Marcel Reed, Connor Weigman QB battle: Texas A&M announces starting QB vs. South Carolina

Mike Elko set himself up for questions about the quarterback position last week after Marcel Reed replaced Conner Weigman vs. LSU and thrived. Everyone was wondering who would start against South Carolina but Elko avoided providing a definite answer until game time. Now, just ahead of kickoff, a decision has been made.

Reed will start for Texas A&M on Saturday night, leading them into a hostile South Carolina environment at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Aggies are the lone undefeated team remaining in SEC play and sit in first place. Getting a win would strengthen their chances of making the SEC Championship game in Atlanta and even the College Football Playoff.

Both Reed and Weigman have started multiple games this season. Weigman was the guy out of the gates but an injury meant Reed was the guy for three contests — two of which were against SEC opponents.

The decision to ride with Reed comes after his great performance against LSU, one Elko called game-changing. He only threw two passes for 70 yards but made a massive impact on the ground and wound up winning Texas A&M the game. Three rushing touchdowns were the difference as the Aggies flipped the game on its head.

On the flip side, Weigman struggled all night as the Tigers’ defense was finding a way to get to him. Weigman completed six of 18 throws for 64 yards. Elko cited needing to bring a different dimension to the game as to why Reed was put in.

Going up against South Carolina is no easy task, especially a quarterback. The Gamecocks have one of the best pass rushes in college football, having Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart flying off the edge. No QB in the SEC this season has been comfortable back then when dropping back to pass.