After a disappointing debut for the Aggies against Notre Dame, Texas A&M will host a 1-1 McNeese State team in a get-right game.
Here are the players that can change the game at Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11:45 a.m.
Conner Weigman, sophomore quarterback, A&M
Weigman’s Week 1 return from injury was anything but triumphant. Passing for only 100 yards and two interceptions on a 40% completion, the Cypress native was the worst passer in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus.
After hearing a week of criticism over everything from his erratic footwork in the opener to his fit in offensive coordinator Collin Klein’s system, Weigman has a great opportunity against an FCS opponent to light up the scoreboard. The only question is: If he were to struggle again, how long is the leash with the coaching staff?
Kolinu’u Faaiu, junior center, A&M
While not exactly a glory-grabbing position, center is a critical role for any offense. A&M took a blow when coach Mike Elko announced on Monday that sophomore starter Mark Nabou, Jr. would miss the rest of the year with a lower-body injury sustained in the opener.
A&M took to the portal this offseason and fortified the interior line by bringing in Faaiu, who started eight games for Utah in 2023. Now, Faaiu will be thrust into a starting position tasked with keeping Weigman upright. While the Cowboys’ pass-rush isn’t elite, Faaiu stepping in and locking down the pivot would be a huge boost for the Aggies.
Nic Scourton, junior defensive lineman, A&M
Despite recording the lone A&M sack, the much-heralded Purdue transfer was part of the underwhelming defensive line performance in the Aggies’ opener. Scourton appeared to be a focal point of Notre Dame’s game plan in which the Irish forced the pass rusher to play conservatively and worry about the quarterback run game.
The A&M offense is expected to score early and often in this matchup, forcing McNeese to throw the ball to stay in it. Against a Cowboy offensive line that has already given up four sacks, look for Scourton to pin his ears back and beat up on an FCS offensive line.
Taurean York, sophomore linebacker, A&M
After a second-half unraveling of the rushing defense that allowed 198 total rushing yards for 5.8 yards a pop, York took the blame for missing a tackle on a long touchdown rush. The 2023 ESPN Freshman All-American will look for a return to form against a McNeese ground attack averaging 182 yards a game.
The rugged rushing defense of 2023 was the bedrock for A&M’s team success, and a rebound performance from York would answer whether Week 1’s leaky front seven was a blip on the radar or a foreboding sign of things to come.
Clifton McDowell, senior QB, McNeese State
After a 1-10 campaign a year ago, McNeese State dipped into the transfer portal to bring in McDowell from Temple via Montana. The 2023 Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year pairs a hulking 6-foot-5, 233-pound frame with a dual-threat skillset.
McDowell has accounted for 30 total touchdowns in his career and could be a nuisance for the Maroon and White. After varying results against Notre Dame senior QB Riley Leonard’s legs and a few more mobile QBs on the horizon, corralling McDowell would be a good litmus test for the Aggies.
