Tag: SEC Teleconference

Texas A&M HC Mike Elko provides an update on OL Chase Bisontis’s impending return

Starting left guard Chase Bisontis is on track to return to the lineup very soon

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko knows what’s at stake over the next three games. The Aggies are currently the 15th-ranked team in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, sitting at 7-2 and 5-1 in SEC play. Is the ranking accurate, fair, etc.? It’s all up for debate.

However, Elko knows that defeating New Mexico State, Auburn (on the road), and Texas will guarantee a spot in the SEC Championship, but knowing if that’s enough to reach the 12-team playoff is still up in the air.

On Wednesday, Elko spoke to the local Aggie media during the weekly SEC Teleconference, providing an important and positive update on starting left guard Chase Bisontis. Bisontis has missed the last three games due to a lower-body injury.

“He’s still working back in, and we’re hoping to get him back as soon as possible.”

While Elko’s quote is vague, I don’t expect Bisontis to be ready this weekend, which means next Saturday’s road test against Auburn and, of course, the season finale against the Texas Longhorns.

Before his injury, Bisontis was playing at an All-SEC level, as his summer switch to guard was the right move by Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing.

No. 14 Texas A&M will host New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 16. The game will air on SEC Network at 6:45 p.m. CT.

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Everything Gators HC Billy Napier said during SEC teleconference

Gators head coach Billy Napier emphasized using the bye week for improving and getting healthier.

Florida football head coach Billy Napier met with the media on Wednesday during the SEC teleconference.

The Gators are coming off a victory over the Kentucky Wildcats last Saturday and are currently on a bye week.

Napier emphasized using this week to work on improvement and growth, as well as a time to get players healthy. He also talked about the importance of Florida’s first bye week and how the team wants to replicate that because the Gators got better as a unit, especially defensively.

Florida started their season with a 2-2 record and since that bye, they’ve managed to go 2-1 including an overtime loss at Tennessee.

Here’s everything Napier said on Wednesday.

Opening Statement

“We got back on the grass yesterday. Obviously, the open date coming at a good time. I do think we’ve got some areas on our team where we could – this week will be critical, so good fundamental work yesterday.

“We will put the pads on again today and tomorrow, and these will be a very competitive, you know, we’ll be working a bunch of situations that we feel like we need to improve at, and certainly, we’re trying to develop other, you know, some of these young players on our team to get ready for the stretch that we got coming up.

“So just really working on getting some of these vets healthy, and then obviously developing some of the young players. Really pleased with the leadership on our team and our staff, I thought they did a great job. We were well-prepared and played extremely hard against Kentucky.

“Obviously, we have areas where we need to continue to improve, you know, and that’s what we’re consumed with right now. So excited about this week and what it can do to help our team. We got to continue to work here to improve.”

The importance of the first bye week for the Gators

“I think ultimately that week was about our players taking ownership of the first part of the season, you know, I think the staff did a really good job. I think there was a ton of collaboration between players and staff, and that’s what made it work, you know, I think we have – this group has got some character, you know, I really respect the resiliency that they’ve shown.

“Obviously could have splintered a while back, but I think ultimately we continue to improve as a team.

“So yeah, I mean, I think we ultimately put the ball down, we did a ton of call-it, moved the field, we worked a bunch of situations, we made it very competitive, and I think that that led to better practice habits. I think there were also a lot of other areas, from a technical standpoint, that we worked on specifically.

“But, yeah, we’re going to do the same thing today and tomorrow that we did in the prior open date, and I think that allows us – got to keep the sword sharp. You know, obviously getting ready to play against some elite teams over the next couple of weeks.”

DJ Lagway’s unique abilities and willingness to attack downfield

“Well, I think he (Lagway) – probably what’s unique is just the accuracy of the deep ball. I mean, I think that’s what jumps out to me, is, you know, when he does throw it in the deep part of the field, down the middle of the field, or on the outside third, is his accuracy, and he showed that.

“He’s got a, a really unique talent that he has, you know, he’s been able to be very accurate with it down the field. So he’s going through progressions, much like all of our quarterbacks do, I just think when he does pull the trigger, he’s able to throw a strike, you know.

“So I think that’s the strength of his, obviously we’re going to build off of that created a bunch of explosive plays the other day. That’s a big part of winning, you know, I think the turnover margin was like seven to one, and we created a bunch of explosives, and that’s a recipe for success and winning football, so we have to continue to do it.”

Regarding Jabbar Juluke’s impact and the running back room

“Well Jabbar (Juluke), I think number one Jabbar, was a high school coach, you know, and I think he has a unique, sincere care for players. He does a great job mentoring the players, and runs a tight ship, you know. He does a nice job really modeling what you would want from the players, and then he holds them very accountable.

“I never have to worry about the running backs, I mean, that group is always toeing the line, and they do it off the field, and they have great practice habits.

“And he does a good job teaching, and he has got a framework for success. I mean, I think obviously at Louisiana, we had three NFL backs. We were very productive there with the other players that we had, Chris Smith, Emani Bailey, not to mention the three NFL players, Trey Ragas, Elijah Mitchell, Raymond Calais. And then we come here, we bring Montrell (Johnson) with us, obviously. And then Trevor Etienne, as a rookie, played well for us.

“And then these guys are the next, next generation, you know. I think Jadan (Baugh) obviously stepped up for our team in a major way. And there’s a culture in that room. And I think you take guys like Montrell Johnson, they’re good examples to guys like Jadan Baugh who obviously has some ability.

“We got good solid play from Ja’Kobi (Jackson) as well. And we’re excited about potentially KD Daniels. KD, he’s starting to become, he’s getting healthier, I would say.

“So it’s a good room, you know, we got to keep them healthy. And obviously, Treyaun Webb is on that list as well, and he’s obviously closer to being available for the game. So feel good about getting healthy over the next couple weeks with that group.”

Fan interaction and urgency to make quick decisions on reviewed calls

“Yeah. I mean, I think your first question there, I think any time we spend on that, we’re wasting time. I think we have an obligation to the people that we lead, that we have to try to be objective and make decisions in the best interest of the team.

“I mean we coach football and play football in the SEC, it’s always going to be very passionate. You’re always going to have, there’s always going to be a ton of praise and there’s always going to be a ton of criticism, right? So we just have to stay the course and continue to, you know, work extremely hard for our people.

“I do think the officiating piece, look, we have – those guys have got a difficult job to do, much like we do. So, you know, I think ultimately, for me, we try to do as much as we can on our end to educate our staff and our players throughout the year, have a good working relationship with those guys, and then obviously, anytime we disagree, we express that. It’s very professional.

“And certainly in our league, I would say that we have as good of crews as anywhere in the country, so no complaining on my end. I’ve got my own grass to mow at the University of Florida.”

Coming up for Florida

The Gators are off next week due to their bye week. The next matchup for Florida will be against the Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 2 in Jacksonville. That game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on ABC.

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Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference

Head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies will be ready to take on the challenges Mississippi State present

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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Texas A&M HC Mike Elko praises backup QB Marcel Reed’s versatility

Marcel Reed is highly respected among the Texas A&M coaching staff

Just three days before Texas A&M (1-1) takes on the Florida Gators (1-1) in the swamp, Aggies head coach Mike Elko discussed several topics during his weekly SEC Teleconference appearance, including the progress made by backup quarterback Marcel Reed, who played the entire second half of the 52-10 win over McNeese State.

While starting quarterback Conner Weigman will make his third start of the season vs. Florida, Elko’s confidence in the redshirt sophomore’s backup should have fans feeling comfortable going into every game this season if something were to happen.

While I couldn’t be on the call, GigEm247’s Carter Karels stated that Reed earned the backup job after battling with Jaylen Henderson due to his impressive arm strength and notable versatility as one of the faster players on the roster.

“Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko talking about Marcel Reed winning the backup QB job during his weekly SEC Teleconference. Said he has tremendous arm talent and he can make things happen with his legs. Noted he had a strong spring game and preseason camp.”

For those who feel Weigman still has plenty to prove, as the saying goes, competition breeds excellence, so Reed’s continued improvement should only make Weigman perform at a higher level.

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.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Nick Saban comments on sign-stealing, more on SEC teleconference

What Nick Saban said during his weekly SEC teleconference

The Alabama football team is in the midst of its bye week ahead of their Week 10 matchup on the first weekend in November against the LSU Tigers.

Even though the Crimson Tide are enjoying a break from game preparation, the work never ends and that includes certain duties for head coach [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag].

On Wednesday, Coach Saban would make his weekly appearance on the SEC teleconference to discuss his team and other events around the conference and the sport of college football in general.

Below is everything Coach Saban has to say on Wednesday during the Crimson Tide’s bye week.

Jimbo Fisher, Nick Saban preview Texas A&M vs. Alabama during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference

On Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban preview Alabama’s pivotal road trip to College Station to face Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon.

This a big one, folks. On Saturday, Oct. 7, Alabama (4-1, 2-0 SEC) will travel to College Station to face the surging Texas A&M Aggies (4-1, 2-0 SEC) in a potential battle for the SEC West, as both remain the only unbeaten SEC West teams as we enter Week 6.

On Wednesday, Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher and Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke to the media during their annual SEC Teleconference, as Fisher remains just one of two former Saban assistants to defeat the future Hall of Fame coach, with his sole victory coming in 2021 after former Aggie kicker Seth Small hit a memorable game-winning field goal to seal the 41-38 victory.

Despite both head coaches’ admiration for their mutual success so far this season, this matchup is poised to be vastly different compared to years past, as on paper, a talent differential barely exists. While both teams rely on their borderline elite defenses, this battle will likely come down to the quarterback battle between Texas A&M signal-caller Max Johnson and Alabama duel-threat Jalen Milroe.

For the last time until the final whistle blows, here are Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban’s quotes during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference.