Twenty-fourth-ranked Texas A&M is leaning into its quarterback controversy. That was clear when coach Mike Elko said that the quarterback position will be a game-time decision for the rest of the year before last week’s game against Bowling Green. Original starter, sophomore Conner Weigman, had to miss the last two games because of injury. That allowed redshirt freshman Marcel Reed the opportunity to start. Weigman is probably the better pocket passer, but Reed’s dual-threat capabilities makes for an interesting debate.
Weigman’s Durability
He was bad in the Aggies’ first-week loss to Notre Dame completing only 12 of his 30 pass attempts for 100 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Weigman suffered an AC sprain in his shoulder during the game, but he did play week two in their stomping of McNeese State 52 to 10. Weigman was 11 for 14 for 125 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t against a formidable opponent. The injury was reaggravated before their Florida game, so Elko started the dual-threat Reed. Weigman was given the starting job last year as well. But he only lasted four games before a broken foot ended his season. With another injury this year, his durability is definitely in question.
Reed’s Two Starts
When Weigman wasn’t available to play in the Florida game, Marcel Reed stepped in. He was efficient completing 17 of 31 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He added 83 yards on the ground and another touchdown. The Aggies won 33 to 20. Reed’s performance against Bowling Green was almost identical. He was 16 for 29 for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 12 carries for 91 yards which led the team. But Texas A&M barely beat the inferior Bowling Green. Reed has yet to turn the ball over. Elko did discuss what Reed still needs to improve on at his weekly press conference.
“He’s got a big arm. He’s got tremendous athleticism. I still think there’s some progressions, reads, checks that he’s still working through. I think those things have made tremendous strides.”
Elko’s confidence in Reed seems to keep growing.
“I just think he’s a young quarterback who gets better every time he takes snaps under center.”
The Outlook
In the second biggest game in the SEC this week, the 3-1 Aggies face off against the 3-1 Arkansas Razorbacks. The Razorbacks aren’t ranked though they did receive votes for the top 25, so they’re on the cusp. The following week doesn’t get any easier with 11th-ranked Missouri on the docket. Texas A&M only faces two other currently ranked teams for the rest of the season in LSU and Texas. Already ranked in the top 25, the Aggies are a potentially dangerous team.
The Choice
Elko’s choice in this quarterback controversy might be out of his hands more often than not. AC sprains can be unpredictable and could be something Weigman deals with throughout the season. His availability for this week’s game is still unknown. Being listed at the top of the depth chart they released on Monday gives some hope. Reed’s ability to run adds an extra layer. If Elko really sees improvement with every snap, Reed could be the obvious choice sometime soon. They say if you have two quarterbacks then you really have none. Given Weigman’s unreliability, I won’t be surprised if this is permanently Reed’s team very soon.
