Texas A&M reached 8-0 for the first time since 1992 after defeating LSU 49-25 in Baton Rouge. The win under second-year coach Mike Elko has positioned the Aggies as legitimate championship contenders.
CBS Sports’ David Cobb credited Elko’s halftime adjustments after the Aggies trailed 18-14.
The second half featured a rushing touchdown from quarterback Marcel Reed. KC Concepcion returned a punt for a touchdown. Reed also connected with Jamarion Morrow for a receiving touchdown.
“At long last, Texas A&M is no longer an empty bag of air just waiting to pop at the first sign of adversity. In Year 2 under Mike Elko, the No. 3 Aggies are the SEC title frontrunner and a top-tier national championship contender. That’s what they showed in a 49-25 win at No. 20 LSU. Down 18-14 at halftime and with little going right, A&M regrouped and threw a series of haymakers that knocked the Tigers on their heels. The Aggies cut through the mythical status of Death Valley at night to reach 8-0 for the first time since 1992. Back then, Elko was a high schooler. Now he’s leading a dormant college football power that is finally waking up and taking the sport by storm,” Cobb wrote.
The loss could impact LSU coach Brian Kelly’s job security. The Aggies’ remaining schedule includes several opportunities to affect other coaching situations.
Texas A&M faces South Carolina next, where coach Shane Beamer has struggled this season.
A potential matchup with Texas could eliminate the Longhorns from College Football Playoff contention. That result would intensify scrutiny on coach Steve Sarkisian.
The focus has shifted from Texas A&M’s opponents to the Aggies themselves.
Elko’s hire demonstrates the value of coaching changes when programs lose direction. The Aggies haven’t looked this competitive for a championship in decades.
Texas A&M has four regular season games remaining after their bye week. The schedule includes Missouri, South Carolina, Samford, and Texas.
