With less than two months before Texas A&M kicks off the 2024 college football season vs. Notre Dame, “talkin’ season” is slowly coming to an end this month, but don’t worry because CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott is here to provide a realistic outlook for a handful of potential playoff contenders that could endure some pain along the way.
Every offseason, a champion is crowned based on looking up and down a roster, and for many, the Texas Longhorns are that program. However, Elliott made sure to focus on teams that are expected to be ranked and consistently hyped up while also being just an injury or lack of perceived talent away from missing a bowl game altogether.
Joining North Carolina, SMU, Iowa State, West Virginia, Auburn, LSU, Michigan, USC, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma, Texas A&M was the last team he mentioned, and for good reason. Here are Elliott’s two “what if” scenarios for the Aggies to potentially slip up in 2024:
“What if Conner Weigman can’t stay healthy?”
- He is coming off a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023 season after just four games, so, yes, Weigman’s health will be a question heading into the season. But so far this offseason, the redshirt sophomore has worked with new A&M S&C Tommy Moffit to add strength and muscle to further protect his body in the pocket and on the run.
“What if A&M’s receiving core doesn’t scare anybody?”
- As I’ve referenced throughout the offseason, Texas A&M’s receiving core, especially the wide receiver unit, is talented but relatively unknown. At the same time, junior WR Noah Thomas was the only receiver to make an impact during the Maroon & White spring game. However, the return of tight end Donovan Green paired with former Fresno State tight end Tre Watson could thrive in OC Collin Klein’s system.
“It’s a pretty difficult schedule if they just a little bit on offense.”
- Texas A&M’s stout defense should be the team’s strength throughout the season, but in agreeing with Elliott, Collin Klein’s motion-heavy, QB-centric offense is built on timing and efficiency. The run game will need to improve for the offense to consistently move the ball down the field.
Texas A&M will host Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT to open the 2024 season.
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