Everything Texas A&M football's HC said entering Week 12 contest against South Carolina

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After dominating the Missouri Tigers in Columbia on Saturday, the Texas A&M Aggies are 6-0 in Southeastern Conference play for the first time since the program joined the league in 2012.

It was all Maroon and White at Faurot Field, as the team produced 464 yards of total offense against the Missouri defensive unit that ranked No. 1 in the conference in total production entering the contest against the Aggies. Sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed continued to impress and add to an already impressive Heisman campaign, as he went 20-of-29 for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 29 yards. In the absence of running back Le’Veon Moss, Rueben Owens II stepped up big for the Aggies by securing 102 yards and two scores on the ground.

Everything is in front of this program with just three games remaining in the regular season, as long as they remain healthy and consistent, while also not taking a team like South Carolina for granted on Saturday. While 2025 has presented its own challenges for head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, they still have one of the most athletic and dangerously talented quarterbacks at the helm.

Here is everything Elko said about his team’s performance against the Tigers in CoMo, along with a preview of this weekend’s matchup against the Gamecocks in College Station.

Elko discusses the upcoming AggiesCAN food drive

“We just kicked off the AggiesCAN food drive. That’s the nation’s largest student-run canned food drive. To all the people who support our program and are coming out this Saturday, please donate. It benefits the Brazos Valley Food Bank,” Elko said.

Elko announces Texas A&M’s players of the week

Elko talks about the importance of finishing games

“It starts with the work we do with Coach Moffitt and the strength staff. They have a maturity about this team where they know they need to elevate their play in the fourth quarter. They know what it takes to elevate at the end,” Elko said.

Elko describes the mindset behind calling the fake punt against Mizzou

“We had an on-field debate on whether or not Missouri was giving us the look we wanted, and ultimately they ran it and it worked,” Elko said.

Elko gives a status update on linebacker Scooby Williams

“Good. Getting better every week and we’ll see how he’s doing this week goes,” Elko said.

Elko on what he’s seen from South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers on film

“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,” Elko said.

Elko discusses Ar’Maj Reed-Adams leaving during the first half

“He’s fine,” Elko said.

Elko on how it feels to return to Kyle Field on Saturday

“I stood on the podium after the Florida game and said hopefully when we return to Kyle Field, we’ll return with a lot on the line. And now there is a lot on the line. The 12th Man always shows up, and I know they’ll show up even more this Saturday,” Elko said.

Elko’s response when asked about potentially involving safety Dalton Brooks more on offense

“He should’ve scored on both of them,” Elko said. “That’s a game you dream of when you play safety to have 78 yards. Huge momentum plays for our team.”

Elko’s thoughts on Cashius Howell’s senior campaign

“He has really helped himself a lot coming back this year. Because of all of that, I would love for that to end with him setting the single season sack record, getting tons of recognition, and feeling like he made a great decision for himself and his family,” Elko said.

Elko on the team’s mindset when leading in the fourth quarter

“We like to play to win, so when you get those leads in the fourth quarter, we like to be smart with how we win the game. I tell our kids that if you want to play for a team that stat-pads in the fourth quarter, that won’t be here. We focus on winning the game,” Elko said.

Elko on his defense’s improvement this year

“The staff came together to make sure we tightened up what we were doing. It’s Year 2, so there’s continuity that comes from the staff being together. I don’t think it has much to do with the play calling, more so just our group being together and on the same page,” Elko said.

Elko talks about what E.J. Smith has brought to the table

“It’s an awesome story for our program and who he is as a kid. The character it takes to come back for your last year of football, keep working, and make critical plays that help us win football games. Championship football looks like that. It’s 3rd and 2 when a guy lowers his shoulder and get’s 2.5 yards. Those things matter when you talk about why we’re having success,” Elko said.

Elko on Reed’s checkdown to KC Concepcion for a score

“He’s made a lot of growth. He went through a learning curve at a really high level last year. Credit to him for everything he put in during the offseason to be able to do that this year,” Elko said.

Elko’s thoughts on Zuhn’s ability to play tackle and center

“He’s a veteran player. His knowledge of college football matters a lot. Whatever you throw at him, he attacks to be as good as possible. NFL teams carry seven to eight offensive lineman, so if you don’t have position flexibility at the next level, you may always be on the chopping block. That’s how we sell it to our guys. Trey is going to have unbelievable value,” Elko said.

Elko’s early thoughts ahead of the Week 12 matchup against South Carolina

“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,” Elko said.

Elko’s thoughts on South Carolina’s new offensive coordinator following the firing of Mike Shula

“It’s really challenging. It’s a blank slate that they get a week to look at our defense and formulate a plan. They’ll have a strong plan, so it will be a whirlwind early in the game to figure out where its going,” Elko said.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M football’s HC Mike Elko said entering Week 12

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