By james art 
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko made it clear what he thought of the South Carolina Gamecocks heading into Saturday’s meeting in Columbia.
In the run-up to this week’s game, Elko emphasized how tough the challenge will be to walk into Williams-Brice Stadium and win out to stay atop the SEC.
“Our focus is on what will be an extremely challenging task this week, playing against a really, really talented, really, really good South Carolina team on the road at night, so we’re getting ready and excited for the next challenge,” said Elko.
The Gamecocks defense boasts one of the best pass rushes in the country with EDGE Kyle Kennard leading the SEC with 8.5 sacks, which is also good for fourth in the country. South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart also has 4.5 sacks this season.
“Their ability to impact football games is unlike anything we’ve seen this year,” Elko said. “… This is a really, really talented football team.”
During Wednesday’s episode of The Aggie Football Hour, Elko reiterated that the Gamecocks have Texas A&M’s full attention. South Carolina has had its inconsistencies this season, but when head coach Shane Beamer’s group is at its best, they can contend with the SEC’s elite.
“They’re really, really talented on defense and then on offense, they have a quarterback that can run anywhere,” Elko said. “It’s a really, really scary group.”
The Aggies and Gamecocks will kick off in Columbia on Saturday at 6:30pm CT.
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