The incompetent Aggies bringing their “next man up” attitude in the Texas Bowl

The incompetent Aggies bringing their “next man up” attitude in the Texas Bowl

The Aggies (7-5) have the same objective against Oklahoma State (9-4) in the 2023 TaxAct Texas Bowl, even though their starting lineup may be somewhat of a skeleton crew.
The Cowboys and Aggies square off at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Wednesday at 8 p.m. CT.

Quarterback Jaylen Henderson stated, “We want to finish the season with a win.” “Regardless of who is playing or not playing, that is our entire way of thinking.

We have a lot of faith in the strategy. It’s always exciting to play football whenever you can. Our goal is to complete this match and hand the victory to the 12th man.

When the Aggies were playing at their peak, that would be far more likely. But Conner Weigman or Max Johnson’s injuries pushed Henderson—who has only started three games—into the starting lineup.

Due to a damaged finger, Ainias Smith, his primary target, will not be available. Receivers Evan Stewart and Noah Thomas are both sidelined due to injuries. Among the six starters who have accessed the transfer portal is Stewart.

In addition, All-American linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson, and guard Layden Robinson are expected to miss the Aggies due to their NFL Draft declarations.

The Aggies, according to acting coach Elijah Robertson, who is also leaving for Syracuse following the game, were unfazed by the players’ absences and defections.

A “next man up” approach is required, according to Robinson. “It doesn’t matter if a guy is hurt or simply absent.

We must make adjustments. Our athletes are aware that they must participate. Our guys are prepared to carry out that task.

Henderson has shown good leadership. As a starter, he has passed for 704 yards and six touchdowns.

But the Aggies require a comparable level of effort from their defensive guys. Of the Cowboys’ four losses, Gordon failed to gain 100 rushing yards on three of them, so limiting elliott is obviously a high concern.

Receivers Muhsin Muhammad III and Jahdae Walker have also produced when given playing time. Walker has 453 yards on 27 catches. Muhammad has 277 yards and 24 receptions from throws.

Against the run, A&M’s defense has been as the best in the country. Ollie Gordon II of Oklahoma State, the top rusher in the country with 1,614 yards, will present a challenge to the run defense now that several key starters are out of the lineup.

“He’s quite good. There’s a reason he won the Doak Walker Awar, Robinson explained. He runs with patience.

He is becoming worse. The defense is aware of the difficulty. Regardless of who is around, they are prepared to take on the challenge.

Elijah Robinson, the interim head coach, said, “I am so proud of these young men for their hard work and dedication to me, our staff, Texas A&M, as well as each other.”

“Any change is challenging, but this Aggie squad is a fraternity. We are excited about the TaxAct Texas Bowl and have a lot of respect for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, so I know they will put in a lot of effort.

“It’s thrilling to have a group of Aggies gather together and compete in an NFL stadium right in our backyard once more.

We are excited to play in front of a live 12th Man and take on Oklahoma State at the TaxAct Texas Bowl.

Quarterback Jaylen Henderson stated, “We are excited for another opportunity to unite as a team of brothers and play for Texas A&M for the 12th Man.”

“We are eager to play from an NFL stadium and anticipate a tough opponent in Oklahoma State.”

This rematch takes place from the Texas Bowl in 2019, where the Aggies defeated the Cowboys 24–21. The Aggies are playing in their first bowl game since defeating North Carolina in the 2020 Orange Bowl.

Texas A&M, who came off a 42-20 loss to No. 13 LSU, had a 7-5 regular season record going into the game.

Director of Athletics Ross Bjork stated, “A postseason bowl game is an honor to the players, coaches, staff, especially the 12th man.”