Music City Bowl report: Speedy Noil practices, Jake Hubenak impresses

Note: Audio files from Texas A&M and Louisville's Sunday media availability are available above.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Will Speedy Noil play? Or will he sit?

That question remains unclear with Texas A&M’s 2015 Music City Bowl matchup against Louisville just three days away.

It was widely reported on December 17th that the Aggies' sophomore wide receiver had been suspended for the game in Nashville and the 2016 season opener. However, we were told by a trustworthy source that Noil did travel with the team and was at practice on Sunday afternoon on the Vanderbilt campus.

A&M coach Kevin Sumlin spoke to a small gathering of media on Sunday evening prior to the Music City Bowl official welcome party. He was asked by TexAgs for clarity on the situation.

“You tweeted today that he was at practice,” Sumlin said. “Yeah, he’s at practice. He’s at practice.”

Sumlin did not unveil whether or not Noil will play in the game.

Noil has struggled to find a rhythm as a sophomore after an outstanding freshman season. The New Orleans product has just 21 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns in 2015.

Meanwhile, Wednesday marks the much-anticipated start of quarterback Jake Hubenak, a sophomore who was ushered into the starting role after the December transfers of both Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray.

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy and Blinn Buccaneer has not only won over the interest of the A&M fan base, but has also worked hard to gain the trust of his teammates and head coach.

“Jake has been great,” Sumlin said. “He’s always been energetic and is a guy that has waited his turn. It’s his time now and he’s looking forward to it. So are we.”

"He’s a great quarterback,” added center Mike Matthews. “From week one when he was a third-string quarterback, he was always slinging the ball. He has a great arm and I always said that that guy is talented. I think he can get the job done for us. He’s been put into that role right now and I have no doubt that he’ll do great for us.”

Hubenak even earned high praise from A&M’s top playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

“He can throw the ball as well as I’ve seen,” star sophomore defensive end Myles Garrett said. “He can throw the ball as well as anybody.

“The show goes on. We can’t let (quarterback transfers) deter us from our goal and our mission. If they want to go, then that’s fine. But we’re going to stay here and play hard and show that nothing has changed. We’re still a great team and will be a great team.”

The Aggies and Cardinals square off Wednesday at 6 pm from Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. TexAgs will be on-hand for full in-game and post-game coverage.