College Football – October 7, 2025
College Station, TX – Mike Elko, head coach of the fifth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies, expressed a measured caution regarding Florida’s current performance ahead of Saturday’s matchup in Austin. Despite the Gators’ team record of 3-2, Elko believes Florida remains a dangerous opponent capable of disrupting the Aggies’ momentum.
“You can’t just dismiss a team, even if the record doesn’t necessarily scream ‘elite’,” Elko stated during a press conference held earlier today. “Florida’s shown a lot of resilience. They’ve been in tight games, they’ve battled hard, and they have very talented players. We respect their ability to make things difficult for us.”
The Aggies, undefeated through their first four contests, are currently riding a wave of confidence fueled by a dominant offense and a stifling defense. However, Elko’s comments indicate a recognition of the challenges posed by Florida’s aggressive style of play and their propensity to stay competitive.
“They’re well-coached, they’re physical, and they’ve got a quarterback [Kyle Baker] who’s proven he can make plays,” Elko continued. “We’ve got to come out and execute our game plan, but we can’t afford to take anything for granted.”
Florida, currently ranked 18th in the nation, has relied heavily on a strong running game and a pass rush to compensate for inconsistencies in their passing attack. The Gators’ defense, particularly their linebackers, has been particularly effective at disrupting opposing offenses.
The game is being considered a crucial test for Texas A&M, a potential statement game for a team aiming to solidify its position as a national contender. Elko stressed the importance of maintaining focus and discipline, emphasizing that every snap will require intense effort.
“We’re not looking for any easy victories,” Elko concluded. “We’re preparing for a tough, physical battle, and we fully expect Florida to bring it to us.”
The game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, and kickoff is slated for 3:30 PM Central Time.
Fuente:
https://deadspin.com/mike-elko-no-5-texas-am-wary-of-sub-500-florida/