A Texas A&M star's injury could dramatically shift the odds in their upcoming playoff game! The Aggies are heading into their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, but the availability of their star running back, Le'Veon Moss, is hanging in the balance. According to a Wednesday night report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Moss is officially listed as "questionable" for their crucial first-round matchup against the Miami Hurricanes this Saturday. But here's where it gets controversial... Will he play or won't he, and how much will his absence impact the Aggies' chances?
Moss, a 2024 SEC All-Second Team selection, has been sidelined for the past six games due to an ankle injury. Before the injury, he was a force to be reckoned with, racking up 389 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 70 carries in just six games. Imagine the impact he could have if fully healthy! The good news? He's back practicing with the team.
[Pete Thamel Tweet Embedded Here - See Original Content]
Even without Moss on the field, Texas A&M impressively managed to win five of their last six regular-season games. Their only loss came against Texas, ultimately finishing with an impressive 11-1 record. And this is the part most people miss... The absence of Moss paved the way for another star to emerge: redshirt sophomore Rueben Owens. Owens seized the opportunity, blossoming into one of the most exciting young talents in the entire SEC. He led the team in rushing with 618 yards and five touchdowns on 112 carries, proving that the Aggies have depth in their backfield. This raises the question: Could Owens' emergence actually help the Aggies by providing a fresh, unpredictable threat?
During a pre-game press conference on Monday, Head Coach Mike Elko addressed Moss's status, stating that the team is in a "wait-and-see" mode. This leaves Aggie fans on the edge of their seats, unsure of what to expect.
[Mike Elko Quote Embedded Here - See Original Content]
Elko expressed confidence last month about Moss's potential return if the Aggies made the CFP.
Moss's standout performance of the season came against Auburn on September 27th, where he rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown in the Aggies' 16-10 victory. He was also on track for another stellar game against Florida weeks later, gaining 46 yards and scoring a touchdown in just five carries before the unfortunate injury.
According to Elko, Moss's recovery timeline has been progressing as expected. "The timeline is still exactly what we anticipated from the beginning," Elko said back on November 3rd. He added that there was hope he could come back by the end of the regular season.
Having Moss available for the Miami game would be a significant boost for Texas A&M. The Hurricanes boast a formidable defense, allowing only 86.8 rushing yards per game, ranking them first in the ACC and seventh nationally. This sets the stage for a classic showdown between a potent Aggies offense and a stingy Hurricanes defense. The Aggies and Canes are scheduled to clash this Saturday at 12:00 PM EST in College Station.
So, what do you think? Will Le'Veon Moss play a significant role in the game against Miami? Will his presence be the deciding factor, or has Rueben Owens proven himself capable of carrying the load? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
