Texas A&M HC Mike Elko isn't taking South Carolina lightly, especially QB LaNorris Sellers
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Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC) remains the No. 3-ranked team in the country after defeating Missouri (6-3, 2-3 SEC) 38-17 in Columbia on Saturday afternoon, and ahead of the second CFP rankings reveal on Tuesday night, head coach Mike Elko spoke to the media on Monday ahead of the Aggies’ return to Kyle Field first the first time in over a month.
Set to host South Carolina (3-6, 1-6 SEC) for an early 11:00 a.m. kickoff, the Gamecocks have struggled immensely this season, which led to the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Shula and offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, and compared to last season’s surge after blowing out Texas A&M 44-20 in Williams-Brice Stadium, starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers has struggled to find consistency in the pocket.
However, despite the Aggies being nearly a 20-point home favorite, Elko is fully aware of what’s at stake if his team does not perform, especially after Sellers threw for almost 250 yards and two touchdowns, combined with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown, while averaging over 7 yards per carry.
Texas A&M’s 43rd-ranked run defense has been the program’s weak spot, allowing 128 rushing yards per game on average, which, thanks to 12 missed tackles, resulted in Missouri running backs Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts combining for 219 yards and two touchdowns, including Hardy’s 45-yard touchdown run.
“It’s an extremely talented group. They’ve got a quarterback who can beat you with his arm and legs. They’ve got one of the most physically gifted wide receivers I’ve seen in my 30 years of college football. Every Saturday, you’re at risk in this conference. We have to go play a really talented football team, regardless of their record. It’s the same team that beat us by 24 points and embarrassed us last year.”
While the Gamecocks have struggled, including four double-digit losses in SEC play, Elko is right to point out that a lack of talent has not been an issue. South Carolina’s leading wide receivers, Nyck Harbor, who possesses elite speed, and Vandrevius Jacobs, who is equally dangerous downfield, can produce explosive plays if the offensive line holds up.
Before the 2025 season began, LaNorris Sellers was regarded by many as the top quarterback prospect and a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but, due to poor blocking up front, Sellers has thrown for 1,536 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 158 yards and three scores, despite 33 sacks. Still, Elko recognizes that this is the same player who tore up A&M’s defense last season.
“I see the same kid that ran all over us last year. Our kids better see the same kid and understand the challenge and tackle him.”
Sellers’ best performance this season nearly upset No. 4 Alabama, as Sellers threw for 222 yards and ran for 67 yards, falling to the Crimson Tide 29-22 in the final minutes.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko isn’t taking South Carolina lightly in Week 12
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