The 2024 Texas A&M football season’s highs and lows

Best & Worst Moments from Texas A&M Football’s 2024 Campaign

The 2024 season for Texas A&M football proved to be a roller coaster ride, filled with highs and lows that left fans on the edge of their seats. With head coach Jimbo Fisher entering his sixth year at the helm, expectations were high for a program that had shown flashes of greatness but failed to consistently put together a championship-contending team. The Aggies entered the season with a strong roster, including a revamped offensive line, a highly touted quarterback, and a defense brimming with talent. Despite the optimism, the season would be defined by both triumphs and setbacks.

In this article, we will look back at the best and worst moments from Texas A&M’s 2024 football season, analyzing what went right for the Aggies, what went wrong, and what this campaign means for the future of the program.

Best Moments of Texas A&M’s 2024 Season

1. The Victory Over Alabama: A Defining Win

One of the most defining moments of the 2024 Texas A&M football season came when they defeated Alabama in one of the most thrilling games of the year. The Aggies entered this matchup with a sense of urgency, knowing that beating the Crimson Tide would not only boost their playoff chances but also validate their standing as a serious contender in the SEC West.

The game was a masterclass in defense and resilience. A&M’s defense held Alabama’s offense in check, limiting Jalen Milroe, the Alabama quarterback, to just one touchdown while forcing multiple turnovers. Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman played with confidence, throwing for over 300 yards and orchestrating an efficient offense that kept Alabama’s defense on its heels.

The victory over Alabama was significant for several reasons. First, it marked Texas A&M’s first win over the Crimson Tide in four years, a crucial milestone in the program’s growth. Second, it showed that the Aggies had finally found consistency on both sides of the ball, especially after struggling in previous seasons against top-tier opponents. The win energized the program, and it was a statement to the rest of the SEC that Texas A&M was ready to compete at the highest level.

2. The Development of Conner Weigman as a Star Quarterback

The 2024 season saw the continued emergence of Conner Weigman as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. After a promising freshman campaign, Weigman took significant strides forward, showcasing his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays in high-pressure situations.

One of the best moments of Weigman’s season came during a game against Mississippi State, where he threw for four touchdowns and over 350 yards, leading the Aggies to a commanding victory. His performance in this game highlighted his growth and proved that he was ready to lead Texas A&M for the long term.

Weigman’s poise and ability to stay calm under pressure were evident throughout the season. He demonstrated exceptional decision-making, especially in games that required him to bounce back from adversity. His leadership skills began to shine as well, as he emerged as the unquestioned leader of the Aggie offense. For fans, watching Weigman develop into one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks was a major source of excitement.

3. Dominant Defensive Performances

One of the bright spots of the 2024 season for Texas A&M football was the play of the defense. Under the direction of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, the Aggies showcased one of the most formidable defenses in the nation, consistently ranking near the top in total yards allowed and points per game.

The defensive line, led by standout pass rusher Shemar Turner, was particularly dominant, pressuring opposing quarterbacks and consistently creating havoc in the backfield. The linebacker corps, anchored by Edgerrin Cooper, was stout against the run and showed the ability to make key plays in the passing game. Texas A&M’s defensive backs, led by Tyreek Chappell, excelled in coverage, preventing big plays and creating turnovers.

One of the most memorable defensive performances came in a shutout victory over Vanderbilt, where the Aggies held the Commodores to just 150 total yards. This was a clear sign of the defense’s dominance and a glimpse into the potential for future seasons.

4. The Aggies’ First Road Win at LSU in Years

Another high point of the 2024 season was Texas A&M’s victory over LSU in Baton Rouge. Historically, LSU has been one of the most difficult places for visiting teams to win, but Texas A&M’s gritty performance in this game proved that they could compete in the most hostile of environments.

The Aggies’ defense stepped up in a big way, stifling LSU’s explosive offense and keeping the game within reach. Conner Weigman threw for two touchdowns, and Texas A&M ran the ball effectively, controlling the clock and limiting LSU’s offensive possessions. The win was especially sweet for Texas A&M fans, as it ended a long drought of losses to their SEC West rivals and set the tone for future success in the conference.

Worst Moments of Texas A&M’s 2024 Season

1. The Early-Season Loss to Miami: A Missed Opportunity

One of the most frustrating moments of the season came in Texas A&M’s season opener against Miami. Despite entering the game with high expectations, the Aggies were unable to get anything going offensively, falling to the Hurricanes in a disappointing 27-17 loss.

The loss was particularly hard to swallow because it came against a Miami team that was still rebuilding and was not considered one of the premier teams in college football. Texas A&M’s offense struggled throughout the game, with Conner Weigman making several uncharacteristic mistakes, including costly interceptions. The defense played admirably but could not compensate for the lack of scoring on the other side of the ball.

This loss set the tone for an up-and-down start to the season, forcing Texas A&M to dig themselves out of an early hole. It was a missed opportunity to make a statement and potentially position themselves for a stronger postseason run.

2. The Defensive Struggles Against Ole Miss

Another low point of the season came in a road loss to Ole Miss, where Texas A&M’s defense failed to show up in a critical SEC West matchup. Despite having one of the best defenses in the country, the Aggies allowed Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense to rack up over 500 yards and score 40 points in a lopsided defeat.

The defensive backfield struggled to contain Ole Miss wide receivers, and the Aggies were unable to generate consistent pressure on Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss’ quarterback. This game exposed some of the vulnerabilities in Texas A&M’s defense, and it was a wake-up call for a team that had previously prided itself on its defensive prowess.

This loss was particularly damaging, as it cost Texas A&M a chance to keep pace with other top teams in the SEC West. After this defeat, the Aggies faced an uphill battle in trying to stay relevant in the division race.

3. The Late-Season Collapse Against Arkansas

The worst moment of the 2024 campaign came in a stunning late-season loss to Arkansas, which effectively knocked Texas A&M out of contention for a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game. The Aggies entered the game with momentum, riding a solid winning streak, but were unable to execute when it mattered most.

Despite holding a halftime lead, Texas A&M’s offense went stagnant in the second half, failing to score in the final two quarters. The defense also faltered, allowing Arkansas to mount a game-winning drive in the final minutes. The Aggies’ inability to close out the game was emblematic of their struggles in crucial moments throughout the season.

The loss to Arkansas was a gut punch for Texas A&M fans, as it not only dashed any hopes for a strong finish to the season but also raised questions about the team’s consistency and ability to perform in high-stakes situations. It was a bitter ending to an otherwise promising campaign.