Texas A&M accomplished its goal of blowing out Missouri State 50-0 for its largest shutout win since 1997, looking like a College Football Playoff contender in the second half after the four new starters along the offensive line improved, paving the way for 150 of the team’s 236 rushing yards.
Entering his second full starting season, quarterback Marcel Reed’s impressive preseason performance translated to Week 1, making several NFL-level throws while completing 70% of his passes for two touchdowns. Combined with Texas A&M’s defense allowing 67 total yards, the Aggies are clearly built to make a postseason run, but plenty of questions remain.
Texas A&M will now host Arizona State for an early Saturday afternoon showdown, which will also serve as the Red, White, and Blue Game to commemorate September 11. This week, Mike Elko, along with starting left tackle Tyree Adams and transfer linebacker Ray Coney, previewed the matchup, while Elko discussed his coaching philosophy during Wednesday’s Aggie Football Hour.
Just one game into his third season, Elko reminded the Aggie fan base why he was hired in the first place, starting with his steadfast focus on building Texas A&M into a championship contender, and, rightfully, ignoring criticism from fans and the media who are, and will likely never be, in his position.
“The reason why I think I can get it done at Texas A&M is because I’ll be the guy who comes in and doesn’t care about the opinions of people who don’t know as much as I do because I’m going to do what I think is right every single day and put everything I have into what I think can make us successful.”
Nationally, Mike Elko is regarded as one of the most trustworthy voices on issues affecting the college football landscape, and he’s been smart to avoid offering his honest opinion on the SEC’s hostile relationship with LSU. After signing his massive extension late last year, Aggie fans can trust that Elko’s work ethic and dedication will match his high salary, which demands results.
After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season, it’s more than fair for the dedicated Texas A&M fan base to expect the Aggies to contend for a CFP spot every year.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko ‘doesn’t care’ about outside opinions
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