Quarterback Duel In The Sun Of College Station, Texas

By KYLE CURTIS

GatorBaitMedia.com

Who knew there would be so many questions about Texas A&M's quarterback in the ninth game of the season when Conner Weigman's coach is nicknamed "The Quarterback Whisperer." Maybe Jimbo Fisher should have been "The Quarterback Shouter."

The Florida Gators (4-4, 1-4 SEC) travel to College Station this weekend for what was supposed to be one of the anticipated road matchups this season. Instead, the Texas A&M Aggies (3-5, 1-4 SEC) have had an underwhelming year in Jimbo Fisher’s fifth season.

The Aggies opened as a 3.5-point favorite over the Gators and are coming off a tough loss to No. 15 Ole Miss 31-28 where they had their third starting quarterback of the season take his first snaps. Amazingly, in the process they may have found their guy.

Texas A&M gave true freshman quarterback Conner Weigman the nod Saturday against Ole Miss and the-five-star recruit impressed not only the Aggies' faithful but more importantly the head coach.

Weigman has similarities to former Texas A&M and Oklahoma standout Kyler Murray with a background in baseball. In addition, many around the Aggies' program believe Weigman is the most accurate passer to ever come through the program.

“I liked what I saw, and Haynes (King,) previous starter] was banged up,” Fisher said to the media following the decision to start Weigman. “And we knew it. He could’ve been available, but it wasn’t right to play him again this week. I feel very comfortable with Conner. He’s done it in practice and really gotten the reps and jumped in there.”

Fisher confirmed that Weigman will be the starter against the Gators.

Weigman was efficient in his first career start, completing 28 of his 44 pass attempts with no interceptions and four touchdowns.

“I know it has been a revolving door at quarterback,” said Florida head coach Billy Napier. “But the rookie played really well this past week.”

Unlike A&M, the Gators have had one lone starter at quarterback this season, Anthony Richardson, who has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In his first full season as starting quarterback, Richardson through eight games has 1,638 yards passing with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. Richardson’s turnovers have been an issue, although he has not recorded one in his past two outings.

When given the opportunity, Richardson has proven to be an asset with his legs. He has 67 carries for 414 yards and an additional six touchdowns on the ground.

A pure athlete, Richardson is rated the No. 23 prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft by CBS Sports. In a season where he hasn’t produced winning on the field, his athleticism and ability cannot be denied.

He will be tested this week, as Florida’s leader in receiving yards this season, Justin Shorter, is questionable and tight end Keon Zipperer was ruled out for the remainder of the season earlier this week.

Florida’s defense has struggled against opposing quarterbacks this season. Florida’s defense took a hit this week, with edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. being dismissed from the team and declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Additionally, Gators freshman cornerback Devin Moore had surgery on a shoulder injury prior to his arrival in Gainesville. Napier expects Moore to be ready by the offseason, although it is a hit to the defensive back depth for the remainder of the season.

Moore tweeted the following after his surgery, “Surgery went great!”