Texas A&M, Elko Get First Win Against McNeese State

© Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

The Texas A&M Aggies (1-0) dominated from start to finish as they picked up their first win of the season with a 52-10 victory over McNeese State (1-2) in College Station, Texas, on Sept. 7.

The Aggies made good use of their "get it right" game, scoring on their first eight drives and putting up 529 yards of offense to give head coach Mike Elko his first win with the program.

Game Summary

Texas A&M took advantage of McNeese State's porous run defense from the start. Junior running back Le'Veon Moss picked up 47 yards and a touchdown on 3 carries to start the game, and Amari Daniels followed with 39 rushing yards and a touchdown on the next drive.

Overall, the running game amassed 333 yards from six different ball carriers, and Moss led the group with 84 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half.

Quarterback Conner Weigman also had a good game, finishing 11-of-14 passing for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns in less than two quarters—one to Noah Thomas and one to Moose Muhammad III. Backup Marcel Reed took over with just over 2 minutes remaining in the first half as the Aggies led 35-0 behind 299 yards from the starting offense.

Reed led the Aggies to a field goal on the drive and 2 touchdown drives in the second half. True freshman Terry Bussey, known for his dynamic speed, scored his first touchdown on a 65-yard run in the fourth quarter.

The defense did its part once again, holding a short-handed McNeese offense to 279 yards. The Cowboys played without starting quarterback Clifton McDowell. Sophomore Kamden Sixkiller started in his place, going 9-of-19 for 80 yards with 2 interceptions and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass.

What it Means

Texas A&M gets its first win of the season and corrects things offensively. The challenge now becomes putting together back-to-back good games and continuing to carry the momentum.

© Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

The Aggies open Southeastern Conference play against the Florida Gators (0-1) on Sept. 14.

McNeese State has already matched its win total from last season. The Cowboys will need McDowell back to really see what they can be this year. They'll play Stephen F. Austin (1-0) at home on Sept. 14.