Coming off of a disappointing 23-13 loss against Notre Dame, Texas A&M football is looking for its first win of the season against McNeese State. The Aggies only managed 246 yards of total offense with a paltry 100 yards passing, numbers that need to be improved if they have any hopes of contending this season.
The good news for the Maroon and White is that they have the perfect get-right game with the defensive competition going from being ranked top five in the FBS to bottom 10 in the FCS. The Cowboys gave up an average of 38 points per game last season, meaning the Aggies should have no trouble putting points on the board.
In order for that to happen, sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman has to perform. Weigman completed less than 50% of his passes against the Fighting Irish, and a majority of the errant throws were unforced errors. Limiting turnovers will be the key to the game for Weigman, as his two interceptions were critical in the Notre Dame loss.
Offensive coordinator Collin Klein should continue to lean on the ground game as Weigman gets acclimated with junior running back Le’Veon Moss, proving he can handle a workhorse role. The offensive line was able to create gaps on the inside that Moss exploited for big gains. McNeese State gave up 130 yards per game on the ground last year, and Klein should utilize the defensive liability and establish the ground game.
An area for improvement this week is using the run to set up the pass through higher usage of the play action. Weigman seemed to have found his new favorite target in senior wide receiver Jahdae Walker, and his 6-foot-4 frame provides a big target on the outside. Freshman athlete Terry Bussey was largely used as a returner in the last game with his only offensive play coming off of an end-around. Klein should look to scheme up more ways to get the ball in Bussey’s hands, whether it be off of a quick screen or a deeper pass down the field.
The Cowboys’ defense won’t strike fear in the Aggies’ hearts, but sophomore linebacker Micah Davey is a game-changer that they will have to look out for. Davey led the team in tackles and tackles-for-loss last season, and his ability to quickly get to the ball means A&M should look to target him with lots of double teams when running in his direction.
