Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said during Wednesday's Aggie Football Hour

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Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC) will enter Week 12 vs. South Carolina (3-6, 1-6 SEC) as the No. 3-ranked team in the latest CFP rankings, and while it’s clear that No. 2 Indiana didn’t impress during the Hoosiers last minute victory over Penn State, the Aggies will likely need to finish 12-0, and win its first SEC Championship to have a shot at the top two playoff seeds.

After defeating Missouri 38-17 in Columbia, head coach Mike Elko and his team are entirely focused on the Gamecocks, knowing that any potential slip-ups could change the course of the season and result in a major shift in the CFP rankings. After hosting South Carolina, only the Samford Bulldogs stand in the way of the regular season finale vs. No. 10 Texas, this time on the road in DKR Stadium.

This week, Elko, starting quarterback Marcel Reed, and junior linebacker Taurean York spoke to the media. At the same time, the second-year head coach made his weekly appearance on the Aggie Football Hour to further praise his roster’s hot start, while previewing the challenge of facing South Carolina quarterback La’Norris Sellers, who tore up the Aggie defense last season.

With just two days before the early 11:00 a.m. kickoff, here is everything Mike Elko had to say during Wednesday’s Aggie Football Hour.

Mike Elko on the work that takes place behind the scenes

“A big piece is understanding where winning comes from. Social media is looking for the most exciting four second clip. Those four seconds are never what you’re doing in the weight room or the extra reps you get in the morning. People don’t see that, but it plays into winning football.”

Texas A&M’s November woes are (hopefully) in the past

“Last year, we got into November with everything on the line and didn’t handle it the right way. We had to live and learn. This year, let’s not get November right for just one week and have to learn for next year. I’m proud of how we’ve handled it, but there’s still something to do next.”

Mike Elko on S Dalton Brooks’ historic day against Missouri

“He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s been swearing to me that he played running back in high school. After he dropped the interception against LSU, I said no you didn’t, there’s no way you played running back in high school.”

Mike Elko on needing to contain QB La’Norris Sellers

“I think our kids have a better understanding. Obviously none of that worked last year and we didn’t tackle him. But after that happens, we now have a better understanding. He’s still an incredible athlete.”

Mike Elko on Texas A&M’s veteran offensive line’s decision to return this season

“We appreciate the belief in the culture. They are great Aggies. Deuce Fatheree II, Trey Zuhn III, and Dametrious Crownover have all been here through the ups and downs of this program. We play seven guys that have earned the right to play. We’re fortunate.”

Mike Elko on his vision for the program

“We want kids who fit us and want to build our championship culture. It’s so flashy when kids transfer, but the reality is the best teams are built by players who have been in the program for a long time. Then, you find those supplemental pieces like KC Concepcion, Mario Craver, and Cashius Howell to add for an impact.”

Mike Elko thanks the 12th Man for their continued support this season

“It means a lot for the 12th Man to come support us, and it means a lot to me that this program represents exactly what they deserve.”

Mike Elko on facing South Carolina’s defense

“Everybody has edge rushers, but these are a cut above. Dylan Stewart is dynamic. We have to keep Marcel Reed clean and can’t allow their defensive line to take over the game.”

Mike Elko on the former Texas A&M players who recently visited the programs

“The more guys that get back and around the program, that’s when it’s really fun. The players who paved the way for it to become what it is get to come back and enjoy it.”

Revenge game on Saturday?

“Just because you get a rematch and want success, that doesn’t get you anything. You’ve got to focus different, train different, and change the result.”

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything HC Mike Elko said during Wednesday’s Aggie Football Hour

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