Max Johnson Out, Texas A&M Has A Problem

Texas A&M thought they found a solution to their problem in Max Johnson. Unfortunately, he just got injured, so what’s next?

Max Johnson Out, Texas A&M Has A Problem

It was just a few short weeks ago that we were talking about how Max Johnson was going to step in and try and rally a struggling Texas A&M team against Miami, and rally he did as he led the Aggies on a two-game win streak. In his third start, however, the junior QB injured his hand, with early reports suggesting that he may have broken a bone that could cause him to miss the rest of the year.

With Johnson being injured, the Aggies turned back once again to Haynes King, who started the first two games of the season. With a game with Alabama ahead and a grueling schedule in October and November, Texas A&M will be hoping that King will produce more than he was prior to losing the starting job.

Johnson’s Run

Max Johnson stepped in Week 3 as the Aggies were preparing to take on the Miami Hurricanes. A week prior Texas A&M suffered what may have been the upset of the season when App State came to College Station. Johnson found immediate success with the team leading the Aggies to a 17-9 victory of the 13th-ranked Hurricanes. Johnson completed 10 of 20 and 140 yards with 1 TD.

The next week the nation waited with anticipation wondering if lightning would strike twice as the Aggies took on the tenth-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. Wouldn’t you know Johnson threw 11 of 21 for 151 yards and another TD in a 23-21 win over Arkansas. He was on fire before the injury in his third start against Mississippi State, going 19 of 26 and 203 yards.

The Weeks Prior

Haynes King emerged from camp as the winner of a tough-fought QB competition. He showed he had the ability to put up big numbers in his week 1 start against Sam Houston State. He completed 20 of his 31 passes and even threw 3 TDS. However, the next week he was unable to get the offense going against App State. Haynes went 13 of 20 for a measly 97 yards. He was benched following the loss.

Looking Ahead

Texas A&M fans are worried about the season, and for good reason. Haynes King has shown to still be a work in progress at the moment. Signs of inexperience are in his interceptions this year. Even in the Sam Houston game, where he put up big numbers, he still threw 2 INTs. A trend that repeated itself when Haynes replaced the injured Johnson against Mississippi State as he threw another 2 INTs in the game he didn’t even start in.

With conference play right around the corner, there is plenty of concern that Texas A&M may be at the bottom of the SEC West when it’s all said and done. Be wary of betting on Texas A&M this year as their opponents seem to be in a major advantage, and future week’s lines are likely to show that. I also expect point totals to be lower than expected for a week or two as the lines readjust.