After the embarrassing upset loss to the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 3, Texas A&M football will look to turn the page in one of the most hostile sports environments in the world.
Texas A&M's 19-game winning streak at Kyle Field against unranked opponents was snapped on Saturday. The Aggies allowed 408 yards of total offense, which is the highest regulation mark in the Mike Elko era in College Station. While the defense had an extremely lackluster outing against Will Stein's offense, much of the blame has fallen on the shoulders of junior quarterback Marcel Reed.
Despite throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, Reed also threw two picks and was just 2-of-13 on deep passes of 15 yards or more. Entering this weekend's contest against one of the
top defensive units in the country, the Aggie quarterback must find his rhythm sooner rather than later.
Reed will also be without one of his most electric targets, as Elko confirmed that Terry Bussey will miss the rest of the season after suffering an injury on the kickoff against Kentucky.
Here is everything Elko said during Monday's media availability, as the Aggies prepare for a road trip to Death Valley:
Elko on the lackluster performance against Kentucky
"Wrapping up the game, I don't think there is much to add. It's not up to the standard. The challenge for us now is to respond," Elko said.
Elko says the team never got "comfortable" against the Wildcats
"Honestly, I don't know that we ever felt great. That showed on Saturday. That was probably one of the worst defensive performances I've had in my tenure here. It wasn't because we weren't trying. It was because we weren't able to hit it, so we have to go back to the drawing board," Elko said.
Elko confirms Bussey is out for the year and other injuries will be updated later in the week
"Too early in the week. We will figure that out with the injury report," Elko said.
Elko on taking pride in boasting a physical and dominant defense
"We have a lot of pride in how we play defense here. I think we will rise to the challenge," Elko said.
Elko says the defensive philosophy hasn't changed
"The defensive philosophy hasn't changed. It's the same defense we ran last year. We're not seeing a lot of dropback pass. When it's seven-man protection, we've got to cover better," Elko said.
Elko's thoughts on LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt
"Sam is an ultra-competitive kid and can hurt you with his legs in a different way. He doesn't back down from contact," Elko said.
Elko expresses his belief in Reed at the helm
"I have a lot of confidence in Marcel. I believe in Marcel, and Marcel is our quarterback," Elko said.
Elko clarifies his message after the game Saturday, when he said "everybody will quit on us"
"It was the noise that comes out in and around the program when you lose a game like that. Certainly didn't mean offense to anybody," Elko said. "I don't think I've ever taken a shot at our fan base. I think I've been unbelievably complimentary of our fan base every chance I get."
Elko's overall thoughts on the loss
"This isn't the first time we have lost a game. It certainly won't be the last. That is not dismissing it. We are very analytical of everything that happens every week. You come out of that and develop a mindset going forward to next week," Elko said.
Elko on the message moving forward
"I don't think we are going to focus on last week much more. We know we have an opportunity in front of us. We are excited for the challenge," Elko said.
Elko's thoughts on LSU head coach Lane Kiffin
"I don't really know him that well. We interact at head coaches' meetings, and those are all positive. I have a lot of respect for Lane, and he's a really good football coach," Elko said.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'We are excited for the challenge': Texas A&M HC previews Week 4 at LSU
