Mike Elko Breaks Down the Challenge of Facing South Carolina: LaNorris Sellers, Kendal Briles and More

Texas A&M entered the 2026 season with significant expectations, but the Aggies have struggled to match the excitement surrounding their preseason ranking. After beginning the year ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll, the team is now 4-4 and has dropped four of its last six contests.

The Aggies will have another difficult assignment this Saturday when they travel to Williams-Brice Stadium to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Ahead of the matchup, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko met with reporters Monday to discuss South Carolina’s recent improvement, the challenges presented by quarterback LaNorris Sellers and the offensive system coordinated by Kendal Briles. He also addressed his team’s mindset as it prepares for the final stretch of the season.

Here are the major takeaways from Elko’s press conference.

Slowing Down LaNorris Sellers

One of South Carolina’s biggest advantages heading into Saturday is the outstanding recent play of quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

Sellers delivered an impressive performance in the Gamecocks’ 42-25 victory over Oklahoma on October 31, throwing for 310 yards and three touchdowns while adding 96 rushing yards and two more scores.

His production has been particularly impressive during conference play. Across his last four SEC games, Sellers has accumulated 1,016 passing yards, 359 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns.

He currently ranks 12th nationally in total offense, averaging 306.5 yards per game. He has also given Texas A&M problems in previous meetings, recording 490 passing yards and accounting for five touchdowns across two games against the Aggies.

Elko acknowledged that Sellers has become increasingly comfortable in South Carolina’s new offensive system, pointing to the quarterback’s improved decisions and ability to create explosive plays.

“I think obviously a new offense, new coordinator. I think as he’s gotten comfortable with what they’re asking him to do, I think his decision-making has gotten a lot better,” Elko said of Sellers. “Obviously playing right now at an elite level, has made a ton of explosive plays in the throw game, explosive plays with his legs. We know first-hand how challenging he is to bring down.

“I think the perimeter is getting better too, with their comfort in the offense and what they’re trying to do. So I think it’s all just improved tremendously over the last three weeks. I think you’re seeing that in the results they’re getting on the field.”

What Has Changed During South Carolina’s Winning Streak?

South Carolina’s season has taken a positive turn after a difficult 2-3 beginning. The Gamecocks have won three consecutive games and are looking to extend that run to four victories for the first time since 2024.

Elko was asked to identify the biggest differences between the team Texas A&M saw earlier in the season and the one preparing for Saturday’s contest.

His response centered on turnovers and explosive offensive production. According to Elko, South Carolina becomes particularly dangerous when it protects possession and consistently creates big plays.

“…. When they protect the football, when they create explosive plays, they’re really, really, good. Over the last three games, they’ve done that,” Elko said. “I think at times before that, there were turnovers and plays that they maybe wish they had back, and so they didn’t get the results that they wanted. I think as you look around college football, that is the reality of college football right now.”

The Gamecocks’ recent results suggest that improved execution has helped them turn their season around.

The Importance of Third-Down Defense

Another major concern for Texas A&M will be South Carolina’s ability to stay ahead of the chains.

The Gamecocks enter the matchup ranked fourth in the SEC and 22nd nationally in third-down conversion percentage, successfully converting 48.4% of their attempts. Texas A&M, meanwhile, ranks third in the conference in third-down defense.

Elko explained that Sellers makes those situations especially difficult because he can extend plays with his legs or force defenses to account for the possibility of a quarterback run.

“I think South Carolina is really challenging because they do a really, good job staying in third and manageable,” Elko said. “He (Sellers) is such a weapon. You get into third-and-4 or less, and what he can do or what he can create, whether it’s because he’s carrying the ball or the threat of him carrying the ball, I think just creates a lot of challenges.

“…. They’ve been really successful because I think he’s such a weapon, and so they’re a unique challenge because of the quarterback and what he’s able to do in those down and distances.”

For the Aggies, preventing manageable third-down situations could be essential to slowing down the Gamecocks.

Elko Discusses Kendal Briles’ Offensive System

South Carolina offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has helped introduce a different identity to the Gamecocks’ offense during his first season in Columbia.

Elko is familiar with the challenges associated with Briles’ approach. The coaches previously faced each other twice during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, when Briles coordinated Arkansas’ offense and Elko served as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator. Across those two meetings, Briles’ offenses averaged 26 points and 453 yards per game.

Elko praised the system’s ability to create favorable one-on-one situations while using tempo, spacing and physical running to challenge opposing defenses.

“I think they do a really, really, good job with that, creating one-on-one opportunities for their players and allowing their skill kids to try to create explosives. There’s a tempo element to it for sure. Certainly, there’s a hidden physicality,” Elko said. “When you think about the Art Briles (Kendal’s father) or Kendal Briles’ offenses, it’s this spread, tempo, pace. I think there’s a physicality to it that they pride themselves in, and I think they’re starting to get that to the level they wanted at South Carolina too, and so it’s a really, really challenging attack.

“They’re up-tempo, they’re spread, they challenge you sideline to sideline, but they also lead the SEC in running the football, and so, it’s a challenge for sure.”

That combination of passing threats, quarterback mobility and an effective rushing attack gives South Carolina multiple ways to put pressure on the Aggies.

How Motivated Are the Aggies?

With four losses in their last six games, questions naturally remain about Texas A&M’s confidence and motivation.

The Aggies had a bye week to regroup before beginning their final four games. Elko, however, insisted that his players remain committed despite the disappointing stretch.

“We’re still motivated,” Elko said.

He expanded on that answer later, emphasizing the importance of representing the program and continuing to compete for personal pride.

“I think one, playing for the name on the front of your jersey, I think still matters. I think the investment into this season is still really large … so I think that still plays a role,” Elko said. “I also think the investment into the name on the back of their jersey still matters. We’ve always talked about those two things in combination, and so I don’t think you’re looking around the country seeing teams just not playing.

“I think you see a lot of ups and downs. I think you see a little bit of inconsistency throughout college football a little bit, but I don’t think that you’re seeing what people are projecting in terms of that.”

A Major Test Awaits at Williams-Brice Stadium

Elko’s comments make it clear that Texas A&M understands the challenge awaiting it in Columbia.

South Carolina is playing with considerably more confidence after three consecutive victories, and Sellers has emerged as one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.

For the Aggies, the priorities will be limiting explosive plays, forcing difficult third downs and finding ways to contain Sellers both as a passer and a runner.

The Gamecocks, meanwhile, will have an opportunity to extend their winning streak and continue building momentum in SEC play when the two teams meet Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

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