Following bye, finding momentum is critical as Aggies eye turnaround

After what was an underwhelming performance from Texas A&M in the first half of the 2022 season, the Aggies look to turn it around following a bye week as they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.

But what is it going to take to flip the 3-3 start into a successful fifth season under Jimbo Fisher?

Through six games, the Aggies average 21.5 points a game and rank last in the Southeastern Conference in total offense, averaging just 332.5 yards per game. Fisher has blamed the offensive struggles on a lack of execution, but mid-way through the season, these are problems A&M needs to figure out sooner rather than later.

However, the Aggies went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the country but came up just two yards short of taking down then-No. 1 Alabama. Tight end Max Wright said that almost beating the Tide proved to be a step in the right direction.

“If we can put things together and play like we did that night and perform, there is no reason why we can’t win out,” Wright said.

Fisher added that close games like the one in Tuscaloosa give the players the confidence they need and can be used to propel them forward.

“There’s no moral victories,” Fisher said. “I think it shows you what we are capable of and how we can do things. We have to find a way to make those plays and get over the hump, whether it's in any of the three phases… Hopefully, we can build from it from a confidence standpoint.”

Needing more of an offensive spark, many fans have looked to freshman Conner Weigman to get some action moving forward due to injuries to Max Johnson and Haynes King.

However, Fisher said King will be ready to go for Saturday’s matchup and is unsure of Weigman’s playing time in the conference battle.

“I don't know. We’ll wait and see,” Fisher said. “(Conner Weigman will) keep practicing. He’s practicing well. Haynes (King) is practicing well.”

Now that the Aggies have played a handful of SEC contests, the question remains if they can change the direction of their season. Improvement on offense is a crucial part of doing so.

On the offensive line, Kam Dewberry saw his first action in Tuscaloosa in the trenches against Alabama’s talented front seven and impressed many, including Fisher.

“He played very well,” Fisher said of Dewberry. “He made a few mistakes, but for how fast that game was, who he was playing against, what happened, the atmosphere, the environment, I thought he did a really nice job. Very physical. Very tough. Very intelligent guy. Very pleased with his progress.”

If Weigman and Dewberry do see action on Saturday, the Aggies will be playing five true freshmen on offense along with Evan Stewart, Donovan Green and Chris Marshall.

It is not out of the realm of possibility that Weigman sees the field on Saturday, but it is a tall ask from Fisher & Co. of the former five-star to compete in an SEC road environment at night.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

According to Jimbo Fisher, true freshman QB Conner Weigman has been practicing well, but it remains to be seen whether or not he sees action this week.

Still, defensive back Antonio Johnson said Weigman would be prepared based on how the freshman signal-caller has practiced.

“Conner (Weigman) is a great quarterback,” Antonio Johnson said. “He’s been taking everything well. Mentally, preparing well and not getting frustrated with everything. Just staying humble and trusting the process.

“He can make great plays with his arm and with his feet, so when his number does get called, I feel like he’ll be ready.”

Coming off a bye, it’s a pivotal point in the season for the Aggies as an away stretch comes to a close.

Antonio Johnson said the Aggies utilized their bye week to heal their bodies and prepare for future opponents.

“Every game we play is a rival,” Antonio Johnson said. “You never know the outcome. You always have to go in with the respect of your opponent and never underestimate them.”

Heading into Week Eight, the Aggies hope to come home from Columbia not only the Bonham Trophy but the confidence they need to turn the 2022 season around.