Everything HC Mike Elko said after Texas A&M's 38-23 comeback win over LSU

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; .LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, left, and Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko, right, greet before the game at Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

What a comeback for No. 14 Texas A&M, which defeated the No. 8-ranked LSU Tigers 38-23 after trailing 17-7 in the second half of Saturday night's hotly contested matchup between two tough SEC rivals. After looking lifeless on offense, Elko, needing a spark, brought in redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed, who led the Aggies to three touchdowns in the second half.

Texas A&M's defense, giving up too many chunk yards during the LSU passing game behind future NFL QB Garrett Nussmeier, stalled in the second half. At the same time, the pass rush finally came into play after the junior signal caller was sacked twice in the second half. However, senior cornerback BJ Mayes made the most of his time, throwing two game-winning interceptions that led to good field position.

The Aggies' comeback is a first for the program since the 2013 season during quarterback Johnny Manziel's final game in a bowl game against Duke, in which the Aggies trailed 21-3. With the win, Texas A&M now sits alone in first place in the SEC at 5-0 and 7-1 this season and will travel to Columbia to play South Carolina next Saturday night.

After the game, head coach Mike Elko, BJ Mayes and Marcel Reed answered questions from the media. Here's what Elko had to say after the big win.

Elko on why he switched to Marcel Reed in the second half

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as LSU Tigers safety Major Burns (8) attempts a tackle on Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

“You mixed up the reporting well. There weren't many open windows. It certainly wasn't all Conner (Weigman). At halftime you know what you have to do.”

“It didn’t look like it was going in a better direction. We had to run the ball and we needed Marcel’s legs.”

Elko on what it feels like to be 5-0 and in first place in the SEC standings

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Taurean York (21) reacts after catching the ball for an interception in the fourth quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

“That we have a big game next week. I told the boys that. The price is that you have a target on your back.”

Elko on Texas A&M's poor defensive performance in the first half

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts to a call during the third quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

“We have become too relaxed. This is a talented group. If you give them space, they will miss you.”

“We talked at halftime about calming down and playing our game.”

Here's your quote of the year, folks

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

“This is a real program. There’s no politician up here insulting everyone…For all the recruits out there who want to play really good football, this is a good place to be.”

Elko on Kyle Field and the big impact of the 12th man

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

“There are things we need to improve on in this program. Our home atmosphere is not one of them… This was the first time in the SEC this late in the season that a game was that important to us.”

“I appreciate everyone coming out in black tonight. It was a very special atmosphere tonight.”

Elko about the team buy-in after the 7:1 start

“I think they value real honesty…I'm with them all the time. I think they appreciate the message and how real and consistent it is.”

Elko on the performance of QB Marcel Reed

Oct. 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Collin Klein in the third quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory attribution: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

“You could see in his performance how he handled the last few weeks… He handles the offense the way we expect him to.”

“We always keep two QBs ready…We never let up on what we did with him.”

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything HC Mike Elko said after Texas A&M's 38-23 comeback win over LSU

Elko on why he switched to Marcel Reed in the second half

Elko on what it feels like to be 5-0 and in first place in the SEC standings

Elko on Texas A&M's poor defensive performance in the first half

Here's your quote of the year, folks

Elko on Kyle Field and the big impact of the 12th man

Elko about the team buy-in after the 7:1 start

Elko on the performance of QB Marcel Reed

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