Texas A&M defeated Auburn16-10 behind an elite defensive performance, resulting in the Aggies’ first 4-0 start since 2016, and first undefeated start under second-year head coach Mike Elko. These are the positives from Saturday’s victory, but scoring just 16 points after gaining 414 yards on offense, Texas A&M could have easily lost this game.
Thankfully, the defense, which held Auburn to 0-13 on third down and just 115 total yards, won the game amid 13 Texas A&M penalties, leading to several failed offensive drives that should have resulted in points. These penalty issues, including offensive holding, two personal fouls, and, again, more holding, can be avoided with more focus in practice, hopefully leading to better results.
After every win or loss, we in the media try to keep every post-game question based in reality, but after Saturday’s close win, Mike Elko wasn’t having it. A handful of questions the head coach deemed as “negative” led to Elko’s emphatic response before continuing the press conference.
“Does anyone want to ask a question about us being 4-0 for the first time since 2016… . I don’t mean to sound like someone else but my gosh would you guys stop being so dreadful and gloomy”
That “someone else” comment is vague and could be referring to anyone, while On3 believes Elko was taking a humorous shot at LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who has a long history of spats with the media after close wins. We’ll likely never know if this was merely a joke, but on its face, Elko isn’t looking to discuss the negatives when there are plenty of positive takeaways that deserve the focus.
From a journalistic perspective, holding coaches accountable is key, but the elite defensive effort does deserve substantial praise over the penalty issues. Even starting quarterback Marcel Reed wasn’t having it, delivering his own postgame message to those in the media/fan base after finishing the day 15/22 for 207 yards and an interception.
“Just stay with us. We are going to keep performing to the best of our ability… If you want to be on our side, be on our side. If you don’t, then don’t.”
With a 4-1 Mississippi State team, coming off a close OT home loss to Tennessee, making its way to Kyle Field next weekend, the Aggies will continue to be challenged, and fairly judged if he time of unbalanced performances results in losses instead of close wins.
Full clip of Texas A&M coach Mike Elko taking issue with the questions he was getting from the media after a 16-10 win over Auburn. pic.twitter.com/lmkk8HG0Lw
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) September 28, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko sends message to media after win over Auburn
