Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies’ dream of a perfect regular season came crashing down last Friday in Austin, with the Aggies suffering their first loss of the season against the Texas Longhorns with an overall record of 11-1.
The Texas-based program’s 27-17 defeat to rival Texas meant that the Aggies couldn’t finish their season with a perfect 12-0 record, an elusive feat that the program hasn’t achieved since 1992. Despite the loss, the Aggies are touted to compete in the college football playoffs, but their overall rankings have taken a hit.
After their loss against the Longhorns, Texas A&M coach Elko, during his National Signing Day press conference, addressed the College Football Playoff selection committee’s rankings, expressing frustration over the lack of clarity in their criteria.
The Texas A&M coach said that his team is all game for playing the college football playoff anytime and anywhere, but he acknowledged how little clarity there is over the committee’s playoff ranking metrics.
“As a football coach, put a ball down, let’s go play. It doesn’t matter: We’ll play anyone, anywhere,” Elko said (43:55).
“From a CEO standpoint, I think we are all screaming for some clarity … of what exactly is the criteria that we’re utilizing to break ties. I don’t know that anybody has a real firm understanding of what that actually is.”
The coach also defended his team’s schedule strength, citing that the Aggies rank 15th nationally in strength of schedule and third in strength of record.
The Aggies’ loss against the Longhorns put them in seventh place, a massive downgrade from the third spot, and they will most likely face Notre Dame in their playoffs.
Concerns Grow Over Marcel Reed’s Injury Status Ahead Of Aggies’ Playoff Push
Meanwhile, concerns about Texas A&M’s quarterback Marcel Reed’s injury status continue to cloud his availability as far as the Aggies’ playoff games are concerned.
The quarterback went down with an ankle injury in the opening quarter against the Longhorns but eventually returned to the game, completing 20 of 32 passes for 180 yards while adding 71 rushing yards.
Aggies’ head coach Mike Elko, while speaking about the impact of Reed’s injury after their loss to Texas last week, acknowledged how his ankle did not influence most parts of the game.
“I don’t think the ankle affected him.I think he still ran the ball well. Until we got to the end of the game, I felt like he was doing the things we needed him to do”, Elko said (3:34)
While his current injury status is unknown, Elko’s assessment of Reed’s injury last week insinuates that the quarterback could feature in Texas’ playoff leg of the season.
Read More:
- ‘No One Will Be Able To Stop Us’ — Mike Elko Makes Bold Promise for Texas A&M Football’s Future
- ‘I’m Doing It My Way’ – Texas A&M HC Mike Elko Opens Up About Losing 10 Players to Transfer Portal
- College Football Heisman Rankings: Odds Reveal Tight Race as Julian Sayin Faces Pressure From Rising Contenders
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
