Momentum Shifts: Ags gain momentum in all-around showing vs. McNeese
The Texas A&M Aggies delivered a dominant performance on Saturday against McNeese State, and the energy at Kyle Field was electric, especially for an 11 a.m. kickoff. With over 92,000 fans showing up strong, head coach Mike Elko praised the crowd's enthusiasm, which helped set the tone for a commanding 52-10 victory. The Aggies displayed both offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, offering a glimpse of the potential this team has as it gears up for conference play.
The Good
Offense: The A&M offense bounced back in a big way, amassing 529 yards of total offense, with the ground game taking center stage. The Aggies racked up 333 rushing yards, led by Le'Veon Moss, who had nine carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Amari Daniels also contributed 75 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. I loved how both backs ran the ball with physicality. One standout moment came when Daniels stonewalled a blitzing linebacker late in the second quarter, showing his blocking ability is just as valuable as his running. Having backs who both run hard and protect the quarterback is a huge asset moving forward.
It was also exciting to see Terry Bussey's explosiveness, highlighted by his 65-yard touchdown on a jet sweep. This kind of speed and versatility will be a great weapon for us as the season progresses. Cyrus Allen contributed with five receptions for 72 yards, displaying great consistency and chemistry with quarterback Conner Weigman. It was great to see that the timing and connection between Weigman and his receivers improved since last week's loss.
Weigman had a short but very efficient day, completing 11-of-14 passes for 125 yards in just under two quarters of play. After last week’s struggles, he looked calm and decisive, making good reads and getting the ball out quickly. The offensive line deserves a lot of credit for protecting Weigman. The only "sack" allowed was when Weigman scrambled out of bounds after having about three seconds in the pocket. This sack was more a result of him extending the play rather than a breakdown in protection. Sophomore Chase Bisontis and transfer Ar’maj Reed-Adams stood out with their physicality in the run game. This was especially shown with 7:45 in the second quarter when the two interior linemen drove defenders into the ground 10-12 yards down the field. In order to run the ball in the SEC, you have to have linemen who can control the line of scrimmage, and I believe this offensive line will be able to do that.
Weigman also demonstrated his ability to extend plays with his legs, rushing for over 30 yards and pulling off a nice spin move during a scramble. His mobility adds another dimension to the offense, which could be crucial as the team faces tougher defenses. Overall, this was a much-improved performance, but there's still room for growth as the Aggies prepare for SEC play.
Defense: On the defensive side, the Aggies were just as dominant, allowing only 279 total yards, with most of that coming in the second half after the starters were pulled. In the first half, the defense held McNeese to just 52 rushing yards and 24 passing yards, completely controlling the line of scrimmage.
A key moment came when the pass rush pressured McNeese’s quarterback, leading to a Will Lee III interception. Turnovers created by pressure are always a win, and this is something that I expect to see more of out of Elko’s defense. Holding McNeese to under 100 passing yards and securing two interceptions speaks volumes about this unit’s capabilities.
In the second half, it was awesome to see some younger players gain valuable experience. This exposure to real game scenarios could be something that proves invaluable late in this season. This defense has the potential to be one of the SEC’s best, and their performance against McNeese shows they're heading in the right direction.
The Bad
While the Aggies played a solid all-around game, there are still areas to keep in mind moving forward.
No one is hanging their hat on this win, and I know the guys in the locker room understand that. A win is a win, and they handled business, but this is what was expected against an FCS opponent like McNeese State.
With a 1-1 record, and considering the loss came against a team that just dropped a game to Northern Illinois, the Aggies know they still have a lot to prove in the eyes of many. As a former player who has been in a similar situation, I know the pressure they’re feeling can impact performance if not handled correctly. Moving forward, the team must play with discipline and cohesiveness on all fronts, with no critical errors and costly penalties. Successful teams maintain this standard regardless of the opponent.
Offense: Despite the offensive line’s strong showing, the deep passing game wasn’t featured much. While the ground game dominated, taking more deep shots would help open up the offense as they face tougher competition.
The timing and rhythm between Weigman and his receivers also needs to continue to improve. Although it was more consistent than last week, continued reps will help smooth out any lingering issues in the passing game.
Defense: The defense played well overall, and while the Aggies generated pressure and forced the quarterback into mistakes, turning those pressures into sacks will be crucial as the season continues. Jay Bateman and Elko have this group moving in the right direction, and there’s every reason to believe this defense will only get better.
The Road Ahead: Building on Momentum
This was a game the Aggies needed to win convincingly, and they did just that. The offense showed flashes of what it can become, and the defense played with the intensity required for the challenges ahead. As they enter conference play, this performance offers a solid foundation to build upon.
With young talent stepping up and key players like Weigman, Moss and Daniels finding their stride, there’s much to be excited about. However, the road ahead is tough, and the team must continue refining its game.
Next up is a crucial road test against Florida, a chance for the Aggies to prove they're ready to take the next step. A victory in “The Swamp” would be a significant statement and a perfect way to put the season-opening loss in the rearview mirror.
Gig ‘Em and BTHO Florida!
