Texas A&M Football
Sponsored by

From 8-5 to 11-1 in Year 2 of the Elko Era... in the SEC... and into the playoffs

3,277 Views | 28 Replies | Last: 3 days ago by MaroonStain
jturner181
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:39a, 12/4/25
AG
Yes, we lost a couple games we would love to have won...
Yes, Elko would love to have won those as well...

BUT, look at the grand picture... We are in the College Football Playoffs and likely HOSTING a team. (When has that ever happened in BCS? Never!)

This is an historic year. Enjoy it Ags.

Elko has us improving, getting stronger, better, and actually developing talent. I thought for sure we would be a 6-6 team this year, perhaps 7-5 without all that talent on the DL, but Elko, Moffit, and others developed what we had and shocked me. We have been far better than I expected, in such a short order, AND they were very successful in evaluating and attracting portal talent to get us here. (KC, Mario, many others).

I'm very optimistic about what I've seen, the outcomes beyond my expectations, and they seem to be doing it the right way - hard work, grit, improving, and establishing more of a winning culture vs "next year" mentality. This year could have definitely been a "next year" for me - and Elko rejecting that mindset.

We have the right man at the helm... and he has my full confidence heading into the post-season, the playoffs, recruiting, spring football, and our team getting better, deeper, stronger every year.

And one more thing... and I've always been a fan of this philosophy... they are recruiting incredible speed unlike any coaching staff I've seen here, or perhaps anywhere at the collegiate level. We are going to have a team full of 10.x guys at the skill positions and competition won't be able to keep up with us... zero chance! If speed is our new DNA, our new identity, I like it... you can't coach it and teams will wear themselves out trying to defend it.

Let's make double digit wins the norm around here... and Elko/staff seem to know what it takes to get there. W/Jimbo, perhaps that 6-6 or 7-5 would be more realistic.
Reply Quote
41
pirmag
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:30a, 12/4/25
AG
Hopefully we can continue to build the roster and have some continuity. No question that we benefited from a favorable schedule this year. In the few past years where we had a chance to benefit from scheduling, we could not do it. Gig'em!
Reply Quote
2
12thmanfootball
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:59a, 12/4/25
AG
Quote:
Yes, we lost a couple games we would love to have won...
Yes, Elko would love to have won those as well...

BUT, look at the grand picture... We are in the College Football Playoffs and likely HOSTING a team. (When has that ever happened in BCS? Never!)

This is an historic year. Enjoy it Ags.

Elko has us improving, getting stronger, better, and actually developing talent. I thought for sure we would be a 6-6 team this year, perhaps 7-5 without all that talent on the DL, but Elko, Moffit, and others developed what we had and shocked me. We have been far better than I expected, in such a short order, AND they were very successful in evaluating and attracting portal talent to get us here. (KC, Mario, many others).

I'm very optimistic about what I've seen, the outcomes beyond my expectations, and they seem to be doing it the right way - hard work, grit, improving, and establishing more of a winning culture vs "next year" mentality. This year could have definitely been a "next year" for me - and Elko rejecting that mindset.

We have the right man at the helm... and he has my full confidence heading into the post-season, the playoffs, recruiting, spring football, and our team getting better, deeper, stronger every year.

And one more thing... and I've always been a fan of this philosophy... they are recruiting incredible speed unlike any coaching staff I've seen here, or perhaps anywhere at the collegiate level. We are going to have a team full of 10.x guys at the skill positions and competition won't be able to keep up with us... zero chance! If speed is our new DNA, our new identity, I like it... you can't coach it and teams will wear themselves out trying to defend it.

Let's make double digit wins the norm around here... and Elko/staff seem to know what it takes to get there. W/Jimbo, perhaps that 6-6 or 7-5 would be more realistic.

Reply Quote
1
12thmanfootball
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:01a, 12/4/25
AG
One of the best posts on Texags (above), I hope we can stay great especially with the SEC schedule next few years, it ain't gonna be easy for anyone in the SEC.
Reply Quote
4
Jeeper79
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:04a, 12/4/25
AG
Next year will be brutal, but it's the new normal, just win.
Reply Quote
5
Tex117
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to jturner181 • 7:08a, 12/4/25
AG
I don't disagree that a step forward has been taken. And maybe even a big step depending on a playoff run.

That said, next year is going to be a much tougher schedule. Very real possibility of going 3-3 right off the bat.

All that said, again, all looks like it's heading in the right direction. And can be sustained

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
Reply Quote
5
Bill Superman
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:10a, 12/4/25
AG
But there's gotta be something to cry about, or at least some pots to bang. Sip is the only game that matters, we would rather go 1-11 and beat sip, or something like that they said.
Reply Quote
4
TxAg76
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Bill Superman • 7:48a, 12/4/25
AG
Bill Superman said:
But there's gotta be something to cry about, or at least some pots to bang. Sip is the only game that matters, we would rather go 1-11 and beat sip, or something like that they said.


Indeed.
And it needs to die.
Reply Quote
4
swrdply400mrelay
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:11a, 12/4/25
AG
I think Elko will be successful for a few reasons.

1. He's an old school coach that has adapted to NIL and transfer portal.

2. He seems to care about relationships with the players, the school, the fans, and his staff members.

3. He focuses on the fundamentals. He realizes not every player will have raw talent, so he pounds the concept of grit and hard work.

4. He seems to find staff that excel in their areas.


To go 11-1 in his 2nd year is pretty remarkable. I predicted at best 9-3, and will expect some drop off next year due to schedule and losing some seniors, but I also wouldn't be surprised if we make it back to the CFP.


Reply Quote
5
1 edit
Fanatic15...Drs2B!
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:20a, 12/4/25
BTHO the playoffs!!!
Reply Quote
2
Tex117
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Bill Superman • 9:23a, 12/4/25
AG
Well, other than ND, it was the only truly major game on the schedule. And, they choked. I get the bitterness.

BUT! There are other opportunities. We are about to see just how good the Ags are.

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
Reply Quote
1
beerad12man
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Jeeper79 • 9:36a, 12/4/25
AG
Jeeper79 said:
Next year will be brutal, but it's the new normal, just win.


Or it might not be. That's why we play the games
Reply Quote
beerad12man
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:41a, 12/4/25
AG
There's so much turnover everywhere from year to year. The most successful coaches in this era will be the ones who evaluate and develop the best. Along with hitting on QB. Overall roster management with nil funds. Sure that's always been the case, but with nil funding more so now than ever it's probably the single most important trait for a head coach in this era. Managing your roster.

This staff has shown a tremendous ability to evaluate portal talent. If their Hs evaluations are anywhere close to as good, they will begin to start factoring in more and more starting in 2026. We should have tons of funding and momentum on our side to have another good or even great / borderline elite portal haul.

No one has a damn clue how good we may or may not be on 2026. It's very premature. The only thing that has many up in arms is the OL. And yes, that's the big one. If they find a way to shore that up, next year could be another playoff team even with a harder schedule.
Reply Quote
Dorm 15
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to beerad12man • 9:48a, 12/4/25
AG
Absolutely true. As far as schedules go, we thought this year's was going to be much harder than it panned out.
Reply Quote
Jeeper79
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to beerad12man • 10:50a, 12/4/25
AG
beerad12man said:
Jeeper79 said:
Next year will be brutal, but it's the new normal, just win.


Or it might not be. That's why we play the games
Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma away. At least we get Texas at home. If we win those, no way we aren't #1 in the country. Even if there's some drop off in the perennial favorites, there's no universe where next season is as easy as this one.
Reply Quote
beerad12man
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Jeeper79 • 11:08a, 12/4/25
AG
I don't disagree that it's a tougher schedule. I'm guessing the actual metrics would say it's about 1-1.5 games harder. It's not like it's worth 11-1 versus 8-4 by itself. Our SOS in 2024 was 9th and it is 15-23 depending on what service you use this year. It probably jumps to 5-10 next year.

But people act like beating Florida, Auburn(see Georgia and Oklahoma needing fortunate ref calls) miss state (took Tennessee and Texas to OT) are easy just because they fell short by less than a touchdown in about 5 games a piece. The margin in the sec is razor thin.

But we also don't have to go 11-1. We can go 10-2 with that schedule and be 95% in. Maybe even 9-3, but it all depends on how things fall elsewhere. This year 9-3 wouldn't cut it but some years, it may very well do it. All sec teams are adding a game so getting to 10 wins is theoretically harder for everyone. There won't be as many 10-2 sec teams.

We also drop notre dame on the road for Arizona state at home.

In other words, we just need to get to the final game at 9-2 instead of 11-0 this year (which is only 5-2 sec and not some outlandish expectation) to have a chance at the playoffs the final week of the season. Then get Texas at Kyle instead of Austin in the pivotal game.

Either way, even 9-3 wouldn't be a "rough" season. Just a slight step back from this year and a slight disappointment but not the end of the world or program derailing.
Reply Quote
4
AgLA06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Tex117 • 11:14a, 12/4/25
AG
Tex117 said:
Well, other than ND, it was the only truly major game on the schedule. And, they choked. I get the bitterness.

BUT! There are other opportunities. We are about to see just how good the Ags are.


So damn dumb.

We had multiple games against ranked teams this year. And we won all but one.

Notre Dame
LSU
Missouri
tu

You're shtick is beyond tiresome. Please go back to being "meh" caring about Aggie football and stop trolling.
Reply Quote
10
achooooo
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:29p, 12/4/25
Before the season started our schedule was correctly deemed to be very tough with road games at ND, LSU, Missouri and Texas. Many felt 8-4 at best. We certainly overcame it and I am hopeful and cautiously optimistic that we will do the same next year.
Reply Quote
Triple-T
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:03a, 12/5/25
AG
Hopefully Elko has formed a good relationship with the Medical School (and Vet School) to get our Interior Run Defense manned the F up (and also teach them how to consistently shore up their middle line/LB Defensive playmaking, MAN-TO-MAN Coverage, and Icredible Containment. And Secondary Coverage that shuts Fools DOWN!!!!!

WRECKING CREW, IT'S TIME FOR YOU!!!!!!
Reply Quote
beerad12man
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:14a, 12/5/25
AG
A good way of figuring out your schedule and how difficult it is, is to look at Sagarin or other sources like that. Not the AP, not overall records, etc. A 6-6 sec team that lost 2 games on questionable calls and another 2 games by a single score may still be teams from other conferences 2nd or 3rd hardest game.

Sagarin has our top opponents as the following :

This year / next year

2 7
12 12
19 13
24 19
29 24
35 29
46 46
56 50

So yeah, it's a little tougher but in reality, only worth about a game. It's basically replacing bama for nd (about a wash) and replacing Oklahoma for Florida (harder. This is where the game harder comes in)

Now if a team like lsu under Kiffin is better, this is where it could end up a game and a half harder.
Reply Quote
1 edit
Iraq2xVeteran
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:45p, 12/5/25
AG
Elko snapped several losing streaks:
  • 10-game (9 SEC) road losing streak with a 33-20 win at Florida on 9/14/24
  • 7-game road losing streak to Power 5 nonconference teams with a 41-40 win at Notre Dame on 9/13
  • 6-game road losing streak to LSU with a 49-24 win on 10/25
  • 7-game losing streak in November road games with a 38-17 win at Missouri on 11/8
He also has several major accomplishments this year:
  • 11-1 regular season record, best finish outside of a 12-0 regular season in SWC in 1992
  • CFP appearance for the first time
  • 7-1 SEC record, best finish outside of an 8-1 SEC finish in 2020
  • Undefeated at home for the first time since 2020 and only second time since 1999 and 7-0 home record for the first time
  • 4-1 (3-1 SEC) road record for the first time since 2020. Only the 2012 team had a better road record of 6-0 (4-0 SEC), but 2 of those 6 road wins were against SMU and Louisiana Tech.
If Elko can go at least 9-3 against next year's tougher schedule that features 10 regular season games against Power 4 opponents: 9 conference games and a nonconference game against Arizona State, he will prove that this year's 11-1 finish wasn't just because of a favorable SEC schedule.
Reply Quote
1
saw em off
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fanatic15...Drs2B! • 3:55p, 12/5/25
Fanatic15...Drs2B! said:
BTHO the playoffs!!!

Doesn't look like it since OP is from the future saying we lost a couple of games.
Reply Quote
NyAggie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to beerad12man • 3:58p, 12/5/25
AG
beerad12man said:
Jeeper79 said:
Next year will be brutal, but it's the new normal, just win.


Or it might not be. That's why we play the games


Having a returning starter at qb who came close to getting an invite to NY (and may still) will be an advantage for us





Reply Quote
one safe place
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to jturner181 • 3:59p, 12/5/25
jturner181 said:
Yes, we lost a couple games we would love to have won...

Which games were those?
Reply Quote
Divining Rod
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:40p, 12/5/25
8-5 to 11-0 to 0-2?
Reply Quote
pinche gringo
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to one safe place • 11:51p, 12/5/25
AG
one safe place said:
jturner181 said:
Yes, we lost a couple games we would love to have won...

Which games were those?
Reply Quote
2 edits
TimParker
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:57a, 12/6/25
Two years in a row in the SEC Championship game hunt until the final weeks).

I love the direction that we are heading.

And only wish that we wouldn't have had so many opt-outs and could've whipped up on USCw in the bowl game last year.
Reply Quote
infinity ag
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:54a, 12/6/25
Successful year. Enjoy it.
Reply Quote
MaroonStain
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:55a, 12/6/25
AG
We have 20+ freshmen with little playing time with one more year of Muppet Effect
Reply Quote
Refresh
Page 1 of 1
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.