Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0 SEC) will head to Starkville (MS) this weekend to face Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3) in a matchup that head coach Mike Elko stressed on Monday as one of the more difficult road trips left on the schedule, despite the Bulldog’s ugly record.
Needing another efficient outing from starting quarterback Conner Weigman, the redshirt sophomore signal caller is reportedly 100% healthy after dealing with a shoulder injury that resulted in him missing three games, as backup QB Marcel Reed led the Aggies to three consecutive victories before Weigman’s return against Missouri.
After completing 18/22 for 276 yards in A&M’s 41-10 win over Missouri, Weigman’s impressive accuracy and tough returned to form, while his footwork also looked smooth. While the decision was tough, Elko knew that after a solid week of practice, Weigman was mentally and physically ready, as the risk obviously paid off.
“We were focused on having a full week of practice. That was our goal. I’d play when I got a full week of practice, and I got a full week of practice before the Missouri game. We were ready to roll.”
When asked about his return to the lineup, Weigman noted standing on the sideline was, while knowing that the time away to heal and recuperate was worth it to return back to form.
“Not being able to play a football game is always tough because I like being about to be out there with my brothers and having their backs. Not playing football sucks.”
“Being back to feeling good finally is a good feeling.”
After Texas A&M’s win over Missouri, Elko passionately defended his quarterback after Weigman received unwarranted criticism, most of it stemming from his poor performance in the opening-season loss to Notre Dame.
When asked about the situation, the veteran signal-caller knows these things just come with playing quarterback in the SEC.
It is what it is. It’s what we signed up for playing in the SEC.”
“I love the game of football, and we’re going to go out every day and play as hard as we can for our brothers.”
While Weigman’s one-game sample after his injury certainly looked great, it’s all about consistency moving forward, starting with a solid outing on the road for his first SEC road start of the year. Whatever the in-game situation he’ll deal with the rest of the season, no one can deny Weigman’s competitive demeanor.
“If I get backed into a corner, I’m going to come out swinging. I’m not going to do down without a fight. That’s the way I was raised.”
Texas A&M will face Mississippi State on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 3:15 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.
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