While there is mutual respect on both sides for Mike Elko and the kind of man and coach he is, it’s very clear these programs are in two very different spots, and expectations reflect that.
Marcus Freeman is in Year 3 of his tenure, and with a solid roster, the pressure is on him to deliver in 2024.
On the flip side, Texas A&M’s rebuilding process under Elko would be considered ahead of schedule if he were to knock off Notre Dame in his first game. However, overall season expectations seem to be tempered, with an understanding of a longer-term process.
Offensively, Texas A&M is eager to see how the new offense under Colin Klein will perform when paired with a now healthy Conner Weigman at QB.
One of the key themes leading up to this game, and something Wyatt and I discussed in depth, is the question of how “put together” the Aggies will be in Year 1, Game 1 under their new coach and preparation processes.
There’s really no way to even guess the answer to that question. We both expect a close, hard-fought, and physical ball game.