On Monday, Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0 SEC) starting quarterback Conner Weigman joined head coach Mike Elko and linebacker Taurean York to preview the Aggies’ Week 8 road test against Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3 SEC).
The Bulldogs are in last place in the SEC standings, including an early season blowout loss to Toledo at home. However, under first-year head coach and offensive guru Jeff Lebby, freshman quarterback Michael Van-Buren looked the part on Saturday during Mississippi State’s 41-31 road loss to Georgia after completing 20/37 for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns.
While Texas A&M’s secondary will need to be prepared for the quick passing game, Conner Weigman and the Aggie offense may need to match the Bulldog’s production if the home team gets off to a quick start.
Leading up to the game, Weigman’s return to the starting lineup after his shoulder injury was a surprise to many after backup quarterback Marcel Reed went undefeated (3-0) as his replacement with wins over Florida, Bowling Green, and Arkansas while producing eight total touchdowns through the air and on the ground.
However, Reed’s accuracy issues, especially downfield, hindered OC Collin Klein’s playcalling, and despite his bright future, Weigman’s arm talent was undeniable once he was 100% healthy.
When asked about his relationship with Reed after being named the starter vs. Missouri, Weigman quickly revealed that the two have never been closer.
“That’s my brother. I love him to death. We’re in the quarterback room together every single day for the last two years.”
“It’s a really cool thing that we’ve got going on, and it doesn’t happen everywhere. We’re really blessed to have that relationship.”
Weigman is correct that this is a rare occurrence in the new age of the transfer portal, as most similar situations result in immediate movement, especially the current trend of redshirting after only a handful of games this season seen throughout the country.
Texas A&M’s culture under Mike Elko is seen in Weigman and Reed’s close relationship, as the Aggies are wholly focused on we, not I.
“The culture in terms of togetherness and trying to do things the right way and for each other, I’m really proud of our guys for how they’ve done that.”
“These kids haven’t done that. We look at it differently. … They’ve bought into everything we believe a football program should be about.”
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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