Mike Elko praises Conner Weigman in return, issues second-half warning for Texas A&M

No. 25 Texas A&M took it to No. 9 Missouri in the first half of a game in College Station, Texas, posting a 24-0 halftime lead. It might have been worse than the score showed, too.

A major factor in the lopsided first half was the performance of quarterback Conner Weigman, making his return for the Aggies after missing games due to a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.

The starter was lethal in the first half, going 15-of-19 passing for 193 yards. He completed passes to 10 different targets.

“Yeah, I mean I know he’s a competitor,” coach Mike Elko said at the half. “I knew he was going to come out and play here well. We have a ton of confidence in him and this is what we thought we’d get from him today.”

Weigman’s calm demeanor helped Texas A&M take a big early lead. And just about everything went the Aggies’ way.

Missouri seemed to be frustrated after a few key calls went against it.

The Tigers appeared to have one key conversion on a pass interference call against the Aggies’ Will Lee, but instead officials picked up the flag. Then the Tigers had a 75-yard touchdown to Luther Burden wiped off the board due to an ineligible man downfield call.

Texas A&M kept Missouri from getting into any sort of rhythm, pressuring quarterback Brady Cook repeatedly. He was sacked three times.

“I think we’re doing a good job up front getting pressure,” Elko said. “I think we’ve got to tighten some things up in the back end. They’re going to throw the ball a ton in the second half, we’ve got to be ready for it.”

Texas A&M outgained Missouri 305-79 in the first half, averaging 7.8 yards per play in the opening 30 minutes. Just about every stat heavily favored the Aggies.

For Elko and company, a win would be a fifth straight victory and might start to generate some discussion about whether Texas A&M could eventually become a playoff team. For Missouri — with a weak schedule — a loss might end any playoff hopes.