Nick Saban gives Texas A&M football’s Mike Elko ultimate praise on College Gameday

Mike Elko appeared on College Gameday this morning ahead of Texas A&M football vs. Notre Dame, and the GOAT gave him some high marks.

Nick Saban makes his remarks to the assembled crowd of friends, supporters and agencies Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the annual Nick’s Kids Foundation Luncheon.
Nick Saban makes his remarks to the assembled crowd of friends, supporters and agencies Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the annual Nick’s Kids Foundation Luncheon. | Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Nick Saban give Mike Elko the ultimate praise on College Gameday ahead of Texas A&M football vs. Notre Dame

Texas A&M football is gearing up for a huge opener against Notre Dame today, and with College Gameday in town, the talk all morning is about the Aggies. As well it should be, too—this is maybe the most consequential matchup, as regards playoff implications, of the entire week.

Mike Elko took a quick stroll over from the Bright football complex to Aggie Park this morning to join the hosts for a couple of segments. Nick Saban, the newest host on College Gameday, had some high praise for coach Elko—both in the film room and when recalling one of the most significant Aggie victories in recent memory.

Watching the film from that game, you definitely can see where Young had some trouble with the defense that Elko schemed up. Of course, we’re talking about a five star, first-rounder type of guy at quarterback here—the Tide still put up 31 points on offense (7 came thanks to a blocked punt recovered for a touchdown to make their total for the game 38).

Even so, as Saban showed in his film room segment, Elko’s scheme is one of the toughest for opposing quarterbacks to figure out. Even for a guy like Riley Leonard, who has practiced against it for the past two years, the post-snap evaluations that need to be made can get his head spinning.

Elko now brings that scheme back to College Station, and Texas A&M football fans feel confident that it will bring them defensive success once more. Hopefully, that starts in a big way tonight against the Fighting Irish.

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