldogs surprisingly hold a 9-7 advantage, including winning two out of the last three meetings under former head coach Mike Leach (RIP).

Texas A&M will now travel to Oxford (MS) to face the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, Nov. 5, where the game will again air on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. CT.

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Texas A&M Tight end Max Wright is confident that the Aggies can turn things around in the second half of the season

Facing stiff adversity, Texas A&M is struggling, but senior Tight end Max Wright is confident that the Aggies can go on a run.

Through adversity comes strength, usually led by steadfast leadership, especially on the gridiron. For Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC), the 2023 season has been an unwelcome roller coaster ride led by offensive struggles that seem to persist week after week, mainly due to the horrendous play on the offensive line.

Coming off of their bye week, back-to-back losses to Alabama and Tennessee have essentially ended the Aggies’ chances at competing for an SEC Championship, but with the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks (2-5, 1-4 SEC) headed to College Station this weekend, maybe, just maybe, a second-half turnaround is in the works; just asked senior Tight end Max Wright:

“We rallied together over the bye… It’s us finding a way to beat ourselves. We were in every one of those games. We have confidence now to where if we execute, we can go out and win.”

During Monday’s annual pre-game press conference, Wright, amid his sixth year with the program, is definitely the man to talk to regarding personal adversity. As a four-star defensive end prospect in the 2018 recruiting class, the once-feared high school pass rusher buried himself on the depth chart during his freshman season but earned a reputation as one of the most formidable competitors on the roster.

After suffering a brutal season-ending knee injury in 2019, Wright, with head coach Jimbo Fisher’s blessing, switched to offense at tight end, and three seasons later, Wright has become one of the more reliable blockers and short-yardage converters in the country. In 2023, the recent failures he and the team have faced will not define them, as their effort hasn’t diminished.

“Guys were annoyed and ticked off. Frustrations came out. There were conversations that needed to be had. We hate losing. I hope everyone knows we really hate losing. This year is not last year.”

Still, a very young roster despite the notable growth from the 2022 recruiting class, Wright, along with quarterback Max Johnson, wide receiver Ainias Smith, and safety Demani Richardson, stand as the predominant veteran voices in the locker room, and if these young men aren’t rattled back to back SEC losses, expect a hungry and determined group against the Gamecocks on Saturday afternoon.

“We had a lot of guys have a chance to get healthy. In an SEC season, seven weeks in a row get pretty hard. The temperature of the team is good.”

Take it from Max, who has seen it all and experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The only way to change the current narrative is to win and keep winning.

Texas A&M will host South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 28, as kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT. and will air on ESPN.

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SEC Nation is coming to Knoxville for Texas A&M vs. Tennessee

SEC Nation is coming to Knoxville (TN) for Texas A&M’s critical Week 7 road trip face the Tennessee Volunteers.

Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) will travel to Knoxville (TN) to face the Tennessee Volunteers (4-1, 2-1 SEC) in a crucial Week 7 matchup, as the Aggies are coming off their disappointing 26-20 loss to Alabama on Saturday afternoon, while the Vols are returning from their bye week after defeating South Carolina 41-20 a week prior.

Due to the critical nature of the matchup for both programs, it was announced the weekend that SEC Network’s Saturday morning pregame show, SEC Nation, as host Laura Rutledge, along with analysts Tim Tebow, Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, and Jordan Rodgers, is coming to Knoxville and will likely broadcast live from the Ayres Hall lawn.

The show is set to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, as the Marty & McGee show will air a couple of hours beforehand. For the Vols, this is the third time in two seasons that the program will head to Tennessee under head coach Josh Heupel.

The last meeting between both programs came during the shortened 2020 COVID season, as the then Kellen Mond-led Aggies defeated Tennessee 34-13 in Neyland Stadium, while the series is tied at 2-2 all-time.

Texas A&M cannot afford a second SEC loss, which would ultimately destroy their chances at contending in the West at the end of the season. The game will also act as yet another litmus test for head coach Jimbo Fisher’s future with the program.

Texas A&M will travel to face the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 2:30 p.m. CT, inside Neyland Stadium (TV: CBS).

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Jimbo Fisher, Nick Saban preview Texas A&M vs. Alabama during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference

On Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban preview Alabama’s pivotal road trip to College Station to face Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon.

This a big one, folks. On Saturday, Oct. 7, Alabama (4-1, 2-0 SEC) will travel to College Station to face the surging Texas A&M Aggies (4-1, 2-0 SEC) in a potential battle for the SEC West, as both remain the only unbeaten SEC West teams as we enter Week 6.

On Wednesday, Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher and Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke to the media during their annual SEC Teleconference, as Fisher remains just one of two former Saban assistants to defeat the future Hall of Fame coach, with his sole victory coming in 2021 after former Aggie kicker Seth Small hit a memorable game-winning field goal to seal the 41-38 victory.

Despite both head coaches’ admiration for their mutual success so far this season, this matchup is poised to be vastly different compared to years past, as on paper, a talent differential barely exists. While both teams rely on their borderline elite defenses, this battle will likely come down to the quarterback battle between Texas A&M signal-caller Max Johnson and Alabama duel-threat Jalen Milroe.

For the last time until the final whistle blows, here are Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban’s quotes during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference.

‘I feel like this game is always more personal, every time I play them.’ Ainias Smith is all business ahead of Texas A&M vs. Alabama

Texas A&M senior wide receiver Ainias Smith’s recent comments regarding Alabama and Nick Saban shows a player eager for revenge in 2023.

It’s Alabama week for Texas A&M, and for one of the leaders in the locker room, this rivalry is even more personal this time. Senior wide receiver Ainais Smith, who is second on the team in receptions (22) and receiving yards (343), is set to face head coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide for the fourth time in his Aggie career, missing last year’s matchup after his devastating season-ending leg injury.

While Smith is eager to return to face the Tide in a pivotal game for both programs’ season trajectories, things became personal when discussing Saban’s handling of his brother Maurice Smith’s transfer request in 2016. During Monday’s annual presser, Smith’s memorable quote regarding his brother’s public battle with Saban before eventually playing his final collegiate season for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs.

“I feel like this game is always more personal, every time I play them,” Smith stated. “I don’t know — what had happened, that’s in the past now. I’m not able to control it, but every time I do look on that sideline, I do think about what had happened. I definitely be thinking about it. So it’s more personal, for sure.”

As a sophomore in high school during the incident, Smith’s initial criticism in 2016 was solely based on the treatment his brother received from Saban during the transition, altering his view of his own potential collegiate future in Tuscaloosa. Seven years later, the Aggies’ sole victory over Alabama came in 2021. Smith would catch the game-tying touchdown that ultimately led to the Seth Small game-winning kick in one of the most significant victories in program history.

Starting with his freshman season in 2019, Smith has four touchdowns against Alabama in three games. Knowing at least what Saban is looking for from his offense behind the arm and legs of redshirt sophomore signal caller Jalen Milroe, this Tide team has been somewhat underwhelming compared to the elite rosters of years past.

“I kind of know what Nick Saban expects from his offense, from his defensive side,” Smith stated. “I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing, but his class — my brother’s class, they was nice. They was real nice. No disrespect to Alabama right now, but them boys was always [No.] 1, 2 — you know what I’m saying? Like, it was no questions. Right now, with the rankings, I guess you could say — I ain’t even gonna say that. But at the same time, I know what Nick Saban wants, and we’re gonna mess that up. You know what I’m saying? If them boys don’t got no momentum for real, we’re gonna have to take that away, immediately, for sure.”

While I have no idea how things will pan out on Saturday afternoon, one thing remains clear: no matter the score or situation in any quarter, Ainias Smith will be ready whenever his number is called.

Texas A&M will host No.10 Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT, inside Kyle Field (TV: CBS).

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Kirk Herbstreit ranks Texas A&M as one of his top performing teams in Week 5

After an impressive performance in the win against Arkansas, CFB analyst Kirk Herbstreit ranked Texas A&M as one of the top teams in Week 5.

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who, after years of doubting Texas A&M and head coach Jimbo Fisher year after year, has finally heaped some much-deserved praise on an Aggie team that currently sits at 4-1 and 2-0 in the SEC, fresh off their defining 34-22 win over Arkansas last weekend.

Led by new starting quarterback Max Johnson (17/28, 210 yards, 2 TD) and wide receiver/special teams superstar Ainias Smith (4 rec, 71 yards, 85-yard punt return TD), the Aggies offense had a respectable outing despite three turnovers. Still, the defense stole the show, recording seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss for the second straight game, holding the Razorbacks to 174 yards on the afternoon.

With the juggernaut that is the Alabama Crimson Tide coming to College Station this Saturday, the Aggies know that despite their recent success in the SEC play, this remains the matchup that could define the trajectory of their 2023 season. So, how impressed was Herbstreit after demolishing the Razorbacks? Only the Ole Miss Rebel’s 55-49 shootout victory over LSU deserved more praise, as the Aggies clocked in at No. 2 in his Top seven performers list.

Saturday’s outcome will ultimately tell us just how high Texas A&M’s ceiling is this season and who will likely reign supreme in the SEC West come late November.

Texas A&M will host No.10 Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT, inside Kyle Field (TV: CBS).

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Texas A&M vs. Tennessee kickoff time and TV channel information announced

Texas A&M will travel to face the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7, with the matchup set for the afternoon slot on CBS.

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) will travel to Neyland Stadium to face the 18th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7, just a week after hosting Alabama inside what should be a packed Kyle Field. Oh, and prepare for a second consecutive afternoon matchup.

On Monday, while all of us in Aggie media are focused on the Tide making their way to College Station this Saturday, it was announced that for the second consecutive week, Texas A&M will face their fourth SEC opponent at 2:30 p.m CT, as the game will again air on CBS.

After defeating Arkansas 34-22 behind an impressive defensive effort, the Aggies are set to prove that their 2-0 start in SEC play is no fluke, but that starts with defeating the Crimson Tide for the second time in three seasons.

While Tennessee has relied on the big arm of quarterback Joe Milton, the Volunteer defense has continuously shined week after week, similar to the Aggie’s recent sack fest, recording 14 sacks and 30 tackles for loss in their last games. Outside of the Aggies’ Week 2 road loss to Miami, this will be the second road test and first trip to Rocky Top since the 2020 Covid-inflicted season.

Historically, Texas A&M holds a 2-2 tie with Tennessee, winning the last two matchups in 2016 and 2020.

Texas A&M will host No.10 Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT, inside Kyle Field (TV: CBS).

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Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith is named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week

Ainias Smith returns to AT&T stadium and blows pass Arkansas earning SEC Special Teams Player of the Week

A year ago, Ainias Smith was having a productive season with the NFL Draft lingering in the back of his head until that came to a screeching halt. While trying to help block, Smith got caught in a little bit of traffic, resulting in a season-ending leg injury.

After some deliberation, Smith returned to Aggieland for his senior season to take care of some unfinished business. Stop one was redemption at Jerry’s World during the Southwest Classic against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Smith did not disappoint in his arrival back in Arlington.

The elusive wideout led the team in team in receptions and receiving yards, but he did most of his damage in the return game. Smith had four punt return opportunities and scored 131 yards and one touchdown. None was more electrifying than his 82 return that put the Aggies up 34-16, essentially putting the game out of reach.

For the effort, which is a blueprint of what’s to come for the rest of the 2023 season, Ainias “Sub-Zero” Smith ran away with the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Congratulations, Ainias!

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SEC West power rankings after Week 5: the Aggies are making some serious noise

Are the Aggies conference contenders after defeating Arkansas 34-22 in Week 5? Focusing on the SEC West, here are the newest power rankings.

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) is officially riding the momentum train after two consecutive SEC wins, recently defeating Arkansas 34-22 on Saturday, as the Aggies surging defense recorded seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss while limiting the Razorbacks to 174 total yards on the afternoon.

Well, it’s Bama week, as head Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide are headed to College Station for a mid-afternoon showdown in the fight for SEC West supremacy, and even though this remains the biggest matchup in Week 6, several key SEC matchups are also on the docket.

First, after losing their second game this season on the road against Ole Miss, LSU will take on the undefeated Missouri Tigers in Columbia. In contrast, another SEC East battle between the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats and Georgia Bulldogs almost matches Texas A&M vs. Alabama.

As the SEC West is in its final year of existence, five matchups remain for the Aggies, with SEC East opponents, including Tennesee and South Carolina, rounding off the rest of their conference opponents to finish the year.

The SEC West is wide open, with every team sustaining at least one loss, while the Aggies and Alabama stand at 2-0 in the division. To gauge who presently reigns supreme, here is a brief comprehensive ranking of the SEC, focusing on the SEC West for clearer context. Enjoy!