Texas A&M’s Week 3 road test vs. No. 8 Notre Dame is highly significant for both programs, especially the Fighting Irish, who can’t start 0-2 and still have a chance at making the College Football Playoff. For coach Mike Elko, defeating Notre Dame on the road would be the second time in his career after facing the Irish during his two-year head coaching stint at Duke.
On Wednesday, Elko spoke during his weekly SEC Teleconference, discussing the massive game ahead while continuing to reflect on his longtime association with Notre Dame, which dates back to his time as the historic program’s defensive coordinator during the 2017 season. Heading into Saturday, this will be the third consecutive year Elko will face Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman, but the first time he’ll see new QB CJ Carr.
Advertisement
During Texas A&M’s first two wins over UTSA and Utah State, starting quarterback Marcel Reed has thrown for 509 yards and seven touchdowns. At the same time, transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver have been nothing short of stellar, combining for seven total touchdowns, with Craver currently leading the team with 236 receiving yards.
If the Aggies plan to pull off what would be a shocking upset, Marcel Reed will need to make plays with his arm and his legs, while A&M’s run defense can’t allow Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to wreck the game, despite his slow start to the season.
Here is everything Mike Elko said during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference.
Elko on the challenge ahead
“Excited for the challenge. Excited for the opportunity. It’s a great venue. It’s a historic program that played for the national championship last year. We’re excited and ready to go.”
Advertisement
Elko on the future of nonconference scheduling
“Maybe there is a little bit of an eye on trying to identify opportunities to play more home games whenever possible. When you can find ways to play eight in Kyle Field, that’s always super cool… We like these marquee matchups, and in order to get these, you usually have to do home-and-homes.”
Elko on returning to Notre Dame Stadium
“Obviously, we have a ton of respect for Notre Dame Stadium and the tradition and history that exists there and the current success that exists there.”
“I know what the atmosphere is like. I know what the electricity is like. You’re never fully prepared for those environments, but playing in this conference, you get plenty of opportunities.”
Elko on his familiarity with Notre Dame after consecutive matchups
“This will be the third year in a row that I’ve played against them.”
“Obviously, this is kind of a new team with a new quarterback and a new defensive coordinator, so there are some added wrinkles and challenges that come with that.”
Elko on facing talented Notre Dame QB CJ Carr
“(CJ Carr is) extremely talented. He went into a really difficult environment in Game 1 and played very, very well.”
“I’m sure he’s learned from his first start and had a chance during the bye week to regroup, and I expect him to come out and try to have a big night on Saturday.”
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko previews Notre Dame during SEC Teleconference
