Aggies’ Mike Elko calls Florida the most talented team they faced originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko didn’t downplay what’s coming. “I think Florida’s by far and away the most talented team that we’ve played this year,” he said. “They’ve played in two top-10 road environments already, so they’re going to be well-versed in what this is like and what it’s going to be like coming in here.”
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At 5-0, the Aggies are finding balance in all phases. Quarterback Marcel Reed continues to grow into his role, throwing for 1,256 yards and 11 touchdowns. “He’s doing a lot of his work from the pocket now,” Elko said. “Last year he was too quick to run. He wasn’t 100% confident in his progressions. I think when you watch him play now, you see a much more mature quarterback.”
The Aggies’ identity starts with physicality. “Our ability to run the ball helps,” Elko said. Le’Veon Moss has battled through illness to post 343 rushing yards and five scores, while Mario Craver has emerged as a dependable threat downfield with 557 yards receiving. “The difference between a touchdown and a field-goal drive is enormous in terms of how the game plays out,” Elko emphasized.
Elko’s defense has been equally disruptive. Cashius Howell leads the SEC with seven sacks, and Daymion Sanford earned defensive honors after posting nine tackles and an interception. “When you talk about what it really takes to build a program in this conference week in and week out, you need a lot of kids to be bought in,” Elko said. “Fortunately, Daymion was ready when his number was called.”
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Saturday night, Elko’s unbeaten Aggies meet the talented Gators. “They’ll be full of confidence. We’ll be ready.”
