Greg McElroy analyzes Texas A&M's chances to contend for College Football Playoff
Could Texas A&M make the College Football Playoff in Mike Elko’s first season? Greg McElroy doesn’t believe it’s too far fetched.
During the latest episode of his Always College Football show, McElroy elaborated on why he believes the Aggies will be successful during Elko’s inaugural run, but even with the expanded CFP, they could be a long-shot. However, it’s not impossible.
“We’ll go next to the SEC. Mike Elko turns A&M into a College Football Playoff contender in Year 1? I think the probability here is about a three (out of ten). Now, getting into the Top 12 is certainly something that A&M’s roster can do. But there are a lot of unknowns, as it relates to Texas A&M,” McElroy said. “In part, they’re quarterback. [Conner] Weigman, great player, when available. However, he has been banged up at times in his career. You look at the offensive line, that is a legitimate question mark for me. A&M’s offensive line, bunch of guys that are going to be coming in. They’ve added a bunch of guys through the portal. Hopefully they’re more consistent. I think they’ll be alright, but I still think the offensive line is a big question mark going into the year.
“I think they’re going to be fine at running back. Should be good at wide receiver. Defensive front should be elite in some areas. I think they have a chance to be, that’s for sure. But you look at the second and third level defensively, should be really good, even though they will miss Edgerrin Cooper there at middle linebacker, who was among the best at his position in the country last year.”
While McElroy isn’t ready to anoint Texas A&M as College Football Playoff contenders, he does see a path for the Aggies to get in. Regardless, he believes they’ll be a tough team to face all season long.
“But we’re talking about the College Football Playoff right here. We’re talking about the CFP, and I think if you’re in the SEC, you’re in the Playoff field, more than likely, at 10-2 or better. If you’re anything less than that, you’re probably not going to get there,” McElroy added. “I know, talking to most Aggies fans, I think they’re really optimistic with what Mike Elko’s going to bring. The stability he’s going to bring to the program. The level of detail that he’s going to bring to the defensive side. And you’ve got to hope with what Coach [Collin] Klien (Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator) is going to do offensively, they’re going to be much more organized on that side of the ball, and probably a little bit more creative.
“So there’s a lot of reasons to feel good about A&M this year, but I look at them more of a dangerous team. … They’re in category two. Now yet quite a contender, but not a team you really want to play, which is a great place to be, if you’re Mike Elko stepping into this position.”
Alas, it’ll be up to Texas A&M to surprise people in 2024. They’re flying a bit under the radar, but Greg McElroy still believes in the Aggies’ abilities entering a new era, it seems.