Alan Weddell sees Vegas Bowl as opportunity for young talent to progress

Ahead of A&M's clash with USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, former Aggie linebackers coach Alan Weddell joined Thursday's edition of TexAgs Live to preview the matchup. Weddell also spoke on how changes in college football have impacted the perception of bowl games.

Key notes from Alan Weddell interview

• The bowl game used to be the crown jewel of the season. Everyone looked forward to them. Things have changed with the emphasis on the playoffs and kids opting out. You never know when you are looking at a different roster. It's a mess, but it's always good to play football. This is a good matchup on paper. It's a chance to get the taste of the Texas game out of their mouth.
   
• It's a challenge to get guys ready to play. In the Aggies' bowl game against Oklahoma State, they had a new coach. They were ready to play. A few years ago, against Kansas State, they didn't want to be there. These are teaching points for young kids. College football used to be an amateur sport, and you play an amateur sport for the fun of it. It's no longer that. It is a challenge for the coaches to get them mentally ready.
   
• The 15 extra practices are like another spring training. You get an opportunity for your young kids. You can evaluate the progress you have made with your young kids. With the opt-outs, these young kids are putting themselves in the playing position.
   
• I liked Marcel Reed's athleticism. That's what he brings to the table. He has to improve on accuracy. A lot of his success came when the opponent prepared for Conner Weigman. He has to understand the offense's fundamentals and the second and third reads. Being a young kid, his leadership skills are now extremely important.
   
• I look at the game as a coach. I try to read the guards pulling and read the triangle. I look at the schemes.
   
• A&M hasn't met up to expectations. Kids are not as focused, maybe? We should be a dominant team up-front. We have been in the SEC for 12 years. Kids want to play here. A&M has a great location and a great alumni base. We continue to be 8-4. We have tried different coaches. Mike Elko is the best fit from a culture and defensive standpoint. It's not as much fundamentals as it is execution. One mistake puts six points on the board.