Week 8's Overnight Sensation: Scooby Williams, Linebacker

Another win in the transfer portal for Mike Elko's Aggies.

On Saturday, junior linebacker Scooby Williams' disruptive day helped No.14 Texas A&M remain undefeated in Southeastern Conference play, defeating Mississippi State in Starkville, 34-24.

The Florida transfer registered six takedowns, a career-high two tackles for loss and grabbed a momentum-swinging interception to allow the Aggies to leave the Magnolia State with a win.

A&M's 14-10 lead with 6:30 in the first half appeared a little too close for comfort and quickly grew uncomfortable after quarterback Conner Weigman threw his first pick against conference competition.

Shortly after, Williams got the ball right back to his offense, picking off Michael Van Buren Jr. on a crucial fourth down and running it back 32 yards. In State territory, A&M capitalized as Amari Daniels hauled in a touchdown.

In the third quarter, Williams flashed his pass-rush ability by getting after the Bulldogs signal caller for a loss of three, but a defensive hold negated the play.

Only allowing one touchdown in the second half, A&M's defense stepped up to shut down Mississippi State, and Williams' quiet but monster fourth quarter played a massive role.

In the final frame, the Florida transfer recorded a solo tackle for loss and another tackle, only allowing Johnnie Davis to gain a yard and causing a short-lived drive during a one-score game. 

On the Bulldogs' next drive, Williams continued flying to the football, stuffing running back Davon Booth for no gain and forcing a turnover on downs.

When the junior wasn't in the Bulldogs' backfield, Williams displayed his ability to drop back and defend in coverage, tallying his second pass breakup of 2024 with 3:40 remaining.

For many years, the linebacker position has been a concern at A&M. Underwhelming performances from the group have prevented talented defenses from fully shining in prior seasons.

Last year's starters, Taurean York and second-round NFL Draft pick Edgerrin Cooper, emerged as one of the most promising linebacking duos A&M has seen in a while.

And after seasons of question marks, Scooby has helped solve that mystery.

Williams’ stats vs. Mississippi State
Tackles: 6
Solo Tackles: 2
Pass Breakups: 1
Interceptions: 1
Sacks: 0
TFLs: 2

Williams' 2024 stats
Tackles: 26
Solo Tackles: 13
Pass Breakups: 2
Interceptions: 1
Sacks: 0
TFLs: 4.5