HC Mike Elko understands the importance of 'finishing' during the 2025 season

USA Today

19-07-2025

Coaching in the college ranks is a constant challenge, no matter the level of experience, as good and bad years aren't simply based on play calling, as Auburn's 2010 season, led by star quarterback Cam Newton, was a team coached by Gene Chizik, who failed to produce a winning season after two years at Iowa State, but struck gold before being dismissed after a 3-9 finish in 2012.
No one has matched Alabama's success under former head coach Nick Saban, while Georgia's Kirby Smart has brought home two titles and is now considered the best coach in the college ranks until further notice. For Elko, the 2024 campaign, his first as the Aggies' head coach, was just his third full season leading a program after two years with Duke, so it's fair to say he is still a small fish looking to make his way to the surface despite being one of sixteen SEC head coaches.
On Thursday, Elko, alongside linebacker Taurean York, guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, and cornerback Will Lee III, spoke to the media during SEC media days, and during Elko's time at the podium, one of the media members in attendance asked about Texas A&M's lack of late season momentum after an impressive 7-1 start resulted in an 8-5 finish, including consecutive losses to Texas at home and USC in the Las Vegas Bowl.
"Finishing" is a term widely used at every level of the game, as the teams that win in October and November usually make it to the postseason, and in this case, the College Football Playoff. Texas A&M has yet to earn a CFP bid since its inception, and with the 12-team expansion implemented last year, the Aggies have a shot to earn a spot in the bracket with at least nine or ten wins.
However, Texas A&M's track record after September and the first half of October has been average to poor over the past six years under Jimbo Fisher. Although much of the same occurred during Elko's first season, he deserves some grace. While praising his talented 2025 roster, Elko provided a reality-based answer for how the team will attack the tough challenges in SEC Play, especially on the road.
"You have to go through some of that sometimes, and as painful as it is and as painful as it was for us, our fans and everybody involved, we had never been in that position before."
"You learn how you have to elevate your game in those matchups when you become that team. … Our kids have a really strong chip on their shoulder to finish that thing the right way."
Texas A&M's comeback 38-23 win over LSU in Kyle Field included an early 17-7 deficit that was quickly eliminated in the second half after the Aggies' defense stepped up to force multiple turnovers, while quarterback Marcel Reed's performance off the bench included three rushing touchdowns.
This team has what it takes to weather any storm this season, but that starts up front with the offensive line and the run game, both expected to be two of the best units in the country.
Meanwhile, Marcel Reed's two weapons at wide receiver and tight end should create a balanced offensive approach. With Mike Elko taking over the defensive play-calling duties, broken coverages should be a thing of the past, and the pass rush should be elevated with more depth.
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