The game within the game: Texas A&M football needs to stay poised amid rivalry noise

It's officially Texas hate week for Aggie fans.

Despite a devastating loss to Auburn in four overtimes, the Aggies are still alive in the SEC title race.

It doesn't get simpler than this. Win and you're in.

Even though fans will be doing plenty of trash talk during the week, the players need to keep that off the field.

Texas A&M football needs to keep the composure on the field

The Aggies have been penalty-happy a lot this season. Of course, if they want to see Atlanta in two weeks, fundamental mistakes are not going to cut it for the Aggies.

The game within the game is keeping composure amid the rivalry chaos.

Usually, the main event for this college football weekend is Ohio State against Michigan. "The Game," as some may call it, may not be much of a competition this weekend thanks to Michigan not being the same football team from the last three seasons.

The college football universe is converging in College Station, Texas to see one of the most anticipated games in recent memory.

Mike Elko talked about his guys needing to focus, and erase the chippiness that might impact the ballgame.

"Obviously, a lot of penalties come from emotion, and how you control your emotions in games really matters," Elko said.

Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed kept a calm vibe in the weekly press conference and told the media what the simple task at hand is.

"I just know that we got to beat Texas on Saturday," Reed said.

The Aggies need to focus on slow starts in their last three SEC games, not allowing a three touchdown lead in the first half. Those things must be cleaned up before the Aggies can even think about a trip to Atlanta.

Aggie left tackle Trey Zuhn III shared some similar words for any kind of in-game silliness that occurs.

"We got to use that chip on our shoulder to play harder, play faster, play more focused, but we can't let it get out of hand and end up costing us yards, so, it's going to be a fine line and I think we're going to be able to balance it," Zuhn III said.