Noah Thomas' Trio Of Touchdowns Headlines Aggies Win Over New Mexico
COLLEGE STATION -- What marked the moment that Texas A&M sophomore receiver Noah Thomas "arrived?"
Was it his first score of the new season on the opening drive?
Perhaps it was one of his cuts that made a New Mexico defender look like he was wearing ice skates instead of cleats, right?
Then again, his pristine route-running made every reception a breeze, and Conner Weigman's night smooth before A&M coach Jimbo Fisher elected to rest the starters.
In a new era of Aggie football, plenty of storylines unfolded during the team's 52-10 victory over the Lobos. Weigman, whose five passing touchdowns lived up to his five-star rating coming out of Bridgeland High School, looked comfortable in a new offense. First-year coordinator Bobby Petrino dialed up concepts that put New Mexico in a blender of concerns throughout the night.
The defense was dialed in, Evan Stewart hauled in home run shots from Weigman for two scores, and the Aggies showed that life without De'Von Achane could be sound, even if it takes time to find that future lead back. Not to mention, A&M players took the field with a heavy heart while donning a black "TP" decal in honor of the late Terry Price.
But if a headliner was found among a handful of sidebars, it was Thomas' three-touchdown outing after a breakout spring practice. It didn't take long for Weigman and Thomas to build a rapport in 2022.
So far, it's carried over into 2023.
"We came in together. We knew what was expected of us, and I feel like we went out there and did our job," said Weigman postgame.
Thomas, a 6-6 problem from Pearland, finished with six catches for 74 yards to match his 18 points put up in the first half as Weigman's security blanket. Stewart finished with more yards, but Thomas won at every level of the field.
Weigman said that the connection between the two flourished when they arrived on campus. Thomas agreed, stating that he and Stewart spent ample time building chemistry on the sidelines with Weigman while waiting for their numbers to be called.
Last season, Thomas and Weigman connected five times for 51 yards and two touchdowns. The duo took that sample size and gave the coaches a taste through spring practice.
Saturday was the hopeful first of a 13-course meal that ends in November.
"We came in with a chip on our shoulder to prove to people that we're capable of leading this offense," said Thomas. "We love, trust and believe in each other."
Thomas was named the Spring Offensive MVP but missed most of the Maroon and White Game due to a head injury suffered on the opening series. Fisher called it a shame that he didn't play more, but he'd be a weapon when the regular season rolled around.
Weigman, who finished 18-of-23 for 236 yards, let fans catch a glimpse of the good vibes with a 15-yard touchdown with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. Two drives later, the duo caught fire again, this time against single-man coverage on a 34-yard score.
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"That's what I've been seeing in the scrimmages and the practices," Fisher said. "[Thomas and Stewart] have been playing really well. Whether it's underneath routes, over-the-top routes, contested catches...they're a very talented group of guys."
The third touchdown — a nine-yard out route with 1:29 remaining in the half — marked the most points scored in a half for Aggies since 2021's 52-3 win over Prarie View A&M. Last season under Fisher's play-calling, A&M's offense scored 31 points twice through four quarters.
Weigman would find Stewart for an 8-yard score with 3:39 remaining in the third quarter to end his night, becoming the first A&M quarterback to begin a season with five passing touchdowns in the season opener.
"Like Coach Petrino always says, you go to "feed the studs," Weigman said. "They made my life easier...I can't say enough about the O-line, the receivers, the running backs, they stepped up.
"Get the ball out of my hands as quick as possible and get it to my playmakers."
Thomas smiled as he took the podium inside Kyle Field's media room. A reporter asked which of the hat trick scores was his favorite.
"The first one, of course," Thomas laughed.
Why that one?
"The first one is always the best," he responded.
The first of a new season. The beginning of what could be a special one for Thomas in College Station.
