Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0) enters Week 8 after resting and recuperating during the first of two bye weeks this season, as head coach Mike Elko and his team are ready to get back to work ahead of facing Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3 SEC) on the road for a Saturday afternoon showdown.
Looking back at the last six matchups with the Bulldogs, the Aggies are a dismal 2-4, including devastating midseason losses that led to poor finishes and even season-ending injuries at key positions. So, it’s fair to say that Aggie fans are worried despite the home team’s ugly 1-5 record.
However, this is a different Texas A&M team under Elko’s guidance, as the culture is stronger than ever, coupled with a focus on physicality and competitiveness that was sorely missing over the last three seasons.
On Wednesday, Elko spoke to reporters during the weekly SEC Teleconference to give a final preview of the Bulldogs before heading to Starkville (MS) on Friday. Here’s what he had to say.
Elko on QB Conner Weigman’s health ahead of Saturday:
“His shoulder is getting healthier and healthier. You’re starting to see him throw the ball the way he wants to.”
Elko notes that no matter the recent success, Texas A&M is still evolving as a team:
“Internally, there are still a lot of areas we need to get better at.”
Elko on facing Mississippi State freshman QB Michael Van Buren
“A kid that has grown tremendously. … He has a big-time arm. He can throw the deep ball really, really well. You saw that last week.”
“With this being his first home start this week, I’m sure he’s really, really excited about that.”
The Aggies know that no matter the Bulldog’s record, this is going to be a dog fight (no pun intended):
“excited with where we are” after a “good, productive bye week.”
“We’re getting ready for what’s going to be a very challenging trip to Starkville.”
Texas A&M will face Mississippi State on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 3:15 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.
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