No. 3 Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0 SEC) will head to Columbia (MO) on Saturday to face No. 22-ranked Missouri (6-2, 2-2 SEC) in what is expected to be the Aggies’ most formidable challenge of the season, facing a Tigers defense that has limited opponents to just over 18 points per game, and has virtually shut down every running attack they’ve faced.
After the Aggies’ Week 10 bye, head coach Mike Elko stated on Monday that his team is ready to get back on the field, while the focus has not let up, knowing that a College Football Playoff berth and a spot in the SEC Championship game are on the line.
On paper, Texas A&M’s passing game, led by starting quarterback Marcel Reed and transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, has been a mismatch for every secondary, and while Missouri’s cornerback rotation has held up, shutting down one of the two Aggie wideouts is the only option, which will likely lead to more explosive plays.
Texas A&M’s pass rush, which has produced 32 sacks in eight games, will look to pressure freshman quarterback Matt Zollers early. At the same time, the defensive line will need to shut down star running back Ahmad Hardy, who leads the SEC in rushing, to make Missouri’s offense one-dimensional.
On Wednesday, Mike Elko spoke during his weekly Aggie Football Hour appearance and had plenty to say regarding Saturday’s massive road test.
Mike Elko on where the Aggies stand, similar to last season
“We were literally in this position 12 months ago. We’ve learned a lot of lessons. We were in the limelight, but it was new, and I don’t know if we handled it the right way. We were still building. A year later, we can do it the right way.”
Mike Elko on how he built the 2025 roster this offseason
“Derek Miller and I sat down when we put this thing together and we knew we had to find players who could make an impact immediately. We were very active in the portal in the first offseason. We tried to find guys who had multiple years left, and you’re seeing that on our defense now.”
Mike Elko on Texas A&M’s postseason goals, and the work ahead
“We’re still progressing, but we’re certainly further along than where we were last year and when I got here. We’re fortunate to have some coaches who have gotten to the end and been in the National Championship. That all goes into the program you want to build, so hopefully this year ends the right way and then everyone in the program has done it.”
Mike Elko on facing a much better Missouri team compared to last season
“I’ve said this to our guys, if we played them 10 times last year, it wouldn’t be that same score again. You can’t predict it. We know this one is going to be a challenge. They’re a playoff team. We have to give them our best.”
Mike Elko on facing Missouri freshman quarterback Matt Zollers
“They’ve got a quarterback they have to build this game plan around. Without a ton of film, it’s hard to predict what that looks like. Our ability to adjust and adapt on the fly will be critical.”
Mike Elko on his text exchange with first-year Texas A&M basketball HC Bucky McMillan after his first win on Monday
“This is the text I got back from him. I texted him congratulating him on his first win and he texted me back that he couldn’t lose a game before I did.”
Mike Elko on staying humble amid the Aggies’ 8-0 start
“There’s no entitlement to success. One of the best ways to do that with my players is to stay grounded in the community. Be aware of the world around you and recognize you have something people don’t, so you’ll work to keep it.”
It’s okay to celebrate!
It’s hard to win, so when we win, I’d really like to enjoy that for 15 minutes. Can we get that broadcast to all the twitter guys? Coach Elko would like to enjoy the press conference after a win.”
Mike Elko on Aggie fans traveling to Missouri this weekend
“Thank you to all the Aggies that are traveling with us. Thank you to all the Aggies who were with us in Baton Rouge. This is a special team. They’re going to be ready to go out there Saturday and lay it all on the line for Texas A&M.”
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said during the Aggie Football Hour
