So, A&M playing Miami in it's first CFP game. I think we're very evenly matched, and I like our odds with the game being at home.
I'm excited about this game not just because of our potential playoff run, but how well we have done (overall) under Elko. Last year it seemed like we were turning a corner, and then we laid an egg in November, but we still finished with 8 wins, and came tantalizingly close to 9/10 wins. OT loss vs Auburn, and then a late collapse against USC in the bowl game. One of the things I've harped on on this board and others is how A&M has not had two *successful seasons in a row since the early 90's.
Successful means either conference champions, or 10+ wins. You may be able to call 97/97 successful, because in 97 we reached the Big 12 CCG, but we got bodied by Nebraksa when they were peak NU, and then lost the bowl game to an also very good UCLA and Cade McNown. 1998 we obviously won the Big 12, but in 1999 we took a step back, and then it was pretty much the Mack and Stoops show for a decade plus.
So all that being said, 8-5 last year, 11-1 this year with the chance to win 12 or more is a wonderful year in my book. I'm not sure who all is returning in '26, and frankly with the NIL and portal and all the noise I don't think anybody knows, even the players yet. But I like the direction we're trending, and if Elko can maintain momentum in '26 and beyond it will be the first time in 3 decades we've had real sustained success.
I have to temper myself because the schedule is very tough , and success may not be measured in W/L. Also, we will have new OC/DC among other staff changes. But Alabama and Georgia have the same issues year over year.
