Mike Elko’s Texas A&M Still Has Work to Do as ESPN Analyst Confirms Troubling Signs

“This is a win that could be a catalyst to something great,” said a confident Joel Klatt, moving the Aggies to an absolute SEC contender. Texas A&M has been riding high after defeating the powerhouse Irish, 41-40. Adding to the bubbling pot, Mike Elko has been bestowed with the prestigious Bear Bryant and Dodd trophy Coach of the Week honor. While the Aggies relish that delicious pie, a major concern is tugging at the sleeves of Elko & Co. David Pollack and Greg McElroy laid it all bare.

Undoubtedly, Marcus Freeman and Chris Ash received balding criticism over their defense; a college meltdown in the making. But more is the woe, analysts witnessed Aggies buckling defense as well. The program is going 3-0; However, the offensive showdown cannot fill in the glaring gaps for the defense. After nitpicking over the past three games, the defense found its seat at No. 77th nationally, allowing an average of 350 yards per contest, and it’s not rolling smoothly.

“I do wonder a little bit about their defense,” Greg McElroy mulled over the defense on ESPN College Football. “Like they’ve gotten gashed a couple times, which is a concern. Sometimes I feel like they do too much on defense. Like, do you kind of see it the same way? Like, why don’t they just anchor down and just like play their gaps as opposed to like moving and shifting and trying to cause disruption.” During Jeremiyah Love’s 36-yard touchdown, the Aggies’ defense couldn’t keep up with his sprint. He virtually remained untouched, as Aggies Wire’s Cameron Ohnysty put it.

Adding onto that, they tied No. 104th in scoring defense, tallying 28.67 points per game. They allowed 293 passing yards and 147 rushing yards. Although the injuries took their toll on the defensive scheme. During the first half, safety Byrce Anderson collided with the Irish’s tight end Eli Raridon during a 25-yard passing play. He lay motionless on the field as the medical staff attended to him for 10 minutes before transporting him to a local hospital. A catastrophic injury was feared, but fortunately, the reports gave a glimmer of hope. “We are thankful to report that no catastrophic injury was found,” the official statement said.

On the other hand, linebacker Taurean York could have been better at his coverage. He earned 56.1 defensive grade and a 59.9 coverage grade. Last season, as well, York took the blame for the sputtering defense against the Irish. “I feel like the breakdown was me. I missed the tackle on the long touchdown,” he said of Irish’s RB Jadarian Price’s 47-yard TD.

Back to the present. David Pollack nodded in unison, adding to Greg’s argument. “Well, when you do that, you can make big plays like absolutely, and you’re going to get you’re going to make things happen, but when two guys stunt and twist and they both get pushed, that gap becomes enormous; And I think they could do more of that because I do think their secondary is pretty dang good.”  Cornerback Dezz Ricks had a thrilling performance. He just allowed two receptions on six targets.

Although the offense called the shotgun, the defense took the backseat. For the Aggies to make it to the playoffs and more, they need both their units to be agile. For defense against explosive plays, which call for 20+ yards, they are ranked No. 106th nationally. So, that itself, speaks volumes. The defense might be weighing down on Marcel Reed, but the offense is absolutely rolling.

Marcel Reed’s offense is shouldering hope for the future

Marcel Reed threw for 360 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception against Notre Dame, a 41-40 close, crisp win. He drew the Aggies Faithful’s redemption, a heartbreaking season-opener defeat, 13-23. The highlight? The game-winning touchdown as he connected with tight end Nate Boerkircher.

But the wave of criticism crashed right at the Aggies’ roster. Reed completed barely 17-of-37 passes, a completion rate of less than 50%. And Elko stood by his quarterback. “That narrative was never right. That narrative was one of the most unfair narratives,” the head coach said post-game. “The kid was a top-10 returning QB who completed over 60% of his passes….The story just became he can’t throw.”

But Marcel Reed’s victory over the powerhouse Notre Dame flushed the criticism down the drain. His wide receivers, Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, with their agility, sliced through the defense. Craver already registered his name in the Aggies’ record books; The second most yards recorded in a single game, at 207, behind the legendary Mike Evans.