September 30, 2025

Texas A&M Football Faces Penalty Challenges

College Station, Texas, September 30, 2025

News Summary

Texas A&M football’s head coach Mike Elko is addressing the team’s troubling performance regarding penalties this season. After a 4-0 start, the Aggies have accumulated 38 penalties, ranking 118th nationally. Their recent victory over Auburn revealed significant issues, including numerous holding and personal foul calls, which hindered scoring. As the team prepares for Mississippi State, Elko emphasizes the need to rectify these challenges to maintain their competitive edge and winning streak in the upcoming games.

College Station, Texas – Texas A&M Football Faces Penalty Challenges

Texas A&M football head coach Mike Elko has recently acknowledged significant issues pertaining to penalties, which have surfaced during the early stages of the current season. In their Week 5 victory over Auburn, the team was penalized 13 times, a troubling indicator of self-inflicted setbacks amid a promising 4-0 start. A&M currently ranks 118th nationally for penalties, representing a pressing concern for the coaching staff as they strategize for the remainder of the season.

As of now, Texas A&M has accumulated a total of 38 penalties, resulting in a loss of 309 yards across just four games. This average of 9.5 penalties per game marks an increase from the previous season when the team averaged 7.5 penalties per game under Elko, who began his tenure last year. If the current trend continues, the Aggies risk exceeding 120 penalties and losing 1,000 yards by season’s end, including any potential bowl games.

Recent Game Statistics

In their latest matchup against Auburn, the Aggies faced several challenges, including six penalties for holding and three for personal fouls. Notably, an intentional grounding call against quarterback Marcel Reed was compounded by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on offensive lineman Chase Bisontis, contributing an additional 15 yards to a crucial moment in the game that disrupted a promising drive. Despite these challenges, Texas A&M managed to gain over 400 yards in offense but could only convert this into 16 points, underscoring the detrimental impact that penalties have made on their scoring potential.

Looking Ahead

As the Aggies prepare to take on Mississippi State, another team grappling with penalty problems—having recorded 47 penalties for 427 yards in their own five games—Elko has emphasized the necessity to address and rectify these issues moving forward. A strong defensive performance last week against Auburn allowed only one touchdown and one field goal, an encouraging sign that could bolster their chances if they can minimize penalties.

Currently ranked No. 5 in the US LBM coaches poll and No. 6 in the AP Top 25 poll, A&M finds themselves in unfamiliar territory, being 4-0 for the first time since 2016. While the team shows promise, the excessive penalties remain a significant hurdle that must be overcome to maintain their winning streak and compete effectively against future opponents.

Creative Solutions by Elko

In a lighthearted yet sincere gesture, Coach Elko introduced the ‘Texas A&M Football Coaches Cabo Fund.’ The fund, designed as a joke, would have players contribute for each penalty incurred. Although humorous, this initiative underscores the serious implications of penalties on both the performance and morale of the team. Elko is keenly aware of the need for improvement and is determined to engage players in recognizing the gravity of their actions on the field. As the season unfolds, the hope is that A&M can rally together to minimize these issues while remaining competitive in an ever-challenging college football landscape.

Conclusion

The Texas A&M football team’s journey is marked by both potential and challenges this season. With a focus on addressing penalty problems, Coach Elko and the Aggies are committed to building on their successes while eliminating obstacles that could hinder their quest for victory.

FAQ

What is the current penalty issue facing Texas A&M football?

Texas A&M currently ranks 118th in the nation for penalties, having committed 38 penalties for 309 yards in four games. They average 9.5 penalties per game, which is two more than last season.

What initiatives has Coach Mike Elko introduced to address penalty issues?

Coach Elko humorously introduced the ‘Texas A&M Football Coaches Cabo Fund,’ where players would contribute for each penalty incurred. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of penalties.

How have penalties affected Texas A&M’s performance this season?

Penalties have significantly impacted Texas A&M’s scoring ability, resulting in self-inflicted setbacks. In their last game against Auburn, the Aggies gained over 400 yards but only scored 16 points due to these errors.

Key Features Summary

Feature	Details
Current National Rank for Penalties	118th
Total Penalties This Season	38 penalties for 309 yards
Average Penalties per Game	9.5
Last Game Penalty Infraction Breakdown	6 holding, 3 personal fouls
Potential Season Projections	Over 120 penalties and 1,000 yards lost
Ranking After Win vs. Auburn	No. 5 in coaches poll, No. 6 in AP poll

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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