‘Nope’ - Texas A&M HC Mike Elko decisively shuts down question regarding a decision he didnt make during last season's Notre Dame game

If you think back to last year's Notre Dame season opener against the Texas A&M Aggies, it was an extremely entertaining football game overall. It was a competitive and physical back-and-forth game before the Fighting Irish pulled away in the fourth quarter. Head coach Marcus Freeman was able to get that 2024 college football season off to a hot start, especially in Kyle Field against a talented Mike Elko squad.

The Notre Dame team is coming off a bye week now, attempting to get over their opening season loss to the Miami Hurricanes in week one. On the other hand, Coach Elko is making his return to South Bend after serving as the Irish defensive coordinator back during the 2017 season. Texas A&M is off to a 2-0 start, but this will be its first real test of the season. This program is a year older and has a new quarterback in redshirt sophomore Marcel Reed leading the offensive attack. The vibes around the program are just a bit different.

Following that 23-13 victory over the Aggies last season, there was a lot of excuse-making from the national media. In the middle section of the season, many hypothesized that the result would have been a lot different if Reed was the quarterback behind center over the departed Conner Weigman. Most cited the dual threat impact that Reed brings, and how it may have unlocked a struggling offense.

During a press conference with Coach Elko, he was asked about the decision not to play Reed last season. Coach Elko didn't take the bait. He kept it short, sweet, and to the point.

"Nope."

Just because Elko didn't think about putting Reed into the game a year ago, however, doesn't mean that he isn't very happy with his young signal caller. On the very next question, he was asked about Reed and his growth as a player. Coach Elko proceeded to sing his praises and his excitement for his continued development.

"I think he has really matured as a passer," Coach Elko said. "I think he has really matured in his understanding of offense, and what it all looks like. I think he has a better feel and rhythm for the passing game. He has had a really, really good first two games. Obviously the quality of opposition is about to ramp up really, really high. I know he is looking forward and is excited for the challenge."

The Notre Dame defense and coordinator Chris Ash will need to have a plan for how to slow down Reed. In two games so far this season, he has thrown for 509 yards and seven touchdowns, while also completing over 66 percent of his Chris Ash and zero interceptions. The 6-1, 185-pound passer has also rushed for another 105 yards and a score on the ground. He has looked like a much more composed passer so far this season.

The Aggies have a chance to show that the national media was right and Reed is that type of X Factor player. The Irish also have a chance to quiet that noise and get their 2025 season back on track.