‘This first SEC win means everything, and we need to keep stacking,’ Max Johnson, Ainias Smith, and more recap win over Auburn
Texas A&M (3-1) won its first SEC matchup of the season with a hard-fought 27-10 win over Auburn (3-1) on Saturday. It marks a milestone, the Aggie players know they can be even better moving forward.
Following Saturday’s win, Max Johnson, Ainias Smith, Layden Robinson, Bryce Anderson, and Edgerrin Cooper all took to the podium to recap the team effort. The victory warranted a group effort in all three phases of the game, and a sluggish first half only exacerbated that truth.
A&M’s offense stumbled through the first two quarters to take a 6-3 lead at the half. The Aggies’ defense showed up to play, but it took a minute for the offense to click. And then with 4:30 left to go in the second quarter, an injury to Conner Weigman only heightened the pressure.
But in Weigman’s absence, backup Max Johnson entered the fold and displayed a level of poise and leadership that one can only find in A&M’s quarterback room. He proved to be the x-factor for the game, having connected with brother Jake Johnson and receiver Evan Stewart to finish 7/11 for 123 yards and two passing touchdowns.
After the game, Johnson’s teammates had no shortage of praise and admiration for the manner in which the senior southpaw led his team.
Below are Max Johnson, Ainias Smith, Layden Robinson, Bryce Anderson, and Edgerrin Cooper’s full postgame press conferences, as well as notable highlights.
Bryce Anderson has confidence in both of his QBs
“Not at all. When we are practicing, there is no dropoff between Conner (Weigman) and Max.”
Anderson touted the Aggies' defensive line
“We have a crazy defensive line. (Taurean) York and (Edgerrin) Cooper played great… Today was a collective effort.”
Anderson noted that there are bigger goals for this team
“Auburn is not the main goal. The main goal is to run through the SEC… This is a step along the way.”
Layden Robinson applauded A&M's adjustments
“The first half, we had to get settled in. We were ancy up front… We got it fixed quick.”
Robinson echoed the difference in SEC play
“The mindset going against these kinds of teams is ‘Who is going to break?’ You have to hustle every play.”
Robinson and the Aggies had to persevere through Weigman's injury
“The emotion is you never want that to happen to your quarterback. We took it hard when he got hurt. You have to shake it off. We wanted to make sure to check up on him after the game.”
Robinson knows that Max Johnson's confidence never falters
“Max (Johnson) has always had that confidence. He came in with that fire. No matter what position he is in, he will ball out, and that’s what he did today.”
Max Johnson's touchdown to his brother was an all-time moment
“Pretty special moment. We have been waiting on that one for a long time. We haven’t had one since my senior year of high school.”
Johnson never thought about transferring out of A&M
“Never. This is where I want to be. I am getting an awesome degree here, and I love the coaches, players and the university. This is where I want to be.”
Edgerrin Cooper put it behind him when talking about the scoop and score that was ruled back
“Yeah, I felt disappointed, but I’m always thinking about the next play and moving forward from that.”
Ainias Smith knows Max Johnson has that dog in him
“I always knew that (Max Johnson) was ready for the situation. He always stays level-headed and composed.”
Smith knows the potential is sky-high for this team
“This team, the limit on the things we can do is all the way to the sky. We have so much potential. The boys on the defensive side stepped up today, and they flushed that Miami game down the drain.”
Smith understands the first SEC win is just the first of many
“For us, to get this win, it shows we are capable of doing a lot. This first SEC win means everything, and we need to keep stacking.”
Smith was not shocked to hear Max Johnson wanted to stay with A&M
“That gave me a boost of confidence. He loves this team. I know that.”
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