Aggies QB Conner Weigman Continues Home Dominance In Win vs. ULM
COLLEGE STATION -- There's something about having the home crowd's support. So far, it's played into the persona of Conner Weigman's reign as Texas A&M's starting quarterback.
The confidence of the five-star phenom was evident when he tossed four touchdowns and threw for 338 yards in his first start last season against Ole Miss. His poise and demeanor reached new heights with a 155-yard, two-touchdown day against No. 5 LSU.
And while Weigman hasn't been perfect in Year 2, he remains near-flawless in front of a packed Kyle Field when the Aggies run out the new tunnels on Saturday. Fireworks and flames were added to the entrance march this fall.
Fireworks have been the rave of A&M's offense at home since Bobby Petrino engulfed wisdom on the sophomore gunslinger.
"I already know how Conner's going to play every week because I get to see it every week in practice," defensive lineman Fadil Diggs said. "It's amazing watching him play and just have fun out there."
Weigman finished with 337 passing yards and a touchdown in a 47-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe. He also scored on a 19-yard run during the second quarter to give the Aggies (2-1) a 14-point lead.
It's not about the production but instead the precision for Weigman, a native of Cypress who grew up in an Aggie household. After missing Ainias Smith on a 30-yard go route to jumpstart the game, Weigman connected 12 times before eventually overshooting Moose Muhammud midway through the second quarter.
Last season, Weigman completed 63 percent of his throws at Kyle Field and averaged 8.6 yards per play. Through two home games, he's completed 82.3 percent of throws while averaging 10.8 yards per attempt. He's also connected with three different receivers for 100-yard outings.
"It's good decision-making, getting the ball out, being efficient and getting his feet right," said Jimbo Fisher. "When his feet are right and his hips are behind the ball, we're driving it down the field, and he's being accurate with it."
Weigman joked following A&M's 52-10 win over New Mexico that he told Petrino he presents similar skills to former Louisville quarterback and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. Mobility isn't his strong suit, but it's become an asset to his arsenal and a surefire gameplan to Petrino's approach.
He's not alone on the ground. Le'Veon Moss, Amari Daniels, and Rueben Owens each totaled over 4.1 yards per touch. Daniels scored on an 8-yard run in the third quarter. Owens, the five-star freshman from El Campo, found the end zone from 21 yards out.
"All of them boys had the potential to do great things," senior Ainias Smith said. "And as you seen today, all three of them have the ability to go turn up with it at any moment.
Smith said Weigman's attitude has translated over to the offense. Even after being benched in the third quarter in favor of Max Johnson, he remained locked into the offense, offering advice to players returning to the sidelines.
"I haven't seen him try to joke around. Even at the end of the game, he was still making sure, like, people are staying in the game, encouraging everybody," he said. "[Weigman's] a great leader.
As Weigman continues to grow, so do his numbers at Kyle Field. He's yet to throw an interception while wheeling and dealing in the sights of the Aggie faithful and has 14 touchdowns in six appearances.
Smith knew after fall camp Weigman was in for a promising season. He's produced so far this fall that even defensive players come away impressed with his presence and persona.
"Conner brings a different level to the game," safety Bryce Anderson said. "He's going to keep the guys going no matter how the game is going. He's always on the sidelines telling everyone to keep their head up...we feed off each other."
Weigman's been feeding his receivers and feasting against non-Power Five programs. Next comes Auburn, the first real test for Weigman and the offense at home.
