COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Texas A&M coach Mike Elko admits he’s long been concerned that opponents will learn about the inner workings of his team.
That’s even more true this week as the ninth-ranked Aggies host Kentucky with former defensive coordinator Jay Bateman now in the same job with the Wildcats.
“People would tell you I’m probably on the extreme paranoid end when it comes to things like that,” Elko said. “I’m on probably like the seventh
version of terminology in the last eight years and probably the third or fourth version of offensive terminology in my four years as a head coach. I probably live on the uber paranoid side of that.”
Bateman spent two seasons as Elko’s defensive coordinator before leaving to join Will Stein when he was hired as Kentucky’s coach this offseason.
Texas A&M senior cornerback Dezz Ricks said it will be good to see Bateman when the Wildcats come to town.
“I’m definitely looking forward to playing them,” Ricks said. “I have nothing bad to say about coach Bateman. I’ve known him since I was in eighth grade. Recruited me for a long time. Definitely looking forward to the matchup.”
The Aggies are looking to start 3-0 in consecutive seasons for the first time since doing so in three straight years from 2014-16.
Kentucky will try and bounce back after a 45-17 loss to No. 12 Alabama last week. The Wildcats led 17-13 at halftime before being outscored 32-0 in the second half.
“We did not show up on offense in the second half,” Stein said. “It’s almost impossible to win with three turnovers and making 1 of 14 on third downs. We’ve got to be able to generate and create explosive plays, move the ball down the field.”
The Aggies were in a tight game with Arizona State last week before using two defensive touchdowns to help them score 24 points in the fourth quarter and get a 48-20 victory.
Kentucky is looking for a win over a ranked team for the first time since beating No. 6 Mississippi 20-17 on Sept. 28, 2024.
The Aggies returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the fourth quarter Saturday to help turn a close game into a blowout.
The first came when T.J. Searcy hit Cutter Boley as he threw and 261-pound defensive end Marco Jones grabbed the ball and rumbled 55 yards for the score.
Texas A&M was up 41-20 later in the fourth when Julio Humphrey intercepted Boley and returned it 45 yards for another score.
It was the first time the Aggies had an interception for a touchdown since 2024 and the first time they’d had two in the same game since Sept 25, 1999.
Those interceptions came on a day Texas A&M forced four turnovers.
“Four turnovers led to 24 points, on a day where both sides were not playing at their best; not firing at their best,” Elko said. “Those turnovers obviously made a huge difference in the game.”
Stein, who spent the last three seasons as Oregon’s offensive coordinator, took the blame for his team’s second half collapse against the Crimson Tide.
And the 36-year-old vowed to improve moving forward.
“We’ve got to play better,” he said. “There’s lots to learn from the tape. It really starts with me. I’ve got to do a better job as head coach, get these guys really prepared to finish games. I think that’s the big thing, finishing games.”
The Aggies came away with a convincing win against Arizona State thanks to their late defensive heroics despite an inconsistent performance from Marcel Reed.
He threw three touchdown passes but was just 15 of 25 for 163 yards with an interception.
“He was up and down, certainly better than the stats would say,” Elko said. “I don’t think he played poorly but there were some poor plays. But he bounced back and made some plays.”
Despite his subpar work last week, Stein knows how dangerous he can be.
“He’s got really good pieces around him, so he doesn’t have to make every play, but when the play does break down, he’s electric,” Stein said. “He can make every throw. He’s got a big arm ... when you watch their tape, this guy can rip it and makes the right decision a lot.”
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