Elko doesn't beat around the bush when discussing Texas A&M history

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Mike Elko doesn't beat around the bush when discussing troubling Texas A&M history

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 7:27 PM ET

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko is tackling his program's troubling history at Tiger Stadium head on before a high-stakes showdown with Associated Press No. 20 LSU Tigers (5-2, 2-2 SEC) this Saturday.

When asked about Texas A&M's "tough time" in Death Valley, where the Aggies are 0-6 since joining the SEC in 2012, Elko didn't mince words.

"By tough time you mean we've never done it?" Elko asked.

He detailed the team's recent struggles at LSU, reasoning that Texas A&M lacked the physicality in its early days as an SEC member.

"I think when you saw some of the early games, that was kind of always the like, 'Okay, this is what the SEC looks like,'" Elko said.

"I think as our program grew, we started to get closer and closer," he continued.

"By tough time you mean we've never done it?"

Mike Elko on Texas A&M's historical lack of road wins vs LSU pic.twitter.com/4ODLvgblNb
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 20, 2025

No. 20 LSU represents major litmus test for No. 3 Texas A&M in Week 9

Saturday's ranked SEC showdown marks a pivotal moment for No. 3 Texas A&M (7-0, 4-0 SEC), which can show its a legitimate national title contender with a win. As Elko noted, the Aggies haven't been able to match up in environments like the one they'll be in on Saturday in seasons past. But beating LSU would be their second statement road victory of 2025, following a Week 3 win at No. 12 Notre Dame (5-2).

Texas A&M should like its chances. Quarterback Marcel Reed, who spurred the team's comeback 38-23 win against LSU last season, will be just as difficult for the Tigers to defend. This season, he's thrown for 1,770 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions while adding 241 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries. In last Saturday's loss to Vanderbilt, LSU couldn't contain dual-threat quarterback Diego Pavia, who tied a season-high with 86 rushing yards.

Texas A&M's recent track record in Baton Rouge would suggest its upcoming trip will end in misery. However, with the Aggies and Tigers trending in opposite directions, Saturday's game gives Texas A&M a legitimate chance to flip the script.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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