close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

    • After a magical win over LSU, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed is the man
    news

    After a magical win over LSU, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed is the man

    Vaseline Posted on

    Marcel Reed was ready.

    Texas A&M’s redshirt freshman quarterback started three games in place of regular starter Conner Weigman earlier this season, but none of those victories were bigger than the one he posted Saturday night at Kyle Field during a dazzling second-half performance.

    Reed could run for mayor of College Station and win. He left the No. 7 LSU Tigers struggling for a recount in a magical 38-23 shocker in front of a raucous home crowd, the third largest in Kyle Field history.

    The 5-0 start in the SEC is the first of its kind since the Aggies joined the league in 2012 and Reed played a crucial role in leading the offense to four touchdowns on his five possessions in the second half. He should be the Aggies’ starter moving forward.

    Texas A&M’s offense is better with Marcel Reed

    Reed’s upside is undeniable and the ability to make game-changing plays should propel him to the top of A&M’s depth chart. He has little experience, but makes the Aggies a much more versatile offense when he is in the lineup.

    Weigman, struggling with consistency, produced just 156 yards, one touchdown and a fumble on eight drives and received his sitting papers from head coach Mike Elko as the Aggies trailed 17-7 with 8:17 remaining in the third quarter. He was 6 of 18 for 64 yards, a week after going 15 of 25 for 217 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the win over Mississippi State.

    RELATED: Our 3 takeaways from Texas A&M’s win over LSU

    The Tigers had no answer for the silky Reed, who was masterful in Collin Klein’s zone-read offense. The A&M offensive coordinator led Big 12 defensive fits as a dual-threat All-American quarterback for legendary coach Bill Snyder’s Kansas State teams. Klein, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist, was more of a physical chain mover, but Reed, who is much faster, may have transformed A&M’s offense into something much scarier.

    His first five drives resulted in 200 yards and 31 points and it’s likely first-year coach Mike Elko has discovered his quarterback not only of the future, but of the present.

    Reed completed both of his pass attempts, but one went 54 yards to Noah Thomas to set up a touchdown. He destroyed the Tigers with nine carries for 62 yards and three rushing touchdowns as part of a 21-0 run that sent an important message to the rest of the SEC.

    “He works his butt off,” Elko told ESPN after the game. “He never backed down. We needed him early and he was ready. When we went back to Conner, he remained ready. We felt like with the way the game went, we needed him tonight, and he was still ready. He’s a great boy. He’s a great competitor. He won the football game for us tonight.”

    A big year for A&M just got even bigger

    The son of a coach, Reed has a maturity that teammates and coaches alike have noticed. His playing skills make him even more popular in the group. Who knows if Elko will go back to Weigman for the next game against South Carolina, but Reed’s upside can’t be overlooked. He has star potential and makes an already solid A&M offense even scarier.

    Furthermore, he is a student of the game who understands that when preparation meets opportunity, good things can happen.

    “When I was a freshman in high school, I wasn’t the starter for the first four games and I became the starter,” Reed said. “I always prepare as if I were the starter. So when my name is called, I will be there.”

    Not to be forgotten, the Aggies’ defense intercepted LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier three times to assist in the Aggies’ most important SEC victory in program history as it left them in sole possession of first place in the conference with four games remaining had in their hands.

    A special season in College Station may have gotten even better because they potentially have their biggest home run hitter at quarterback since Johnny Manziel won the Heisman in 2012. Reed still has a long way to go before he reaches that level, but not the eyes. don’t lie down on Saturday.

    The child has the potential to be great.

    Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes this kind of work possible. Get access to all our best content with this great offer.

    Vaseline
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like