Mike Elko Drops Unexpected Bombshells in Monday’s Press Conference—What It Means for Texas A&M’s Future
Texas A&M put on a much-improved showing in their 44–22 triumph over Utah State, shaking off the defensive woes that had clung to them like a stubborn shadow the week before . Aside from a late touchdown against a backup squad, the Aggies dominated large stretches of the contest, signaling real progress on both sides of the ball. Now, the stakes escalate sharply: Saturday’s mission is a daunting road test against the legendary Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a top-10 titan with history and heft that can’t be ignored. Last year, the Irish snatched a 23–13 win at Kyle Field before Texas A&M rallied with seven consecutive victories. This time, the Aggies aim to flip the script and make a resounding statement before plunging into conference play. The team’s cohesive performance against Utah State—with standout contributions from Marcel Reed and a defense that slashed missed tackles to a mere three while punching out six sacks—cements the notion that a flawless, collective effort is essential to maintaining their undefeated march. With Coach Elko’s optimism palpable ahead of this marquee clash, anticipation is soaring for a showdown that promises grit, strategy, and heart on both grids.
Texas A&M looked better in their 44–22 win over Utah State. Minus a late touchdown against a third-string defense, the Aggies looked dominant for the majority of the game, cleaning up many of the defensive issues that had plagued them the week before.
Saturday will be the Aggies’ first top-10 matchup of the season and will be on the road against the historic Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Last season, ND came to Kyle Field and left with a 23–13 victory before A&M rattled off seven straight wins. The Aggies would like to return the favor with a statement win before entering conference play in a few weeks.
Overall, A&M played a complete game when they hosted Utah State, with Marcel Reed and the wide receiver group clicking well, considering the new faces on the field. The defense took a significant step forward, reducing its missed tackles from 13 to 3, and recorded six sacks. It will take a complete team effort with minimal mistakes if they want to stay undefeated this season.
On Monday, Elko spoke to the media during his weekly press conference. Here’s what he had to say ahead of Saturday’s Week 3 showdown:
Elko recaps the Utah State game as a whole
“Recapping Utah State first, I thought when we went back and watched the film, you saw us moving in the right direction. There was definitely progress on both sides of the ball.”
Elko on the offense against Utah State
“We were able to create explosives in the passing game a different kind of way, pushing the ball down the field. That’s good to see.”
Elko on the defense against Utah State
“I thought, by and large, we took positive steps forward defensively. We were really good on third downs defensively, which is an area we wanted to make strides in.”
Elko is excited for the next challenge
“Excited for where we are, and now we turn our attention to the challenge we’ve been waiting for.” “We’re excited for the opportunity. Excited for the stage.”
Elko on what he expects from Notre Dame
“Obviously, the schemes are similar. They’re pretty well-entrenched in who they are and what they do.” “Last year, there was a lot more unknown. It was Coach (Mike) Denbrock’s first game as the OC. It was our first game as a staff.”
Elko on his team facing a Top-10 team on the road
“It’d be naive to think that our kids don’t understand the magnitude of going to play a top-10 opponent on the road. This is a big opportunity.”
Elko on Mario Craver’s strong start
“He’s certainly trained at a more consistent level. Part of that is just his maturity… He took a pounding as a true freshman in the SEC, and he has done some things to improve his body.”
Elko on Notre Dame’s secondary
“It’s one of the most talented groups in the country, for sure. Leonard Moore is a kid we’re very familiar with. We tried really hard to get him at Duke.”
“They play a lot of man coverage. They play it really, really well because they have a lot of talented players there.”
Elko has a lot of respect for Norte Dame
“For me, I have a ton of respect for the program, the history, the tradition that is Notre Dame. I had a great year when I was there, and it’ll be exciting to go back. I don’t know if there is any nostalgia in my return.”
Elko on KC Concepcion
“He has a tremendous work ethic. I really enjoy the way he competes day in and day out. That really showed itself throughout the offseason.”
“He wants to be great, and that shows every day.”
Elko on how last season can help in big games this season
“Hopefully, some of the stages and some of the opportunities we were in last year will help.”
“Those were all opportunities for us to learn and grow. The more you get into the opportunities, you understand the emotions that go into these kinds of games. … It’s going to feel different.”
Elko on Cashius Howell and Myles Garrett
“We’ve had a really, really good run. I don’t know if I would call us D-Line University, but we’ve had a really, really good run.”
“Since I got here in ’18, we’ve had more D-linemen drafted in the NFL than any other team in the SEC.”
Elko on Notre Dame QB CJ Carr
“He’s a really talented kid. I think he’s got a big arm. You saw that in the spring game. You saw that in his high school tape.”
“Him making his first start on the road down at Miami, those are always difficult situations for young quarterbacks… He made plays. I’m sure he has plans to make a few more on Saturday night.”
Elko on playing at Notre Dame Stadium
“It’s different. I don’t know if it plays different. The thing I’ve always said about Notre Dame is that you can feel tradition.”
“You feel the tradition. You feel the history. You feel what that program has meant to college football for so long… It’s a cool place.”
Elko on last seasons game
“Last year’s game was a really high-quality football game. It was two high-quality teams making a bunch of plays against each other, and I don’t think this one will be much different.”
Elko on Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
“I’d imagine that he’ll be a pretty big feature of what they’re going to do Saturday night.”
Elko on the new transfer portal proposal
“I think it’s a phenomenal idea. I think that we’re going to do it at the end of one season before the start of another one is a great idea.”
“Hopefully, it goes through. It’ll be best for everybody. We’re all for players having the opportunities that they need to have, but when you talk about revenue sharing, you’re really talking about cap management.”
Notes from the presser:
- Elko confirmed Marcel Reed and Trey Zuhn III are good to go for Saturday
- Elko did not consider putting Reed in the Notre Dame game last season
- Elko named the following as the team’s players of the week
- OL: Mark Nabou Jr.
- DL: T.J. Searcy
- Offense: Marcel Reed
- Defense: Cashius Howell
- ST: Terry Bussey
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