With a 16-10 victory over the Auburn Tigers in the SEC opener officially in the books, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is preparing his team for an extremely dangerous and different-look Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 6.
The Aggies achieved much success defensively to open league play Saturday, as the team recorded five sacks on quarterback Jackson Arnold and only allowed 125 passing yards in the contest. Compared to last year’s unit, which ranked 90th in FBS with 232.2 passing yards allowed per game, Texas A&M’s 2025 secondary has displayed flashes of improvement in defending the pass.
That will be integral against an MSU squad that ranks as the fifth-best scoring offense in the SEC this season. Quarterback Blake Shapen, mixed with running backs like Fluff Bothwell and Davon Booth, are explosive athletes that bring a variety of attributes to Bryan-College Station, Texas, this Saturday night. If Texas A&M’s defensive front continues to show improvement, along with the secondary unit, the Aggies could make it incredibly difficult for MSU’s offense to find any production, however.
The Aggies’ rushing attack also impressed against the Auburn run defense that ranked fifth in FBS heading into the weekend, as Le’Veon Moss, Reuben Owens II and Amari Daniels combined for 233 rushing yards and the only Texas A&M touchdown against the Tigers. However, the offensive line will need to protect quarterback Marcel Reed better to succeed against an improved Bulldog defensive unit that locked down Tennessee’s rushing attack and almost upset the Volunteers during the Week 5 slate.
In preparation for the second SEC contest of the 2025 campaign, here is everything Elko said in Monday’s press conference:
Elko opens press conference by acknowledging the death of Reveille IX
Elko’s message to fans ahead of Saturday’s contest against Mississippi State
Elko names program’s players of the week
After film review, Elko talks defensive success
Elko mentions fourth-quarter effort
Elko speaks on mental errors against Auburn
Elko discusses issue in establishing leverage on defense
Elko talks about linebacker Taurean York’s productive performance
Elko on this year’s Mississippi State squad
Elko explains what this game means for MSU transfer wideout Mario Craver
Elko gives update on Scooby Williams’ status
Elko with more comments on York’s performance
Elko talks about cornerback Dezz Ricks and his constant improvement
Elko’s biggest takeaway from Auburn win
Elko talks about Craver’s recruitment to Texas A&M
Elko on the “Cabo” fund
Elko comments on impressive Aggie TE room
Elko gives thoughts on his group as a whole
Elko on cleaning up penalties moving forward
Elko gives more comments on extensive penalties
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said ahead of hosting Mississippi State
Reporting by Dylan Flippo, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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