After back-to-back SEC losses, Texas A&M football returned to the win column with a dominant 34-7 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks at Kyle Field on Saturday night.
In the Aggies' Week 4 matchup against LSU, they allowed over 500 yards of total offense and, for the first time since 2022, held LSU to under 200 yards of total offense. This week, Texas A&M's offense doubled that, reaching the 400 mark and holding Arkansas to just over 200.
Freshman running back KJ Edwards played a massive role in that success, rushing for 66 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Edwards split the workload with fellow Aggie running backs Rueben Owens II and Carsyn Baker, who combined for 69 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries.
Marcel Reed was shaky at times
again this weekend, but managed 13-of-19 for 170 yards, 66 yards, and one touchdown.
Here is everything Elko, Edwards, defensive lineman Landon Rink and kicker David Olano said after Texas A&M's win over Arkansas:
Elko gives his thoughts on the Arkansas win
"Proud of the response. We challenged the guys to come out and play physical and control the line of scrimmage. We got looser in the second half. Did a nice job on special teams," Elko said.
Elko on Reed's performance
"I thought he was able to use his legs and get out of the perimeter a little bit. I think when people allow him to do that, it makes it a little bit easier for him… That gets him in rhythm and gets him comfortable," Elko said.
Elko discusses Olano's massive 57-yard field goal
"He has been really, really good. That was a huge momentum swing for us," Elko said.
Elko gives props to the 12th Man for another electric environment
"It's what I continue to tell the guys. The people who support this program, they're gonna be behind this team. I didn't expect any different. That's how the 12th Man has always been," Elko said. "I know what the 12th Man stands for, and so, no, it doesn't surprise me that they came out tonight. They always do."
Elko on the game plan offensively
"There was just a big emphasis on establishing the run. We were able to get that done the way we wanted to. We're at our best when we are able to run the football, establish the run then allow the passing game to play off of that," Elko said.
Elko on whether he felt any relief getting back on the winning side of things
"The day I feel relief from winning is the day I quit… We have joy when we win. That's the word we use when we win football games," Elko said.
Edwards on Texas A&M's rushing success
"We knew coming in we wanted to establish the run game. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, and it spoke for itself," Edwards said.
Edwards gives some examples of who he models his game after
"I am a leader in a sense. People say I have traits like Jahmyr Gibbs and De'Von Achane. I model my game after them," Edwards said.
Edwards explains why he chose Texas A&M
"Coach Elko and Trooper (Taylor) were about my family and other colleges, I didn't get that. It felt like home," Edwards said.
Rink on the team's mindset entering the game
"I feel like we had the mindset we needed to respond. We have been hammering in… 'What are we going to do when adversity strikes?'," Rink said.
Rink's thoughts on the defensive game plan
"I trust in Coach Elko and Coach Hemphill's plan 100 percent. I feel like they are putting us in the right spots and giving us the right opportunities to put pressure on the quarterback every time," Rink said.
Rink's thoughts on Olano's performance
"I love David Olano. You know that Avengers meme that's like, 'We have a Hulk.' We have David Olano," Rink said.
Olano on his 57-yard field goal
"I have to give glory to God. It's such a blessing to be in this position… It honestly felt amazing. You want those moments, especially before the half," Olano said. "I knew I had the range and love that coach trusted me with that."
Olano explains why he decided to transfer to Texas A&M
"Why not? This place is one of a kind. I still get chills and goosebumps every time I run out. The community and football here mean so much. That's something I loved and wanted to be a part of," Olano said. "I think (Elko) is doing something great here, and it was a no-brainer."
Olano discusses his relationship with Aggie backup kicker Asher Murray
"Asher is a stud. I have been around a lot of younger guys. He is money. It was awesome to compete with him. He still pushes me every day," Olano said.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'Proud of our response': Texas A&M HC, players discuss Arkansas win
