On Monday, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko took questions from the media in his weekly fashion just two days after the Aggies blew out McNeese State 52-10 to earn their first victory of the 2024 season.
While winning over any team should provide the same feeling, defeating an FCS program doesn’t quite move the needle, making this weekend’s SEC road test vs. Florida another litmus test for a team that has yet to impress the fan base and media alike.
Unlike most weeks, Elko and his staff must prepare for a two-quarterback system. Florida head coach Billy Napier will reportedly split reps between veteran Graham Mertz and freshman phenom DJ Lagway.
The first-year signal caller threw for 450-plus yards and three touchdowns in his first career start against Samford. It’s safe to say Elko has some challenges ahead this week.
“You don’t really know how they ‘re going to utilize them both. … To some degree, it’s a little bit like an opener.”
Noting Lagway’s recent performance, Elko’s three-year stint as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator/recruiter made him highly familiar with the freshman’s elite skillset.
“He’s an extremely talented kid. … He starting busting on the scene right before I left.”
“It’s a small sample size in college, so you’re still really working off everything you know about him.”
However, Texas A&M could have the upper hand in terms of preparation, as defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, defense line coach Sean Spencer, linebacker Scooby Williams, and cornerback Jaydon Hill were at Florida last season under Napier, with a clear understanding of how the Gator offense and defense potentially plan to attack the Aggies.
“It helps when you have some guys that have some familiarity with the team you’re playing against. It provides some insight to personnel and things like that.”
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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