Texas A&M's start to the 2024 season didn't quite go as planned. The Mike Elko head coaching era began with a 23-13 loss to Notre Dame in front of over 107,000 fans packed inside Kyle Field.

Overall, the Aggie's defense showed vast improvement in the secondary, while the pass rush didn't have a chance to explode truly due to the quick passing game Notre Dame OC Mike Denbrock stuck to throughout the night. However, Texas A&M's offense failed to move the ball, especially in the passing game, as starting quarterback Conner Weigman has a career-low performance.

Throwing for only 100 yards and two interceptions, the redshirt sophomore is dedicated to fixing his footwork issues, starting with taking on the McNeese State Cowboys in a game that should (hopefully) open up the passing game and provide confidence heading toward SEC play.

With plenty of storylines, here are five things to watch ahead of Texas A&M's Week 2 matchup vs. McNeese State on Saturday afternoon.

5. Texas A&M's pass rush vs. McNeese State

Against Notre Dame, Texas A&M's defense accounted for 61 tackles, 37 solo tackles, and seven tackles for loss, while former Purdue star defensive end Nic Scourton received the team's one sack on the night.

As mentioned in the body, Notre Dame OC Mike Denbrock stuck with the quick passing game to prevent the Aggie pass rush from consistently getting home. Still, against a smaller McNeese offensive line, I fully expect Scourton and junior defensive end Shemar Stewart to wreak havoc throughout the afternoon.

4. Will Texas A&M's wide receiver's gain separation vs. McNeese State's secondary?

The short answer? Most likely, but Saturday's performance didn't garner a lot of confidence that Texas A&M's wide receiver rotation will consistently find separation in their routes due to a lack of overall explosiveness, but after facing one of the top secondary's in the country, this was hopeuflly a one time thing.

While Noah Thomas, Jahdae Walker, and Cyrus Allen are slate to start against McNeese State, it's Thomas and Walker's length that should cause the Cowboy's issues and provide Conner Weigman plenty of cushion to big up big gains through the air.

3. Texas A&M should have a big day on thre ground

Again, going up against a Notre Dame defensive line littered All-American level talent was never going to produce a huge day on the ground for either running back, as junior Le'Veon Moss led the day with 70 tough yards and a touchdown against the Irish.

However, junior Amari Daniels and senior EJ Smith, who combined for 44 yards on Saturday night, will likely receiver more carries on Saturday to not only alleviate Moss, but provide more power and speed in front of an improved offensive line. In two games, McNeese State has allowed 261 rushing yards.

2. Freshman Terry Bussey is due for more snaps at wide receiver

As we've discussed throughout the week, freshman athlete Terry Bussey, who has skillset to play at both cornerback and wide receiver, similar to current Colorado star Travis Hunter's early collegiate career, should see his snap count elevated this week.

Against Notre Dame, Bussey, who currently serves as the primary kick/punter returner received 12 snaps on offense, which included a rushing attempt for no gain. This was, of course, his first collegiate action, so not much was expected, but according to Mike Elko, Bussey has continued to put in the work in the film room, and is slated to see more reps on offense against McNeese State.

After the season ending injury to sophomore running back Reuben Owens, Texas A&M's lack of offensive explosiveness is not all lost with Bussey in the lineup.

1. QB Conner Weigman has a chance to prove all his doubters wrong

Conner Weigman had a bad day, that's for sure. However, the lack of grace he was afforded likely had to do with the significance of the matchup while losing a winnable game despite the Aggies' poor offenisve showing.

Throwing for a career low 100 yards and two interceptions on the night, the former 5-star recruit has all the talent in the world to bounce back, as he remains focused on fixing his footwork which should increase his accuracy and get him back to his usual playmaking form.

Will having a good day vs. McNeese State put Weigman back in the fan base's good graces? Who knows, but it's a solid start.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. McNeese State: 5 things to watch for