Mike Elko and the Aggies addressed the media after their season opener against Notre Dame, reflecting on performance and improvements.
Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies began their 2025 season with a highly anticipated showdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With the season opener always being a critical moment for setting the tone, Elko and the Aggies faced a fierce opponent right out of the gate. The meeting with the media following the game would be just as important as the game itself, offering insights into the team’s performance, the state of the roster, and the challenges that lay ahead for the Aggies.
Mike Elko’s Opening Remarks
As the press conference began, Coach Mike Elko stood confidently behind the podium, prepared to field questions from the media about his team’s performance. The mood was a mix of cautious optimism and a desire for improvement. While a victory would have been ideal, Elko wasn’t about to let a season opener dictate the entire outlook of the year.
“We knew we were going to face a tough challenge with Notre Dame,” Coach Elko began. “They’re a well-coached team, and we knew what to expect. But overall, I think we did some good things out there. We had some moments where we really showed what we’re capable of, but there’s also a lot to work on. It’s early in the season, and we’re just getting started.”
Coach Elko’s approach was measured. He didn’t seem overly concerned about any one play or moment in the game, but rather focused on the broader picture. He stressed the importance of continuous improvement, especially as the Aggies looked ahead to an already tough SEC schedule.
Team Performance Review
When asked about the overall performance of his team, Coach Elko first pointed to the defense. Texas A&M had shown flashes of brilliance defensively, particularly in the secondary. Despite facing a potent Notre Dame offense, the Aggies’ defensive backs managed to limit big plays and disrupt the Fighting Irish’s passing game. However, there were moments when Notre Dame’s experience showed, and the Aggies struggled to adjust in certain situations.
“Our secondary did a great job in coverage,” Elko noted. “We were able to disrupt their timing and force them to make some difficult throws. But there were a couple of instances where we didn’t get off the field when we should have. Those are the little things we need to clean up moving forward.”
Defensive pressure was another topic that Coach Elko discussed, as the Aggies’ defensive line struggled to generate consistent pressure on Notre Dame’s quarterback. While they managed to get some sacks and pressures, it wasn’t enough to completely rattle the opposing offense.
“We’ve got some talent up front, but we have to be better at generating pressure on the quarterback,” Elko continued. “We can’t allow them to sit back there and make clean throws all day. We need to be more aggressive and more disciplined in our pass rush. We’ll work on that as we move forward.”
Offensive Growth and Challenges
On the offensive side of the ball, Coach Elko acknowledged the need for growth, especially in the running game. Texas A&M had struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack against Notre Dame’s stout defensive front. The Aggies’ offensive line was able to create some holes, but they weren’t able to sustain the momentum for an entire game.
“Running the ball is crucial for us,” Elko said. “We have the talent to do it, but we weren’t consistent enough. We have to work on our technique and our ability to dominate up front. It’s not just about the backs; it’s about everyone working together to move the line of scrimmage.”
Despite struggles in the running game, Texas A&M’s passing attack showed signs of promise. Quarterback James Morrow, making his first start in a high-profile game, had his ups and downs but showed maturity and the ability to make plays in key situations. Morrow’s ability to extend plays with his legs was a bright spot for the offense, but Elko mentioned that there were still plenty of areas where he needed to improve.
“James showed some good things, but we’re not there yet. He’s a young quarterback who’s still finding his rhythm,” Elko said. “I like the way he handled the pressure, but we need him to be more efficient with his throws and make better decisions in key moments. The talent is there, but the consistency is something we need to develop.”
Special Teams and Game Management
One area where the Aggies had a clear advantage in the game was special teams. Texas A&M’s kicking game was solid, and the Aggies were able to flip the field with some well-executed punts. Elko was quick to praise the special teams unit, noting that they were able to make a significant impact on the game despite the challenges on offense and defense.
“Our special teams were outstanding,” Elko said. “Our punter did a great job of pinning them deep, and our return game created some solid field position. That’s a unit that we can rely on to make a difference in every game.”
While the special teams had a solid showing, Elko emphasized that there was still room for improvement across all phases of the game. He understood that every part of the team would need to be firing on all cylinders if the Aggies were going to make a deep run in the SEC and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As the questions came to a close, Coach Elko turned his attention to the future. He knew that the Aggies would face even tougher challenges as they moved through the rest of the season, but he was confident that his team had the ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’ve got a long season ahead of us,” Elko said. “This game was just one step on the journey. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m excited about where this team can go. We’ve got the right leadership in place, and we’re going to keep improving every week.”
One key focus for Elko was the ability to stay healthy and continue developing younger players, especially as the team faced the grind of a demanding SEC schedule. Injuries, as always, would be a factor, but Elko was confident in the depth that Texas A&M had built over the past few seasons.
“I’m proud of the way our guys fought, but we have to stay healthy and stay focused,” Elko concluded. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, but talent alone doesn’t win games. It’s about how we come together as a team, how we prepare, and how we execute when it counts.”
