Texas A&M HC Mike Elko, players discuss CFP's selection, preview Miami

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The anticipation reached its apex at around noon on Sunday, as the Texas A&M Aggies waited for the CFP Selection Committee to unveil the program’s fate in the 2025 playoff.

As the No. 7 seed in the CFP, Mike Elko’s squad is set to face the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes in a home playoff game at Kyle Field, slated for an 11 a.m. CT start time on Saturday, Dec. 20. The matchup marks the sixth between the two programs, as Miami holds a 3-2 record against the Aggies all-time. Texas A&M lost, 48-33, on the road against the Hurricanes in 2023, but defeated them the previous year, 17-9, in Bryan-College Station, Texas.

The Aggies’ loss to the Longhorns in the Lone Star Showdown showed there is much to be improved before the first-round contest in 13 days. Sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed struggled against a highly touted Texas defense, throwing for just 180 yards and tossing two interceptions. Still, his leadership and dual-threat ability will be integral against a gritty Miami defense, which ranks No. 11 in FBS in total defense.

Here is everything Elko, linebacker Taurean York and offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III said following Texas A&M’s selection in the CFP:

Elko’s opening statement on Texas A&M hosting a first-round playoff game

“First of all, we’re excited to get playoff football in College Station and host a game at Kyle Field. We’ll play whoever they bring. We’ve got a ton of respect for Miami, it’s an extremely talented football team. It will be exciting to host a playoff game,” Elko said.

Elko’s thoughts on Reed and what he brings to the table in the postseason

“He’s an amazing young man who’s grown into the leader of our offense. His developement is a huge reason why we’re 11-1 and in the position we’re in. He’s a dynamic duel threat kid. He’s embraced the challenge and led us in a lot of ways,” Elko said.

Elko discusses how it feels to be selected for the CFP

“This is the vision when I came to College Station. This is what we believe A&M football is about. Now we’ve got the stage to go out there and show we belong. This is an exciting opportunity for our program to do something we’ve never done before,” Elko said.

Elko on the opportunity to host Miami

“I’m sure the 12th Man will be rocking and it will be a great one,” Elko said.

York’s thoughts on hosting the home playoff game against Miami

“It’s unique, it’s fun and we’re looking forward to hosting a playoff game at Kyle Field,” York said.

York speaks on all the possibilities of who they could have faced, depending on seeding

“It’s unique for sure to see all of the possiblities, but you’ll give yourself a headache if you look too much into it,” York said.

York on what is ahead for the Aggies

“We’re good, we just got back to work. We worked out, lifted weights and did a little bit of football activity,” York said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

York’s thoughts on playing in front of the 12th Man in the CFP

“It’s going to be a legit crowd out here at Kyle Field. It’s going to be rocking, it’s going to be amped up so hopefully, that boosts a little bit of momentum. Ultimately, it’s up to us and doing our job,” York said.

Zuhn describes the moment the Aggies saw their name in the bracket

“It is an honor to be able to play in the playoffs and especially get another home game at Kyle Field, there’s no better feeling than that,” Zuhn said. “We didn’t come here to just get to the playoffs, we came here to win it all so that’s our goal.”

Zuhn on getting one last opportunity to play at Kyle Field

“It’s just amazing because I get one more opportunity in Kyle Field and I’ll never pass up on that opportunity,” Zuhn said. “It means everything because this is our chance to go prove what A&M is and prove exactly what we want to go do so we got to take it one game at a time and our goal is to win it all.”

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko, players discuss playing at Kyle Field in CFP

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