Photo by: Texas A&M Athletics
Mike Elko Press Conference Quotes: Notre Dame
Sep 08, 2025 | Football
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION--Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko met with the media on Monday in his latest weekly press conference.
The 16th-ranked Aggies (2-0) are on the road this week to face eighth-ranked Notre Dame (1-0) in South Bend. NBC will broadcast the game nationally with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. Fans can also listen to the game along the Texas A&M Sports Network (1620 AM/94.5 FM locally) or worldwide inside the 12th Man Mobile App or at 12thman.com.
(Opening Statement) "Yeah, you know, recapping Utah State first. I thought when we went back and watched the film, I definitely think you saw us moving in the right direction. There was clearly progress from week one to week two on both sides of the ball. I thought we established the run game a lot better on offense. I thought we were more efficient throughout drives. We had much more success from drive to drive than we did in week one. We were able to continue to create explosives in the passing game a different kind of way, pushing the ball a little bit more down the field, which was good to see. Defensively, we were efficient on 10 of 13 drives, and that's a good number. Obviously, the two drives that you give up, you're going to be very critical of the mistakes that were made and do things that you got to do to try to get them cleaned up. But I thought by and large we took positive steps forward defensively. We were really good on third down through the majority of the game, which was another area that we certainly wanted to improve and get better at. And special teams, we hit two big returns again in the kickoff return game. So I thought we took strides across the board."
(Players of the Week) "From a Player of the Week standpoint, defensive scout team player of the week was Nana Boadi-Owusu. Offensive scout team was Carter Braugh. Special teams was Layne Gerke. Happy for those guys. Our offensive lineman of the week was Mark Nabou. I thought that was his most complete game, played three different positions over the course of the game and really added a lot of toughness and firmness in there. The defensive lineman of the week was TJ Searcy. I thought he did a really, really good job in the run game, physically holding the point of attack, which was important for us. And then our players of the game, offensively was Marcel Reed. Again, another day where he had over 300 yards combined total offense, accounted for another four touchdowns, didn't turn the football over, so we were really happy with the way he played. Defensively Cashius Howell, who was also the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. To hit on three sacks in one game is really impressive. Three sacks in one drive is even more impressive. Consecutive plays even another level. And then special teams player of the week was Terry Bussey for the job that he did returning kicks."
"Excited for where we are, and now obviously we turn our attention to the challenge that we've kind of been waiting for and an opportunity to go on the road and play a really, really good Notre Dame team up in South Bend. We're excited for the opportunity, excited for the stage, and certainly looking forward to a great week of preparation and getting on the road."
"And then before you guys ask, we'll be fine injury wise. Marcel will be fine. So that's where we're at."
?
I realize the teams are different, the players are different, but what similarities do you see with this Notre Dame team versus the one you played a year ago?
"Obviously, the schemes are similar. I think they're pretty well-entrenched in who they are and what they do. We're pretty well entrenched in who we are and what we do. And so that's always an exciting chess match when you go into a game like that and you know the other team. Last year, there was a lot more unknown. It was Coach Denbrock's first game there as an OC, and we didn't know exactly what it would all look like. It was our first game as a staff. So I think there's a little bit more of that chess match that will go on, and that's always interesting. I think that's kind of where it starts."
Obviously, we understand it's not a conference game. It's only three games in. There's still big season to go. But I wonder just, in your opinion, how big for this program, for this season, is this game? And are you the type of coach that says every opponent's the same, nameless/faceless, or do you have an issue with saying hey, this is different?
"Yeah, I mean, it'd be naive to not think that our kids understand the magnitude of a top-10 matchup on the road, going to play a top-10 opponent on the road. So from that perspective, obviously, this is a big opportunity. How big is it relative to this season? It's as big as every game we play because, win or lose, there's going to be more to play, and regardless of the outcome the next one's going to be just as important. And so is the next one. So from that perspective, I don't see it different. But from the standpoint of is this a big stage, big opportunity, primetime? Yeah, for sure. It'd be naive to say it isn't."
?
Has Mario Craver had any kind of physical transformation, maybe with this weight or his gains over the offseason?
"Yeah, a little bit. I think he's certainly trained at a more consistent level, and part of that is just his maturity going from being a true freshman--which he was last year--to now kind of understanding. Again, we talked a lot about it with Marcel, but very similar for him too. I think he took a pounding as a true freshman in the SEC and has done some things to physically improve his body, and he's put a little bit more strength and weight on there. I think he still has got areas to grow and improve for sure. But yeah, I would think he has put some good weight on and looks better than he did when he got here, for sure."
You've talked about the good things that you've seen from your passing game. Just what do you see from Notre Dame's secondary going into this matchup?
"It's one of the most talented groups in the country, for sure. Leonard Moore is a kid that we were very familiar with. We tried really hard to get him at Duke and wound up choosing Notre Dame, and obviously had a really, really good true freshman year for them last year. Christian Gray is the kid on the other side, who we played against last year and is another really, really talented corner. They play a lot of man coverage. They play it really, really well because they have really talented players there."
This home and home was scheduled in 2014. It's like the only sport in the world that schedules that far out. What's the pros and cons of knowing that a game like this is coming down the line?
"I don't know as a coach if it means a whole lot, to be honest with you. I think these matchups are really good for us. They're good opportunities to get on big stages early in the year. I enjoy these matchups. I enjoyed the Clemson matchup back in '18 and '19 when I was here. We were part of that. I don't know how much it helps you as a coach to have them...like I have no idea who we play four years from now. So it's not like that gives me any excitement or anything like that, but I think they're great for the fans. And obviously, in order to get these types of matchups, you've got a schedule them very far out in advance. And so we'll hopefully continue to do that as we move forward."
It's crazy to think about that in 2014, it was the first year of the playoff, there wasn't a transfer portal and how much the sport has changed since maybe this game was put on the schedule...
"For sure. And the irony of it all is Chad Klunder, who is our chief of staff here, was the chief of staff at Notre Dame that scheduled the game. And so, yeah, a lot changes in life in that amount of time, from the time the game is scheduled to the time the game actually gets played."
You mentioned a couple weeks ago just never having had gone back to a place that you coached. What's the kind of the thoughts or emotions from your perspective on heading back?
"I think in the role that I'm in, given the magnitude of the game, I don't know how much I'm thinking or contemplating that. Obviously, the roster is different. There's not a lot of player carryover. And so, I think for me, obviously, I have a ton of respect for the program, the tradition, the history that is Notre Dame. I had a great year when I was there last time. And it'll be exciting to go back for sure. But I don't know that the nostalgia is going to be there."
When you look at the film from week one to week two, what were some of the differences you saw from your run defense that let you be a little bit more effective this week?
"I just think we were a little bit more firm and sound in what we were doing. I thought we tackled better. They created some misdirection trickery that was creative. They hit some different triple option books, and I thought those gave us a little bit of trouble and we adjusted well to them. So, yeah, I just thought we looked a little bit more solid and firm in how we played and how we tackled."
Watching KC play, it's easy to see why you like him as a player, but I wonder, what are qualities about him as a person that you like and that have allowed him to mesh so easily with your team?
"I think he's got a tremendous work ethic. I really enjoy the way he competes day in and day out. That really showed itself through the offseason as well. There's a maturity about him that I really like. He wants to be great. That shows every day, which is a really cool characteristic in a kid. And I think he's a kid that rises to moments, his first time in Kyle Field, his first big opportunity. I know this is going to be his first big game for us. And so we're excited to see him and see him go out there Saturday."
This might be the first game of this season that it feels like maybe there's some extra emotions. Your guys talked about it being personal this year, This is probably one of those games they were talking about. How do you, going throughout this week, harness that emotion and make sure it doesn't become too big?
"That's where hopefully some of the stages and some of the opportunities that we were on last year help. Some of the success that we had beating top 10 teams, some of the failures that we had losing some of those games. I think those were all opportunities for us to learn and grow. And I think the more you get into these opportunities you understand the level of emotion that comes into these games. It's certainly going to feel different running out of the tunnel Saturday night than it does on an average normal game when you're not playing a team as highly thought of as these guys are. So, yeah, I think it's going to feel different but learning how to handle those emotions? Hopefully what we went through last year will help."
Cashius Howell obviously recorded the back-to-back-to-back sacks, and yesterday Myles Garrett recorded back-to-back-to-back sacks. Is Texas A&M D-Line University?
"(Laughing) We've had a really, really good run. I don't know if I would call us D-Line University, but we've had a really, really good run I think. Myles left right before I got here as a defensive coordinator. I think we've talked about this before, but since I've been here in '18, we've had more D-linemen drafted than any other team in the SEC. When you look at from Von Miller to Miles to what (Nnamdi) Madubuike is doing...Bobby Brown had a good game in Carolina on Saturday...we've got a lot of guys making a lot of plays. So it's really cool to see all those guys put on for Texas A&M."
How different do you think or maybe what differences do you see in this Notre Dame defense under new coordinator Chris Ash compared to Al Golden's defenses?
"They're doing what a smart coordinator would do. There's a system in place that they've played really well and been really successful at. And so you see a large part of that still in place, but Chris has obviously been a very successful defensive coordinator in his own right for a very long time. And so I think you see some of the wrinkles that are his or maybe more of the staples of a 'Chris Ash defense' kind of showing themselves too. And I'm sure they'll continue to try to find the right blend as they move forward based on what they think they need to do to be successful to stop people."
And is one start enough to kind of assess CJ Carr? Have you guys kind of look backed at maybe even this high school film? Just kind of your overall impressions of him...
"He's a really talented kid. I think he's got a big arm. I think you saw that in the Spring game. ?You saw that on his high school tape. Obviously, him making his first start on the road down at Miami...those are always challenging situations for a young quarterback. And so, I'm sure he'll make tremendous growth coming out of that experience now knowing what the emotions of all of that feel like. He played well, he made a lot of plays, and I'm sure he's going to have plans and hopes to make a lot more Saturday night."
You mentioned Marcel. is Trey Zuhn good to go for Saturday as well?
"Yeah."
Playing at Notre Dame, is that venue any different than anywhere else or is that much like an SEC venue?
"I think it's different. I don't know if it plays different, but the thing I've always said to people about Notre Dame is you can just feel the history and tradition. From Touchdown Jesus to just the feel in and around the stadium, you feel tradition. You feel history. You feel what that program has meant for so long to college football. And then obviously they've done a really good job with some of the recent renovations to create the modern feel to it as well. It's a cool place. I think it's a really unique place. It'll be great atmosphere."
A&M's obviously struggled on the road recently, particularly in big games, even when you were here as a defensive coordinator. Have you tweaked anything about how maybe you go on the road, take your team, whether it's how you approach it, travel...anything along those lines?
"We talked about that a lot last year. Our travel schedule is a lot different than what it has been in the recent past, at least. I don't know how much that impacts or doesn't impact it. When you decide to join the SEC and play on the road, you play in some really hard venues. We've played in some out-of-conference venues that have been really challenging going back to my time as a defensive coordinator. Certainly this one as well. I think that leads to maybe some of the struggles. But obviously, for us to take the next step as a program, that's the next hurdle that we have to get over. We got over the winning on the road last year. Now we've got to get over the winning at night on the road against a top-10 team. That's the next hurdle for us to clear."
Last year the Notre Dame game was the very first game of the season. It being week three this year, does that help? ?Having kind of two games before you get to this top-10 matchup?
"All that stuff is even. You know, had it been our first game and their fifth game? It'd be a difference. But last year it was our first, it was their first. This year, it's our third, it's their second coming off of a bye week. All that stuff is kind of what it is. Maybe just in terms of the overall quality of football that gets played, having a few games under both of our belts will make it a higher-quality game. But I thought last year's game was a really high-quality football game, two really good teams making a lot of plays against each other. And I expect this to be very similar."
The running backs that they have, in particular Jeremiyah Love, is there one that you rather see out there than the other and just your thoughts on those guys?
"No, I think it's as talented a duo as I've played against. I was actually talking about this that the only thing that I can remember in the ballpark was when I was actually at Notre Dame and we played Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. That group was really talented. But these two kids are really, really good. They're athleticism for their size, the way they hit the hole, the power with which they run, they're both effective pass catchers. These two kids are really, really talented football players."
Did you ever regret not bringing in Marcel in that game last year and did it factor it into your decision to bring in Marcel against LSU later in the year?
"Nope."
Week three was Marcel's first start last year. Just over the last calendar year, how have you seen him grow both on and off the field?
"I think we've spoken about this a lot. I don't know that I have anything new to add to it. I think he's really matured as a passer. I think he has matured in his understanding of offense and what it all looks like. I think he's got a better feel and rhythm for the passing game. He's had a really, really good first two games, obviously. The quality of opposition is about to ramp up really, really high. So I know he's looking forward and excited for the challenge."
If I could go back to Love just a little bit, for whatever reason he didn't get as many carries against Miami, how much do you expect to see him prominently displayed Saturday night?
"Yeah, I'd imagine he'll be a pretty big feature of what they're going to do Saturday night, that'd be my guess."
With two games under your belt calling the defense but still being the head coach, how is that working out for you? Are you kind of in a rhythm now of being able to do both jobs?
"Yeah, I think so. I've at times over my head coach career done it, so I don't think it was completely new to me. It's a little different for sure, but I've got a lot of help, a lot of support. I've got a great staff. And I think that takes a lot of the pressure off of what I have to do."
What about the 10-day proposal, the transfer portal? I know you've talked about liking the 10 days? What about that? ?
"Is it official?"
They proposed it.
"Yeah, I think it's a phenomenal idea. I think the fact that we are gonna do it at the end of one season before the start of another one is a really great idea. I'm not sure where the idea of not doing it that way came from, that never seemed real intelligent to me. I like free agency before the season starts, and then we can start preparing with the team that we have. So, yeah, I think hopefully it goes through. It'll be best for everybody. I think it's really challenging. The thing that I think...obviously, we're all four players having the opportunities that they need to have...but I think the thing that's going to make it really challenging is when you talk about revenue sharing, you're basically talking about cap management and managing cap with two open free agent windows. One later after the first one. I just don't know how financially people can manage a cap with that system with two different windows. So I think it'll be really helpful."
The 16th-ranked Aggies (2-0) are on the road this week to face eighth-ranked Notre Dame (1-0) in South Bend. NBC will broadcast the game nationally with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. Fans can also listen to the game along the Texas A&M Sports Network (1620 AM/94.5 FM locally) or worldwide inside the 12th Man Mobile App or at 12thman.com.
(Opening Statement) "Yeah, you know, recapping Utah State first. I thought when we went back and watched the film, I definitely think you saw us moving in the right direction. There was clearly progress from week one to week two on both sides of the ball. I thought we established the run game a lot better on offense. I thought we were more efficient throughout drives. We had much more success from drive to drive than we did in week one. We were able to continue to create explosives in the passing game a different kind of way, pushing the ball a little bit more down the field, which was good to see. Defensively, we were efficient on 10 of 13 drives, and that's a good number. Obviously, the two drives that you give up, you're going to be very critical of the mistakes that were made and do things that you got to do to try to get them cleaned up. But I thought by and large we took positive steps forward defensively. We were really good on third down through the majority of the game, which was another area that we certainly wanted to improve and get better at. And special teams, we hit two big returns again in the kickoff return game. So I thought we took strides across the board."
(Players of the Week) "From a Player of the Week standpoint, defensive scout team player of the week was Nana Boadi-Owusu. Offensive scout team was Carter Braugh. Special teams was Layne Gerke. Happy for those guys. Our offensive lineman of the week was Mark Nabou. I thought that was his most complete game, played three different positions over the course of the game and really added a lot of toughness and firmness in there. The defensive lineman of the week was TJ Searcy. I thought he did a really, really good job in the run game, physically holding the point of attack, which was important for us. And then our players of the game, offensively was Marcel Reed. Again, another day where he had over 300 yards combined total offense, accounted for another four touchdowns, didn't turn the football over, so we were really happy with the way he played. Defensively Cashius Howell, who was also the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. To hit on three sacks in one game is really impressive. Three sacks in one drive is even more impressive. Consecutive plays even another level. And then special teams player of the week was Terry Bussey for the job that he did returning kicks."
"Excited for where we are, and now obviously we turn our attention to the challenge that we've kind of been waiting for and an opportunity to go on the road and play a really, really good Notre Dame team up in South Bend. We're excited for the opportunity, excited for the stage, and certainly looking forward to a great week of preparation and getting on the road."
"And then before you guys ask, we'll be fine injury wise. Marcel will be fine. So that's where we're at."
?
I realize the teams are different, the players are different, but what similarities do you see with this Notre Dame team versus the one you played a year ago?
"Obviously, the schemes are similar. I think they're pretty well-entrenched in who they are and what they do. We're pretty well entrenched in who we are and what we do. And so that's always an exciting chess match when you go into a game like that and you know the other team. Last year, there was a lot more unknown. It was Coach Denbrock's first game there as an OC, and we didn't know exactly what it would all look like. It was our first game as a staff. So I think there's a little bit more of that chess match that will go on, and that's always interesting. I think that's kind of where it starts."
Obviously, we understand it's not a conference game. It's only three games in. There's still big season to go. But I wonder just, in your opinion, how big for this program, for this season, is this game? And are you the type of coach that says every opponent's the same, nameless/faceless, or do you have an issue with saying hey, this is different?
"Yeah, I mean, it'd be naive to not think that our kids understand the magnitude of a top-10 matchup on the road, going to play a top-10 opponent on the road. So from that perspective, obviously, this is a big opportunity. How big is it relative to this season? It's as big as every game we play because, win or lose, there's going to be more to play, and regardless of the outcome the next one's going to be just as important. And so is the next one. So from that perspective, I don't see it different. But from the standpoint of is this a big stage, big opportunity, primetime? Yeah, for sure. It'd be naive to say it isn't."
?
Has Mario Craver had any kind of physical transformation, maybe with this weight or his gains over the offseason?
"Yeah, a little bit. I think he's certainly trained at a more consistent level, and part of that is just his maturity going from being a true freshman--which he was last year--to now kind of understanding. Again, we talked a lot about it with Marcel, but very similar for him too. I think he took a pounding as a true freshman in the SEC and has done some things to physically improve his body, and he's put a little bit more strength and weight on there. I think he still has got areas to grow and improve for sure. But yeah, I would think he has put some good weight on and looks better than he did when he got here, for sure."
You've talked about the good things that you've seen from your passing game. Just what do you see from Notre Dame's secondary going into this matchup?
"It's one of the most talented groups in the country, for sure. Leonard Moore is a kid that we were very familiar with. We tried really hard to get him at Duke and wound up choosing Notre Dame, and obviously had a really, really good true freshman year for them last year. Christian Gray is the kid on the other side, who we played against last year and is another really, really talented corner. They play a lot of man coverage. They play it really, really well because they have really talented players there."
This home and home was scheduled in 2014. It's like the only sport in the world that schedules that far out. What's the pros and cons of knowing that a game like this is coming down the line?
"I don't know as a coach if it means a whole lot, to be honest with you. I think these matchups are really good for us. They're good opportunities to get on big stages early in the year. I enjoy these matchups. I enjoyed the Clemson matchup back in '18 and '19 when I was here. We were part of that. I don't know how much it helps you as a coach to have them...like I have no idea who we play four years from now. So it's not like that gives me any excitement or anything like that, but I think they're great for the fans. And obviously, in order to get these types of matchups, you've got a schedule them very far out in advance. And so we'll hopefully continue to do that as we move forward."
It's crazy to think about that in 2014, it was the first year of the playoff, there wasn't a transfer portal and how much the sport has changed since maybe this game was put on the schedule...
"For sure. And the irony of it all is Chad Klunder, who is our chief of staff here, was the chief of staff at Notre Dame that scheduled the game. And so, yeah, a lot changes in life in that amount of time, from the time the game is scheduled to the time the game actually gets played."
You mentioned a couple weeks ago just never having had gone back to a place that you coached. What's the kind of the thoughts or emotions from your perspective on heading back?
"I think in the role that I'm in, given the magnitude of the game, I don't know how much I'm thinking or contemplating that. Obviously, the roster is different. There's not a lot of player carryover. And so, I think for me, obviously, I have a ton of respect for the program, the tradition, the history that is Notre Dame. I had a great year when I was there last time. And it'll be exciting to go back for sure. But I don't know that the nostalgia is going to be there."
When you look at the film from week one to week two, what were some of the differences you saw from your run defense that let you be a little bit more effective this week?
"I just think we were a little bit more firm and sound in what we were doing. I thought we tackled better. They created some misdirection trickery that was creative. They hit some different triple option books, and I thought those gave us a little bit of trouble and we adjusted well to them. So, yeah, I just thought we looked a little bit more solid and firm in how we played and how we tackled."
Watching KC play, it's easy to see why you like him as a player, but I wonder, what are qualities about him as a person that you like and that have allowed him to mesh so easily with your team?
"I think he's got a tremendous work ethic. I really enjoy the way he competes day in and day out. That really showed itself through the offseason as well. There's a maturity about him that I really like. He wants to be great. That shows every day, which is a really cool characteristic in a kid. And I think he's a kid that rises to moments, his first time in Kyle Field, his first big opportunity. I know this is going to be his first big game for us. And so we're excited to see him and see him go out there Saturday."
This might be the first game of this season that it feels like maybe there's some extra emotions. Your guys talked about it being personal this year, This is probably one of those games they were talking about. How do you, going throughout this week, harness that emotion and make sure it doesn't become too big?
"That's where hopefully some of the stages and some of the opportunities that we were on last year help. Some of the success that we had beating top 10 teams, some of the failures that we had losing some of those games. I think those were all opportunities for us to learn and grow. And I think the more you get into these opportunities you understand the level of emotion that comes into these games. It's certainly going to feel different running out of the tunnel Saturday night than it does on an average normal game when you're not playing a team as highly thought of as these guys are. So, yeah, I think it's going to feel different but learning how to handle those emotions? Hopefully what we went through last year will help."
Cashius Howell obviously recorded the back-to-back-to-back sacks, and yesterday Myles Garrett recorded back-to-back-to-back sacks. Is Texas A&M D-Line University?
"(Laughing) We've had a really, really good run. I don't know if I would call us D-Line University, but we've had a really, really good run I think. Myles left right before I got here as a defensive coordinator. I think we've talked about this before, but since I've been here in '18, we've had more D-linemen drafted than any other team in the SEC. When you look at from Von Miller to Miles to what (Nnamdi) Madubuike is doing...Bobby Brown had a good game in Carolina on Saturday...we've got a lot of guys making a lot of plays. So it's really cool to see all those guys put on for Texas A&M."
How different do you think or maybe what differences do you see in this Notre Dame defense under new coordinator Chris Ash compared to Al Golden's defenses?
"They're doing what a smart coordinator would do. There's a system in place that they've played really well and been really successful at. And so you see a large part of that still in place, but Chris has obviously been a very successful defensive coordinator in his own right for a very long time. And so I think you see some of the wrinkles that are his or maybe more of the staples of a 'Chris Ash defense' kind of showing themselves too. And I'm sure they'll continue to try to find the right blend as they move forward based on what they think they need to do to be successful to stop people."
And is one start enough to kind of assess CJ Carr? Have you guys kind of look backed at maybe even this high school film? Just kind of your overall impressions of him...
"He's a really talented kid. I think he's got a big arm. I think you saw that in the Spring game. ?You saw that on his high school tape. Obviously, him making his first start on the road down at Miami...those are always challenging situations for a young quarterback. And so, I'm sure he'll make tremendous growth coming out of that experience now knowing what the emotions of all of that feel like. He played well, he made a lot of plays, and I'm sure he's going to have plans and hopes to make a lot more Saturday night."
You mentioned Marcel. is Trey Zuhn good to go for Saturday as well?
"Yeah."
Playing at Notre Dame, is that venue any different than anywhere else or is that much like an SEC venue?
"I think it's different. I don't know if it plays different, but the thing I've always said to people about Notre Dame is you can just feel the history and tradition. From Touchdown Jesus to just the feel in and around the stadium, you feel tradition. You feel history. You feel what that program has meant for so long to college football. And then obviously they've done a really good job with some of the recent renovations to create the modern feel to it as well. It's a cool place. I think it's a really unique place. It'll be great atmosphere."
A&M's obviously struggled on the road recently, particularly in big games, even when you were here as a defensive coordinator. Have you tweaked anything about how maybe you go on the road, take your team, whether it's how you approach it, travel...anything along those lines?
"We talked about that a lot last year. Our travel schedule is a lot different than what it has been in the recent past, at least. I don't know how much that impacts or doesn't impact it. When you decide to join the SEC and play on the road, you play in some really hard venues. We've played in some out-of-conference venues that have been really challenging going back to my time as a defensive coordinator. Certainly this one as well. I think that leads to maybe some of the struggles. But obviously, for us to take the next step as a program, that's the next hurdle that we have to get over. We got over the winning on the road last year. Now we've got to get over the winning at night on the road against a top-10 team. That's the next hurdle for us to clear."
Last year the Notre Dame game was the very first game of the season. It being week three this year, does that help? ?Having kind of two games before you get to this top-10 matchup?
"All that stuff is even. You know, had it been our first game and their fifth game? It'd be a difference. But last year it was our first, it was their first. This year, it's our third, it's their second coming off of a bye week. All that stuff is kind of what it is. Maybe just in terms of the overall quality of football that gets played, having a few games under both of our belts will make it a higher-quality game. But I thought last year's game was a really high-quality football game, two really good teams making a lot of plays against each other. And I expect this to be very similar."
The running backs that they have, in particular Jeremiyah Love, is there one that you rather see out there than the other and just your thoughts on those guys?
"No, I think it's as talented a duo as I've played against. I was actually talking about this that the only thing that I can remember in the ballpark was when I was actually at Notre Dame and we played Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. That group was really talented. But these two kids are really, really good. They're athleticism for their size, the way they hit the hole, the power with which they run, they're both effective pass catchers. These two kids are really, really talented football players."
Did you ever regret not bringing in Marcel in that game last year and did it factor it into your decision to bring in Marcel against LSU later in the year?
"Nope."
Week three was Marcel's first start last year. Just over the last calendar year, how have you seen him grow both on and off the field?
"I think we've spoken about this a lot. I don't know that I have anything new to add to it. I think he's really matured as a passer. I think he has matured in his understanding of offense and what it all looks like. I think he's got a better feel and rhythm for the passing game. He's had a really, really good first two games, obviously. The quality of opposition is about to ramp up really, really high. So I know he's looking forward and excited for the challenge."
If I could go back to Love just a little bit, for whatever reason he didn't get as many carries against Miami, how much do you expect to see him prominently displayed Saturday night?
"Yeah, I'd imagine he'll be a pretty big feature of what they're going to do Saturday night, that'd be my guess."
With two games under your belt calling the defense but still being the head coach, how is that working out for you? Are you kind of in a rhythm now of being able to do both jobs?
"Yeah, I think so. I've at times over my head coach career done it, so I don't think it was completely new to me. It's a little different for sure, but I've got a lot of help, a lot of support. I've got a great staff. And I think that takes a lot of the pressure off of what I have to do."
What about the 10-day proposal, the transfer portal? I know you've talked about liking the 10 days? What about that? ?
"Is it official?"
They proposed it.
"Yeah, I think it's a phenomenal idea. I think the fact that we are gonna do it at the end of one season before the start of another one is a really great idea. I'm not sure where the idea of not doing it that way came from, that never seemed real intelligent to me. I like free agency before the season starts, and then we can start preparing with the team that we have. So, yeah, I think hopefully it goes through. It'll be best for everybody. I think it's really challenging. The thing that I think...obviously, we're all four players having the opportunities that they need to have...but I think the thing that's going to make it really challenging is when you talk about revenue sharing, you're basically talking about cap management and managing cap with two open free agent windows. One later after the first one. I just don't know how financially people can manage a cap with that system with two different windows. So I think it'll be really helpful."
Players Mentioned
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