It’s now been over 24 hours after Texas A&M’s (11-1, 7-1 SEC) 27-17 loss to Texas (9-3, 6-2 SEC) on the road. For the Aggie fans still in complete despair after falling to their bitter rivals, it’s time to take a deep breath and remember the Aggies are headed to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

However, this is the era of college football where patience is rare, and even after sitting at 11-0 for the first time since 1992, second-year head coach Mike Elko is under pressure for losing to the Longhorns for the second straight season, but ignoring that minor stat, Elko has made significant progress during his second season after finishing 8-5 during his inagural campaign.

Elko’s six-year extension will be debated if the Aggies don’t continue to improve year after year, but for those who questioned AD Trev Alberts, who also received an extension just a week later, for this decision, Elko’s success on the recruiting trail and his development track, especially on defense, were worthy of investing long-term.

If we’re comparing Texas A&M’s rival, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has led the Longhorns to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff, but did so in Year 3, to Elko, who will lead the Aggies to the CFP in Year 2. This may be apples and oranges, and Sarkisian has more than proven his coaching acumen, but this is just a gentle reminder that one loss against your rival (usually) won’t ruin your season.

Whatever happens in the postseason, Texas A&M’s senior-led roster will experience attrition this offseason, which is another obstacle Mike Elko and his staff will need to address in the transfer portal, starting this month.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: HC Mike Elko has Texas A&M football ahead of schedule in Year 2