Shorthanded Aggies applying 'next man up' mentality to Texas Bowl

Injuries, exits and early entries for the NFL Draft have diluted Texas A&M’s football roster.

Even if the lineup is something of a skeleton crew, the goal for the Aggies (7-5) in their 2023 TaxAct Texas Bowl clash with Oklahoma State (9-4) remains the same.

The Aggies and Cowboys vie at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday at Houston’s NRG Stadium.

“Our goal is to end (the season) on a win,” quarterback Jaylen Henderson said. “That’s our whole mindset, no matter who’s playing, no matter who’s not playing. We feel very confident with the game plan. Anytime you can play football, it’s always exciting. We just want to finish this game out and leave the 12th Man with a win.”

That would be much more likely if the Aggies were at full strength.

But Henderson, who has started only three games, was thrust into the lineup because of injuries to Conner Weigman and Max Johnson.

He’ll be without top target Ainias Smith, who’s out with a broken finger.

Also out are injured receiver Noah Thomas and receiver Evan Stewart.

Stewart counts among a half dozen starters who have entered the transfer portal.

The Aggies also figure to be without guard Layden Robinson, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and All-American linebacker Edgerrin Cooper — who have all declared for the NFL Draft.

However, interim coach Elijah Robertson — who also will be departing for Syracuse after the game — vowed the Aggies are undeterred by the absences and defections.

“It has to be a ‘next man up’ mentality,” Robinson said. “It’s no different if a guy was injured or just not here. We’ve got to adjust. Our players know they have to step up and play. We’re ready for our guys to do that.”

Henderson has stepped up nicely. He’s thrown for 704 yards and six touchdowns as a starter.

Also, receivers Jahdae Walker and Muhsin Muhammad III have been productive when given playing time. Walker has 27 catches for 453 yards. Muhammad has caught 24 passes for 277 yards.

However, the Aggies need defensive players to step up similarly.

A&M’s defense has been among the best in the nation against the run. Now without several key starters, the run defense will be challenged by Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II, the nation’s leading rusher with 1,614 yards.

Gordon failed to reach 100 rushing yards in three of the Cowboys’ four losses, so containing him obviously is a top priority.

“He is elite. He won the Doak Walker (Award) for a reason,” Robinson said. “He’s a patient runner. He’s getting downhill. The defense understands the challenge. They’re willing to stand up to the challenge, no matter who’s out there.”