Watch: Aggies WR Noah Thomas Grabs Hat Trick In First Half Against New Mexico
COLLEGE STATION -- No. 3 for No. 3 at Kyle Field has a nice ring to it.
Texas A&M sophomore receiver Noah Thomas continued to be quarterback Conner Weigman's top target as the two connected for a third time in the first half to give the Aggies a 35-7 lead over New Mexico at halftime.
Thomas, a 6-6 pass-catcher from Pearland, hauled in a 9-yard touchdown grab with just under 90 seconds remaining in the first half. Thomas also caught a 15-yard touchdown on the opening drive to give A&M a 7-0 lead, and a 34-yard score in the second quarter to extend the Aggies' lead by 14.
Weigman, who beat out redshirt sophomore Max Johnson for the starting job, finished the first half 12-of-16 for 175 yards with four TDs. The former five-yard gunslinger also connected with sophomore Evan Stewart in the second for a 35-yard score to put A&M up 14-0.
Last season, Weigman started four of the final five games for the Aggies, throwing for 896 yards and eight touchdowns against zero interceptions. Thomas was one of his favorite targets as the two connected for 51 yards on five receptions and two TDs.
Throughout spring practice, Thomas made headlines for his ability to win at the point of attack against D.J. Durkin's defense. He was voted the Offensive MVP by sixth-year coach Jimbo Fisher during the annual Maroon and White Game.
"He's going to be a real weapon," Fisher said following the Maroon and White Game. "I was wanting everybody to have a chance to see him today. It's a shame he didn't get to play."
Senior receiver Ainias Smith said Thomas caught his attention due to his work ethic in practice.
"He just does everything right," Smith said. "It's hard for a human being to go out and force himself to do everything right every single day ... Noah is somebody that goes out and does his job every single time at full speed, no matter how he's feeling. He's going to go out there and put his heart on the line."
The Aggies will begin the second half on offense.
