After demolishing the McNeese State Cowboys last week, the Texas A&M football team travels to The Swamp to take on the Florida Gators this weekend. The Aggies are seeking their first road win in three years while coach Billy Napier is fighting for his job in Gainesville, Florida. Here are the players to watch when A&M takes on Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Terry Bussey, freshman defensive back, Texas A&M
Bussey received just one carry for no gain against Notre Dame and again only received one rushing attempt against McNeese State. This attempt, however, was a 65-yard rushing touchdown. While listed as a defensive back, Bussey has shown he can be a difference-maker on the offensive side of the ball.
After being ranked as the No. 1 athlete in the 2024 class, the Aggie faithful knew it was only a matter of time before Bussey got the ball in his hands. However, after playing quarterback and defensive back in high school, he is still learning the ropes when it comes to lining up at wide receiver.
His big splash play against the Cowboys might have earned Bussey a couple more reps on offense versus the Gators. Ripe with potential and athletic talent, a solid defensive performance and big plays on offense could see Bussey be the X-factor for the Aggies.
Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway, redshirt senior and freshman quarterbacks, Florida
Napier announced that after missing the Gators’ Week 2 matchup against the Samford Bulldogs, Mertz would return under center for Florida. However, after passing for 456 yards and three touchdowns last week, Lagway will also be receiving snaps at quarterback.
The shared snaps at quarterback dynamic has had varying degrees of success for several different programs in the past. The two Gators have differing styles of play. Mertz is more of a pocket passer while Lagway likes to roll out and heave the ball downfield.
A&M coach Mike Elko said the Aggies’ defense is preparing to face both quarterbacks come Saturday. Time will tell which man in blue and orange proves to be the chosen one for the Gators.
Will Lee III, junior DB, Texas A&M
The Kansas State transfer has been a playmaker on defense for the Aggies this season. He is second in total tackles, only behind sophomore linebacker Taurean York. Not to mention he is also one of two players with an interception in the Maroon and White’s campaign.
The Gators will be splitting reps under center, meaning Lee will have the chance to capitalize on the underwhelming Mertz and the inexperienced Lagway. After Florida passed for over 100 yards against Miami, then over 450 yards against Samford, the Aggies will need to lock down in order to revert the Gators to their Week 1 form.
Lee is going to most likely shadow the Gators’ top-performing pass catcher from Week 2, sophomore WR Eugene Wilson III. If the Fightin’ Farmer can keep the Florida man quiet, then whoever is playing quarterback for the Gators will have a tough time passing the ball.
Tyreak Sapp, redshirt junior edge rusher, Florida
Sapp has been one of the few bright spots of this Florida defense. Sapp leads the team with two sacks as well as one forced fumble.
Sapp is off to a hot start for the revitalized Gators’ defensive front. He has already tied his sack total from last season and hopes to follow his uncle’s success in the college ranks. Overall, he looks to be the biggest difference maker up front for Florida this season.
The Aggies’ offensive line struggled to protect redshirt junior QB Conner Wiegman in Week 1 versus Notre Dame. If Florida hopes to make Weigman panic in the pocket once more, then Sapp will need to bring the heat.
