Week 9's Overnight Sensation: Marcel Reed, Quarterback

Each Monday during the 2024 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance over the weekend and earned the distinction of being the week’s “Overnight Sensation.”

On Saturday night, quarterback Marcel Reed’s second-half performance allowed Texas A&M to grab sole possession of first place in the SEC, sitting at 5-0 in conference play and handing LSU a 15-point loss at Kyle Field.

With little to no momentum at halftime and trailing 17-7, the Aggies needed a spark.

Mike Elko looked no further than his electric dual-threat signal caller: Marcel Reed.

After back-to-back wasted possessions to start the third with Conner Weigman in, Elko knew the game would have to be won on the ground.

And when you have a weapon like Reed in your arsenal, you have to use it.

"They didn't say anything at halftime," Reed said. "They say every game be prepared. You know, it takes all of us. And that's what our coaches preach all the time. It takes all of us. So, anybody in that QB room is going to be prepared when their name is called. So, my name was called today. I was prepared and went in and executed."

Kyle Field erupted as Reed trotted out to take over on LSU's 8-yard line. His first keeper of the night was a rushing touchdown, and Reed would continue to find his way in the end zone all night.

A&M’s second drive with Reed commanding the offense, A&M's running game rumbled.

The Aggies used a seven-play, all-run drive to move downfield, including a 20-yard quarterback keeper by the signal caller. It was the second of three unanswered scores led by Reed, and LSU could not figure out a way to stop him.

In fact, LSU linebacker Greg Penn III even admitted so, saying, "We didn't really prepare for it, honestly. We didn't think that he was going to come in the game. It caught us off guard... It opened the game up for them."

After BJ Mayes' second interception, the Aggies were set up on LSU's 26-yard line. Four plays later, Reed took it upon himself to stretch the lead to 28-17.

Garrett Nussmeier led a touchdown drive to follow, but Reed's night would only get more impressive. Already proving his game with his legs, the signal caller threw a 54-yard dime to Noah Thomas on his second and last completion against the Tigers.

Reed inched the Ags 18 yards closer to the goal line on a pair of rushes, and Le'Veon Moss punched in the score. One last fourth-quarter march led by Reed sent out Randy Bond & Co. to kick a 26-yard field goal to give the Aggies the 38-23 victory.

"It's a huge win. It was LSU. You know, we all had a chip on our shoulder," Reed said. "We didn't really think they respected us coming into Kyle Field. So I mean, getting that spark in the second half and getting the team going, I mean, there was no going back from that at all."

The college football world was put on notice by the redshirt freshman's performance, collectively running to X to express their liking for #10.

Now, only Elko knows which direction Texas A&M decides to go at quarterback, but A&M has a real advantage when Reed has the ball in his hands. Saturday's performance won't be denied. 

Reed’s stats vs. LSU
Completions: 2
Attempts: 2
Passing Yards: 70
Passing Touchdowns: 0
Interceptions: 0
Rushing Yards: 62
Rushing Touchdowns: 3

Reed’s 2024 stats
Completions: 45
Attempts: 81
Passing Yards: 655
Passing Touchdowns: 6
Interceptions: 0
Rushing Yards: 288
Rushing Touchdowns: 5