Swope: It's time for wide receiver Evan Stewart to have a big game

During Thursday's edition of TexAgs Radio, Texas A&M legend Ryan Swope joined to predict who will get it done vs. Ole Miss, and the former wideout picked a current wideout as Swope expects Evan Stewart to standout vs. the Rebels on Saturday night.

Key notes from Ryan Swope interview

• There is a lot of trolling going on, which I think speaks volumes about our football program. There are a lot of people that are nervous because we are having a bad year. I think people are concerned about our program having success, so they're doing everything they can to run with the story. I hate that social media stuff. I try to stay off of it. I get texts every now and then, and these days, I don't know what to believe.
   
• I would say there were some things that were rumors at the time that I could confirm as fact regarding Johnny Manziel, but I sure as hell wasn't going to say anything.
   
• During the first five minutes of the game, I had just turned the TV on and put the twins to bed. Five minutes later, it was 17-0. I had to rewind and rewatch so I could understand what happened and how it happened so quickly.
   
• With this football team, we have to start fast. We have yet to see it this year. We have had trouble putting points on the board and creating turnovers. If we start fast, it is a whole different ballgame. Our defense stepped up and our offense looked good once we got comfortable. We have to hit them in the mouth from the get-go, so I'm hoping we can get a good start. It will put us in a different position.
   
• I thought Conner Weigman did fine, given the circumstances. He looked poised and comfortable. I saw a new team and a new spark. These guys have trust in Conner and what he's capable of doing with what they've seen on the practice field. It's just a matter of the head football coach trusting him. He stepped up. I know Haynes King got hurt, but Conner came in and completed his first two passes, completed his reads and did what he was supposed to. Moving forward, I'm curious to see what happens.
   
• I cannot put my finger on why they're not scoring. I'd love to see us take some bigger shots down the field, and in order to do that and put the ball in the end zone, you have to be willing to take shots. On first or second down, let's take a shot to Evan Stewart over the top because he has great speed and runs good routes. We have to be more aggressive in certain situations. On third-and-shorts, if you throw a 15-yard out, you go three-and-out just like that. I wouldn't call stuff like that in third-and-short situations. I would try and keep the drive alive.
   
• Going on the road for five weeks, it will be nice to be back in Kyle Field. That will be a renewed energy that we need, and we'll need the 12th Man at its best on Saturday.
   
• We're shooting ourselves in the foot with too many false start penalties. It's an excuse, but it's a young football team. It's also a beat-up football team. These young players are growing and maturing. Hopefully, the Kyle Field energy will allow them to settle down. We have to be a responsible football team in the moment and execute. We have some good leadership and experience on the field that needs to take over.
   
• I’m sure Jimbo Fisher never likes being in situations where he has to discipline his guys, but as a head coach, you have to hold the team accountable. I hate to hear that some of these freshmen are causing distractions for the second time this season. It is unfortunate, but I hope Jimbo can get a grip on these players. I think he took the right step in suspending them. I like that. You have to keep them disciplined. It's a distraction to the team, so I'm glad Jimbo handled it the way that he did.
   
• Look, we're close, and it's hard when you have so many injuries on your offensive line to produce on offense. That's the worst thing that could happen to your team. It's cliche, but it starts up front. You have to have continuity and chemistry up front, and it's tough to form anything like that when guys are getting hurt. It is what it is, but I think we have enough talent on this team to compete.
   
• Devon Achane has been about as reliable of a player on that roster. He got it done vs. South Carolina. We need to continue to give him the ball. He ran for 99 or 100 yards and caught like seven passes. I like that we're getting him the ball.
   
• Our offense did not get it done. Stupid penalties and undisciplined mistakes are shooting us in the foot. You have to stay focused in those moments. Moving forward, I think we will be better. Especially when we're at Kyle Field. It's tough to go on the road and into hostile environments with a young football team.
   
• I have a feeling that Stewart will have eight or nine catches for 150 yards and a couple of touchdowns vs. Ole Miss. We need something like that. We need a receiver to take over the game. Our sideline needs that. Offensively, if I'm a player or receiver in that locker room, this is my time to step up and take over. Stewart has matured over the last couple of weeks. He has been targeted like 10, 11 or 12 times a game. It's time for a big game from him, and this might be the week vs. a weak Ole Miss secondary. I'm leaning on #1 this week.
   
• If we play clean and figure out a way to protect our quarterback, I liked our offensive scheme last week and some of the things they were implementing. If they can avoid turning the ball over and stupid penalties, they can win this game. Sure, we hit rock bottom this week with some off-field issues, but what a great opportunity to go out and play and have fun. It's such a privilege to put on that Maroon & White uniform. I think they find a way to win this week.