September 14, 2024; Gainesville, FL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) in opposition to the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Operating with the ball within the first half. Necessary Credit score: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Photographs All eyes are on the No. 25 Texas A&M quarterback state of affairs this week because the group prepares to face Bowling Inexperienced on Saturday in Faculty Station.
Aggies coach Mike Elko mentioned Monday that beginning quarterback Connor Wegman stays “day-to-day.” Freshman Marcel Reed is another choice, and he had an excellent sport in main A&M to a win over Florida final weekend.
“We’ll proceed to run the quarterback room just like how we did and play Saturday, which we really feel provides us one of the best likelihood to win,” Elko mentioned.
Reed had a robust efficiency in his school debut in opposition to the Gators, finishing 11 of 17 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He additionally rushed for 83 yards and a landing in a 33-20 win. This efficiency earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors.
Other than the quarterback state of affairs, A&M has nothing to complain about because the season-opening loss to Notre Dame. On Sept. 7, the Aggies defeated McNeese after which simply handed Florida State within the Everglades.
The season continues to be younger, however the Aggies have already proven a robust operating sport, averaging 263 yards per sport. Defensively, that they had 15 complete tackles for loss and 5 interceptions.
Bowling Inexperienced coach Scot Loeffler understands the challenges his group faces. The MAC has held its personal in opposition to energy faculties to date, particularly Northern Illinois’ shock win over Notre Dame and Toledo’s win over Mississippi State. Bowling Inexperienced virtually joined that checklist, main No. 10 Penn State at halftime earlier than dropping 34-27 final weekend.
That is the Falcons’ likelihood to make one other assertion, however realistically, there is a motive the oddsmakers have them beginning as a 23 1/2-point underdog.
“We’ve our arms full,” Loeffler mentioned. “It is a very, very gifted group. They’re very, excellent at sure issues, and that is our weak point.
“So, we have got to seek out other ways to get issues completed as a result of they’re large, they’re highly effective, tremendous robust, tremendous athletic. Every part you consider if you speak about an SEC group.”
The Falcons are led by former SEC quarterback Connor Bazelak, who started his school profession at Missouri. To this point, Bazelak has accomplished 65.6 p.c of his passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He is additionally keen to attain.
Bowling Inexperienced’s playmakers embody tight finish Harold Fannin Jr., who had 11 catches for 137 yards and one landing at Penn State.
“It is a actually skilled offensive group,” Elko mentioned of Bowling Inexperienced. “They put plenty of strain on you when it comes to methods to run the system. They do a extremely, actually good job. So it is positively a gifted group.”
For Elko, the sport additionally introduced again some fond reminiscences from his early teaching profession. From 2009-13, he served as Bowling Inexperienced’s defensive coordinator underneath Dave Clawson. The Falcons went 10-4 in 2013, Elko’s closing season as a DC.
“Our household loves that city very a lot,” Elko mentioned. “We’ve plenty of nice reminiscences, plenty of nice associates residing in Bowling Inexperienced. Nice respect for that college, nice respect for the college and its program.”
This would be the first assembly between Bowling Inexperienced and A&M.
–Scene-level media
