Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman (15) throws down area towards Auburn in the course of the first quarter of an NCAA faculty soccer sport Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in School Station, Texas. Credit score: AP/Sam Craft
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) seems to be to cross down area towards Texas A&M in the course of the first quarter of an NCAA faculty soccer sport Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in School Station, Texas. Credit score: AP/Sam Craft
Auburn security Caleb Wood (12) sacks Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman (15) for a loss in the course of the first quarter of an NCAA faculty soccer sport Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in School Station, Texas. Credit score: AP/Sam Craft
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Max Johnson threw for 123 yards and two second-half touchdowns after taking up for an injured Conner Weigman to steer Texas A&M to a 27-10 win over Auburn Saturday.
“We gained the sport and nonetheless didn’t play near what we’re able to,” coach Jimbo Fisher mentioned. “Hopefully we’ll get higher and transfer on from right here.”
Weigman threw for 70 yards earlier than he was injured on a success late within the second quarter. He limped to the locker room, seeking to have bother placing any weight on his proper foot, and the staff mentioned he had a decrease leg damage.
Fisher mentioned X-rays have been adverse however that he did not understand how lengthy Weigman could be out.
Johnson took over for the third quarter and bought proper to work, main Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 Southeastern Convention) on a 46-yard drive capped by a 22-yard landing cross to youthful brother Jake Johnson to make it 13-3 with about 10 minutes left within the third.
The quarterback mentioned it was the primary time he’d thrown a landing cross to his brother since highschool.
“It was a reasonably particular second,” Max Johnson mentioned. “We’ve been ready on that for a very long time.”
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) seems to be to cross down area towards Texas A&M in the course of the first quarter of an NCAA faculty soccer sport Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in School Station, Texas. Credit score: AP/Sam Craft
Johnson mentioned he is all the time ready to play and wasn’t nervous when thrust into motion Saturday.
“I used to be prepared for the second,” he mentioned.
Johnson discovered Evan Stewart in the long run zone for a 37-yard landing cross on A&M’s subsequent possession to stretch the result in 20-3 with about 6½ minutes remaining within the third quarter.
“You’ve confidence within the backup,” Fisher mentioned. “That’s soccer, man. You’ll be banged and bruised. I’m unhappy for (Weigman) little doubt, however very glad for Max and the chance.”
Auburn security Caleb Wood (12) sacks Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman (15) for a loss in the course of the first quarter of an NCAA faculty soccer sport Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in School Station, Texas. Credit score: AP/Sam Craft
Kayin Lee compelled a fumble by Rueben Owens, and it sailed by way of the air into the arms of Eugene Asante, who raced 67 yards for a landing to chop the result in 10 early within the fourth. Asante virtually crashed into Fisher on the play, working between him and the sideline after Fisher drifted onto the sector in the course of the play.
“I assumed the play was lifeless … I’m fortunate I didn’t get ran over,” Fisher mentioned with fun. “Unhealthy execution on my half.”
The Tigers bought a cease after that, however their drive stalled, they usually needed to punt.
Amari Daniels had a 79-yard run two performs later to arrange a 4-yard scoring run by Le’Veon Moss that made it 27-10.
Payton Thorne threw for 44 yards as Auburn (3-1, 0-1) misplaced for the primary time this season after profitable its first three video games for the primary time since 2019. The Tigers additionally used Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner at quarterback, however they mixed for simply 12 yards passing on a day the Aggies had seven sacks and 15 tackles for losses.
Thorne, who threw for 282 yards and ran for 123 yards final week, completed with 11 carries for minus-34 yards dashing Saturday.
“I assumed our children performed effectively sufficient on protection to win the sport, outdoors of the few explosive performs … on offense, we’re looking,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze mentioned. “And we’ve bought to search out some solutions.”
Freeze mentioned A&M’s stress made issues tough for his staff.
“We have been holding up fairly good within the center,” he mentioned. “We bought distracted on the sting with their stress … it affected us. It prices us within the run sport just a few video games, in truth. We’ve bought to teach it higher and execute it higher.”
The Aggies have been up 6-0 after two early area targets when Damari Alston grabbed a brief cross behind the road of scrimmage. He was hit instantly by Tyreek Chappell and regarded to have fumbled. Edgerrin Cooper scooped up the ball, and after escaping one defender, ran 63 yards untouched for a landing.
However the play was reviewed and dominated an incomplete cross, to negate the rating and provides the Tigers the ball again.
After their two area targets, the Aggies punted on their subsequent three drives earlier than halftime.
The Tigers had good area place on their last drive of the primary half, however Thorne was sacked twice in three performs to convey up fourth down simply earlier than halftime. Alex McPherson made a 53-yard area aim with 5 seconds left within the second quarter to chop the result in 6-3.
THE TAKEAWAY
Auburn: After failing to attain a landing on offense towards the Aggies, the Tigers should determine a technique to get their offense going and higher shield their quarterbacks earlier than subsequent week’s assembly with top-ranked Georgia.
Texas A&M: The Aggies should wait and see how lengthy Weigman’s damage will maintain him out. If he can’t go subsequent week, Johnson should be extra constant after beginning out sturdy earlier than struggling to maneuver the offense Saturday.
UP NEXT
Auburn: Host Georgia subsequent Saturday.
Texas A&M: Performs Arkansas at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas subsequent Saturday.