AGGIE OUTLOOK
How the Aggies’ fourth straight loss surprisingly delivers hope
Nov 2, 2022, 11:05 am
Let's look at some positives. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
Jimbo Fisher
The Aggies broke their streak of scoring less than 25 points. The Aggies had excellent quarterback play. Devon Achane had over 120 yards of total offense. A&M had a 100-yard receiver. All of these factors are usually key to the Jimbo Fisher-led Aggies winning games. However, on Saturday, the often trustworthy Wrecking Crew, or the Ags’ defense, let the over 101,000 packed into Kyle Field down.
The Rebels gashed the Aggies for 390 yards rushing, scoring 31 points and adding to Head Coach Jimbo Fisher’s longest losing streak during his tenure at Texas A&M. Quinshon Judkins rushed for over 200 yards alone as the Maroon and White could never seem to catch up offensively. One thing was different for Texas A&M on Saturday however, for the third time this season, A&M had a new starting quarterback. This time, it was the 5-star true freshman Connor Weigman. Yet another member of the historic 2022 recruiting class, he, like many others has had an instant impact on the field in his first start. Weigman was 28-44, 338 passing yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. No Texas A&M freshman QB has done that since 2013, when Johnny Manziel threw for 300-plus yards, 3 or more touchdown passes and no turnovers. If Connor Weigman is starting his career already in that company, then it is not surprising why so many Aggies are so optimistic even after another loss.
One of the three storylines I wanted to keep my eye on coming into this season was quarterback play. Quite frankly the season up to this point has yet to see any good QB play from anyone wearing Maroon and White. Then enter Connor Weigman, who might single handily take A&M from a 4-5 win team to a 6-7 bowl-eligible team. If Weigman can provide decisive and confident play from here on out and the A&M defense plays to their regular standard, I think Texas A&M can somehow pull out a bowl game appearance. That was a wild statement just a week ago and provides some hope to a fan base who is reeling for it.
Now the Aggies will welcome in the Florida Gators who are coming off a decent showing against the #1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Florida provides a similar challenge that Ole Miss gave the Aggies, that being the ability to run the ball well. If the Gators can utilize Anthony Richardson on the ground and not have to use his arm, the Gators should be in good shape against the Aggies. If the Ags can get back on track defensively Saturday morning, I think Connor Weigman has provided a spark offensively and could only get better from here for Texas A&M. The Aggies snap the four-game skid with a 35-27 win over the Gators to improve to 4-5.
It's time to seriously question the Astros' front office. Photos via Getty Images, ESPN IG.
The Astros have officially entered a new era, but it’s hard to spin Alex Bregman’s exit as anything but a gut punch. Bregman, a cornerstone of Houston’s championship core, is gone — and the Astros' strategy (or lack thereof) is front and center. The questions are mounting fast, and the answers don’t inspire confidence.
Let’s be clear: This isn’t about refusing to pay players. It’s about how the Astros are willing to pay them. Jim Crane’s approach has become increasingly rigid — no deals with high annual values and opt-outs, but also no long-term contracts for $160+ million. Essentially, Crane is looking for a Goldilocks zone in modern baseball that no longer exists. Good luck winning another World Series with that strategy and a depleted farm system.
If Crane’s blueprint is to focus on cheap positions (first base, closer) or short-term deals with aging veterans past their prime, this team could be in serious trouble. We’ve seen it before with Correa. He could’ve been retained on a shorter-term contract (3-years, $105 million), but Crane’s pride — and his refusal to engage with Scott Boras on deals that include opt-outs — kept the Astros out of the conversation.
Dana Brown publicly called Bregman a top priority. Clearly, that wasn’t true for Crane. Brown’s reaction to the Bregman news felt more like a man at a funeral than an optimistic GM on the opening day of spring training for pitchers and catchers. He wouldn’t even comment on the deal.
Crane’s strategy already backfiring
The Astros locked up Rafael Montero and José Abreu to questionable contracts that now feel like self-inflicted wounds. Would Crane have let Bregman walk if not for those deals? If that’s the case, Houston just sacrificed its long-term core for short-term bets that didn't pay off.
And get ready — Framber Valdez is probably next. When his contract comes up, don’t expect him to stick around.
Leadership void
Losing Bregman isn’t just about stats. It’s about leadership, swagger, and presence. Players like Jeremy Peña, Chas McCormick, and Isaac Paredes aren’t exactly striking fear into opponents. Correa, Bregman, and Kyle Tucker? Entirely different story.
A missed opportunity
Imagine choosing between Josh Hader’s deal (5-years, $95 million) or what Bregman just signed for (3-years, $120 million). I would take Bregman all day. When Hader signed last season, we were fine with it as long as it didn't preclude the club from trying to extend Bregman and/or Tucker.
But here we are one year later with Tucker, Bregman, and Ryan Pressly playing for new teams. And Pressly was better than Hader in 2024 despite dealing with a role change.
For now, the most exciting things about the 2025 Astros are the short porch in left field — which might make Paredes look good again — and the weak AL West.
So, get your season tickets now!
This is one video you don't want to miss as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros examines all the ramifications from Alex Bregman's Astros departure, and much more!
Spring training is up and running. Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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