How good is Texas A&M coach Mike Elko at confusing offenses?
Nick Saban said it was the reason his Alabama Crimson Tide had its 19-game winning streak snapped in 2021.
Elko, who at the time was the defensive coordinator for the Aggies, joined ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Saturday to preview the Aggies game against Notre Dame and former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard. In Elko’s time on set, Saban - now a “GameDay” analyst - was asked about the confusion the Texas A&M coach makes for opponents.
“The last time we played here at night, which was three years ago, y’all beat us,” Saban said of Alabama’s 41-38 loss in College Station. “Bryce Young, after winning 19 games in a row, Bryce Young was so confused by your pressures, aight, that we had no chance.”
It’s all about perspective. Young did throw for 369 yards and three touchdowns, and Jameson Williams had 146 yards receiving. Brian Robinson Jr. added 147 yards rushing.
However, Seth Small made a 28-yard field goal as time expired, and Texas A&M stunned top-ranked Alabama in that game.
Alabama did scored 21 straight points — capped by a TD reception and 2-point conversion grab by Williams — to take a 38-31 lead with five minutes to go.
Texas A&M (4-2, 1-2) tied it at 38 when Zach Calzada connected with Ainias Smith for a 25-yard touchdown with three minutes left.
“You did a great job that night,” Saban said.
Elko said what has helped him cause confusion for offenses was his upbringing, always being with an offensive coordinator.
Alabama hadn’t lost since falling 48-45 to Auburn on Nov. 30, 2019.
The game marked the first time Saban had lost to one of his assistants (A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher) after entering the game a perfect 24-0 in those games. He’d beaten Fisher four times, the most of any of his former staffers.
Texas A&M also ended Alabama’s streak of 100 wins over unranked teams, dating to a win over Colorado in the 2007 Independence Bowl to cap Saban’s first season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.