Everything three Aggies had to say ahead of Texas A&M's road test vs. Florida
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko spoke to the media on Monday. The Aggies will head to Gainsville on Friday to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday afternoon, looking to finally end what has become a three-year SEC road losing streak.
Two days after blowing out McNeese State 52-10 on Saturday, A&M's season-opening loss to Notre Dame returned to sting the program once more, as the Fighting Irish lost to Northern Illinois at home just hours after the Aggie victory. However, Texas A&M's schedule presents more opportunities in SEC play if the wins pile up, starting with the Gators.
While we didn't learn much about this team after defeating an FCS team, starting quarterback Conner Weigman looked much better and more confident in the pocket, posting the highest PFF grade among every active FBS quarterback over the weekend.
After Elko provided several key updates, Conner Weigman, alongside running back Amari Daniels and defensive end Shemar Stewart, also took questions. Here's what all three players had to say.
Amari Daniels on OC Collin Klein's scheme
"Coach Collin made it simple."
"It wasn't too hard adjusting to the new offense
Daniels on handling The Swamp this weekend
![Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) runs on the field before the start of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 7, 2024 against the Samford Bulldogs. The Gators won 45-7. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/r3fGkqDLrC26iJSaNvPgjg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTcwNA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aggies_wire_usa_today_articles_632/4b9c82337c51cf493e9b5053a2e7129c)
"We can't let the outside bother us. If we play our brand of football, we will be alright."
Daniels on training with S&C Tommy Moffitt
"I have been training with coach Moffitt. He's the GOAT. He's getting me right."
"I feel better, stronger and more explosive when I run."
Daniels on RB Rueben Owen's injury
"It was a scrimmage and I saw my brother went down. You don't want that for anyone."
"It was next man up."
Daniels on continuing to fix the offenisve issues weekly
"We came in with the approach to fix all the little mistakes from Week 1 to Week 2."
"We don't worry who we play week in and week out."
Daniels on playing with Le'Veon Moss and EJ Smith
"Those are my brothers. I get excited thinking about it. We compete and make each other better." "We learn from each other having different styles of backs in there. Being in the same room is fun, and I can't wait to see what we do this season.
Daniels on returning to Florida. He is Miami, Florida native.
"It is a big game going back to Florida. This is a homecoming for me."
QB Conner Weigman on what he has continued to work on post Notre Dame
"Within each play, run checks, pass protection and making sure their Mike is IDed."
"I feel we did a pretty good job at that."
Weigman on preparing for The Swamp on Saturday
![Florida Gators linebacker Grayson Howard (10) tackles Samford Bulldogs wide receiver E. Jai Mason (3) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 7, 2024 against the Samford Bulldogs. The Florida Gators won 45-7 over the Bulldogs. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/P8f4Wn1ArtmOZ2P7EAXung--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTczMw--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aggies_wire_usa_today_articles_632/4cb88860b37a07fdeaf60fe7e1f43b79)
It's a thing we are aware of. We aren't too worried about it. We work on silent cadence a lot."
"I think we will be ready for it. We will have a good week of preparation and get after it on Saturday."
Weigman on his week to week mentality
"Every game is important. We have to try to win every game. That's the goal."
"Put the ball in parking lot, and we will go play."
Weigman on his relationship with Florida QB DJ Lagway
"few interactions" with fellow Texas native and Florida QB DJ Lagway.
"It will be cool to have two Texas guys going at it."
Weigman on spreading the wealth with his receiving corps
I think we had 10, 11, 12 guys receivers-wise. Being able to spread the ball helps… They have different skillsets."
Weigman on his short, but successful day against McNeese State
"I would have played the whole game if they had let me. We scored every drive."
"That's what I tell my guys. Every time we touch the ball, points, points, points."
DL Shemar Stewart on improving the Aggie run defense
It all begins up front. We try to pride ourselves on not having the ball being run on us. We don't want the ball to get to the second level."
"We will try to emphasize being more physical against the run."
Stewart on previously traveling for road games on Thursday under former HC Jimbo Fisher
"We got there Thursday. Meet twice and eat dinner. Went to sleep and talked to family." Friday was walk-throughs, meetings and getting ready for the game.
"Me, personally I liked traveling Thursday. Coach Elko has a different way of doing things, and I trust him."
Stewart on returning home. Shemar Stewart is a Florida native.
"Going back home is always special to me. Florida was not one of my top schools."
Stewart on his lack of worry regarding the D-line's low sack total after two games
"When it rains, it pours."
"A wise man (Stewart's father) once told me: "The more you think about it, the less you will get."
Stewart on helping end Texas A&M's SEC road loss streak
"We're going to bring this one home after three years."
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything three Aggies had to say ahead of Texas A&M's road test vs. Florida
