Elijah Robinson knows Texas A&M won't field a full team Wednesday evening at the TaxAct Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise.
The Aggies failed to achieve their goal of making it to the College Football Playoff. They didn't finish ranked in the AP Top 25 or College Football Playoff rankings for the second consecutive season.
Sitting at 7-5, A&M needs a spark and baseline to build upon entering the Mike Elko era. With younger faces seeing their rep counts expand in practice, perhaps they leave fans wanting more entering a new age of A&M football.
"With guys missing, I think we've had really good work for those young guys that have to step up and go play," Robinson said Saturday following the Texas Bowl pregame activities.
Senior receiver Ainias Smith will not play after suffering a broken finger that required surgery in the season finale against LSU. He will be on the sidelines as a secondary coach, though his exact role has not been finalized.
Players like quarterback Max Johnson, defensive end Fadil Diggs and defensive tackle Walter Nolen won't participate after entering the transfer portal following the regular season's conclusion. Veterans like linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and offensive lineman Layden Robinson have all declared for the draft and aren't expected to play.
For Robinson, who will depart College Station following the game for his new title as Syracuse's defensive coordinator, the bowl matchup serves as a final opportunity to enjoy time with players. A&M has practiced with the intent of securing a win.
Still, Robinson wants his players to have fun in the process.
"This is what bowl games are all about," said Robinson. "Come here, have some fun, still get the work in and compete when it's game day."
A&M has a history against the Pokes (9-4) in Houston. The two battled it out for the title of Texas Bowl champs in 2019, with A&M pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure the 24-21 victory. Kellen Mond dazzled on the ground with 117 rushing yards and two scores.
He was named the Texas Bowl MVP after scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 67-yard run in the fourth quarter. Robinson said he remembers what happened the last time A&M had entered NRG Stadium and hoped for similar results.
Of course, those on the field dictate the outcome.
"We just have to go play the game and see what happens," said Robinson.
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