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Mike Elko said Texas A&M's rushing problems span line blocking, backs following blocks and perimeter blocks on extra defenders. Halftime leverage adjustments and a spark from KJ Edwards helped against Arizona State, but Elko stressed the staff must find solutions rather than expect a new offensive line to improve merely with time.
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Elko called Marcel Reed's performance uneven: missed curls and a poor interception decision were balanced by strong touchdown throws to Horton and Craver. He also said A&M is looking for more ways to feature Terry Bussey, whose role continues to grow. No quarterback change or fixed Bussey touch count was announced.
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Daymion Sanford still had no return date; Elko said the captain will rejoin the linebacker mix when ready and praised the depth developing in his absence. Elko separately said Landon Rink would be fine, without giving injury details. Neither statement supplies a verified game-day participation record.
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A&M is rotating nine to 11 defensive linemen, compared with the six or seven Elko traditionally used. He credits that depth with maintaining pressure and pursuit late in the heat and preparing for nine SEC games. TJ Searcy's length, run strength and quarterback disruption are valued beyond his visible statistics.
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Bravion Rogers is earning meaningful nickel snaps in addition to his established special-teams role. Elko also described using safety Marcus Ratcliffe at linebacker in some third-down packages and as a blitzer, with Ratcliffe's communication and versatility helping the defense handle personnel changes.