After the dust has settled on the first full week of college football, it’s time to reshuffle the latest power rankings heading into Week 2.
Following their 52-10 rout of New Mexico last weekend, Texas A&M saw a slight jump in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll on Tuesday, while standing firm in the most recent AP Top 25 poll. Meanwhile, the Maroon and White received some appreciation in the most recent rankings update from the worldwide leader in sports.
The Aggies clocked in at No. 22 in ESPN’s power rankings following Week 1. The ESPN writing staff noted the high-flying start to the Jimbo Fisher-Bobby Petrino partnership, as well as how newly-crowned starting quarterback Conner Weigman helps elevate the offense around him:
“The coach Jimbo Fisher-offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino pairing got off to a high-flying start in a 52-10 blowout of New Mexico, giving the Aggies hope that last season’s woes that led to a 5-7 season are gone. The Aggies scored on their first five possessions and sophomore QB Conner Weigman had a career-high five touchdown passes, three to Noah Thomas and two to Evan Stewart, who had 8 catches for 115 yards.
Since Weigman took over as the Aggies’ starter last October, he has thrown 12 TDs with zero interceptions — that’s the most touchdowns without an interception in the FBS during that span. The defense dominated as expected, allowing 91 yards and just 2.8 yards per carry. Another new face, Boston College transfer Josh DeBerry, made an instant impact with 10 tackles, a sack and an interception.”
Texas A&M jumped up one spot from 24th in ESPN’s power rankings heading into the season, which highlights how the Aggies need to continue their positive momentum in order to instill some more confidence in their efforts. Luckily for them, they have some ample competition in Week 2 against the Miami Hurricanes.
There will be no shortage of intriguing matchups to keep an eye on, from the Aggies’ offensive line versus Miami’s defensive front to the play-caller battle between Petrino and Shannon Dawson. Simply put, if the Aggies can be just as efficient against the Hurricanes, a statement win would likely provide a boon to A&M’s place in the polls, as well as ESPN’s rankings.
Dominating New Mexico in a rout was the type of jolt this team needed in 2023, but now the task ahead is to keep that level of play continuous week-to-week. If the Maroon and White can do that, it’s not far-fetched to assume they will steadily rise in the power rankings as the reason rolls along.
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