Texas A&M Loses to USC in Las Vegas Bowl

Texas A&M's first-year head coach Mike Elko expressed optimism about the progress made in the 2024 season despite a disappointing end, with the Aggies losing to USC 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl after leading 24-7. Elko acknowledged that the team's pass defense, ranked 91st in the FBS, was a significant issue throughout the season, directly contributing to their losses. He emphasized the need for improvement in talent, accountability, and work ethic, stating that the current roster is 'fundamentally not good enough.' Elko's frank assessment highlighted the team's struggles with zone coverage, which he described as 'mind-blowing,' and noted that the collapse against USC mirrored their season's defensive woes. Despite the loss, he recognized the cultural changes within the program and the importance of building a competitive football team moving forward. Overall, Elko's focus is now on enhancing player development and recruiting to address the team's deficiencies before the next season.