COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Following back-to-back Southeastern Conference losses to Kentucky and LSU, Texas A&M is looking to reset its season as it prepares to host Arkansas at Kyle Field.
The Aggies enter Saturday’s game looking to overcome recent execution issues and penalty troubles that stalled their performance in a 35-6 losing effort against LSU. Voice of the Texas A&M Aggies Andrew Monaco joined Brian and Chad on ‘The Thing About Sports’ and he emphasized that the team must focus on internal execution and process rather than reacting to recent setbacks.
"There's still a lot of work to be done, that's for sure," Monaco said regarding the team's ongoing adjustments. "They were reacting to the results and not the process. You can't allow that. You've got to trust what you're doing."
Monaco noted that head coach Mike Elko has maintained a steady, work-focused environment in the locker room despite the team's position in the bottom of the SEC standings.
"Because you lose doesn't mean you lose culture; because you win doesn't mean you have culture," Monaco said, echoing Elko's message to the team. "Everybody showed up on time ready to work. That's the mindset."
A central point of emphasis for Texas A&M heading into Saturday's game is re-establishing physical control at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Aggies are seeking greater consistency from quarterback Marcel Reed, who faces the task of managing game flow, making quicker decisions against coverage looks, and distributing the ball accurately downfield.
"I don't think they're looking for an identity; I think they have to play to their identity," Monaco said. "And that identity is winning the line of scrimmage."
The offensive unit faces additional challenges due to injuries within the receiving corps. Receiver Jabre Barber remains sidelined, while Mario Craver's status has been monitored on the weekly injury report. In response, the Aggies may lean more heavily on wide receiver Isaiah Horton, tight ends Houston Thomas and Kiotti Armstrong, and a backfield committee featuring Rueben Owens, Jamarion Morrow, and EJ Smith.
On defense, Texas A&M aims to reduce explosive plays by opposing offenses and generate more consistent pass rush from the front four. Defensive coordinator adjustments could include varied pressure packages to disrupt Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson.
"Can you be more physical than the other team? Can you out-strain, to use that phrase that Mike Elko has said?" Monaco remarked. "First two weeks, yes. Last two weeks, absolutely not. And that's got to change."
Saturday's contest also serves as a focal point for the university's 150-year anniversary celebration. The Aggies will wear special camouflage-patterned uniforms, accompanied by matching end-zone designs at Kyle Field as a tribute to the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Festivities begin Friday night with a special 9 p.m. midnight yell practice that features a drone show and fireworks display.
Kickoff between Texas A&M and Arkansas is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, with pregame coverage beginning at 4 p.m. on Talk 1370.
The Thing About Sports can be heard Saturdays at 9 a.m.
