<p>Following <strong>James Franklin’s</strong> firing by the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/penn-state" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State Nittany Lions</a></strong>, reports suggest the beneficiary of the biggest buyout in <strong>college football</strong> history might be returning to the <strong>NCAA </strong>on a head coaching role. </p>



<p><strong>Jimbo Fisher</strong> made history during his tenure with the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-a&amp;m">Texas A&amp;M Aggies</a></strong>. After a couple of successful years to begin his 10-year, $75 million contract, things turned south as Fisher was fired in November 2023. Consequently, the Texas A&amp;M  University had to foot the bill on the <strong>biggest buyout in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAA</a> history at a whooping $77.5 million figure</strong>.</p>



<p>According to <em>Yahoo Sports</em>’ Ross Dellenger, the 60-year-old head coach spends much time watching film, organizing potential coaching staffs, and imagining recruitment plans. Fisher may be set for life with his earnings, but his life revolves around college football, and <strong>he isn’t giving up on his passion</strong>.</p>



<h2>Could be back</h2>



<p>Now, reports suggest the former Florida State Seminoles and Texas A&amp;M Aggies head coach is eyeing a return to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a>. Fisher’s name has been on everybody’s lips since Penn State fired Franklin, <strong>paying him over $50 million</strong>—including the $48 million buyout and his pending salary for the year. Though a hefty figure, it’s still much less than what the Aggies had to pay to Fisher.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/12140629/james-franklin-6-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="James Franklin Penn State HC" class="wp-image-507733" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head Coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions.</figcaption></figure>



<p><em>“<strong>I never got into coaching for money</strong>,” </em>Fisher commented during his interview with<em> Yahoo Sports. “Well, I’m not going to get out of it because I’ve got money.”</em></p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/best-programs-that-never-won-the-national-championship" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250925_BUS_498245_Oregon-Ducks-1-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="These best programs in college football never claimed the national title, but their legacy of grit, talent, and unforgettable seasons has cemented their place among the sport’s most iconic stories.
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<h2>Big bucks</h2>



<p>While Franklin’s buyout is one of the biggest in college football history,<strong> it could be surpassed</strong> by other multimillion-dollar clauses around the league. According to Front Office Sports, there are two contract buyouts set at higher amounts than Fisher’s $77.5 million. </p>



<p>The<strong> USC Trojans would have to pay $90 million to Lincoln Riley</strong>, while the Georgia Bulldogs are committed to paying <strong>approximately $110 million to Kirby Smart</strong> in the event of his firing. However, neither coach is expected to be on the hot seat anytime soon.</p>


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Not Franklin: Beneficiary of biggest buyout in NCAA history reportedly plans return

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<p>While <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/arch-manning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arch Manning</a></strong> and the <strong>Texas Longhorns</strong> have struggled so far in the 2025 <strong>NCAA </strong>season, at least they aren’t in the crosshairs of the SEC. On that note, rivals <strong>Texas A&amp;M Aggies</strong> have been hit with a hefty fine by the league after controversial plays.</p>



<p>The Aggies managed to keep their unbeaten streak alive in <strong>college football</strong>. In Week 8 of the 2025 NCAA campaign, Texas A&amp;M defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks by a score of 45-42. However, celebrations came to an unexpected halt as the <strong>SEC handed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-longhorns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Longhorns</a>’ in-state rivals a severe sanction</strong>.</p>



<p><em>“The Texas A&amp;M University football team has been <strong>found in violation of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAA</a> playing rule governing feigned injuries</strong>,” </em>the SEC’s statement read. “<em>This determination was made after review by the National Coordinator of Football Officiating of game video from the Texas A&amp;M football game against the University of Arkansas on October 18.</em></p>



<p><em>“Consistent with SEC policy, when the National Coordinator determines a feigned injury has occurred, the SEC is issuing a <strong>reprimand to Texas A&amp;M head coach Mike Elko </strong>and assessing a <strong>financial penalty of $50,000</strong> for a feigned injury violation.</em>“</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/21182229/mike-elko-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-513386" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Mike Elko of the Texas A&amp;M Aggies</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Crossing off the days</h2>



<p>Though both Texas and Texas A&amp;M have much bigger aspirations in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a> than a single game, it’s no secret the Longhorns and Aggies would give up a lot for a win over their despised rivals in the biggest state in the nation. </p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/greatest-rivalries-in-college-sports-history" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250915_BUS_490452_Oregon-vs.-Washington.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Generations have cheered, lost, and celebrated together—these college rivalries carry stories, legends, and intensity that echo far beyond the final whistle.
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        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/steve-sarkisian-refutes-claims-of-diminished-role-with-bold-message-to-arch-manning-texas-longhorns" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20251020_BUS_512723_steve-sarkisian.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Steve Sarkisian dropped a sincere message for the Texas Longhorns amid weeks of struggles with Arch Manning on the offensive side of the ball.
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        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/ncaaf-news-arch-manning-sets-record-straight-on-job-security-amid-struggles-with-longhorns" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20251020_BUS_512786_arch-manning-1-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After struggling to find his footing with the Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning dropped a concise statement on his future as starting quarterback in college football.
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<p>On that note, the <strong>Lone Star Showdown</strong> is already circled in red for both schools. Set to take place during the NCAA’s rivalry weekend on November 28, the matchup could be decisive for both sides. </p>



<p>However, Manning and the Longhorns, as well as QB Marcel Reed and the Aggies, know they can’t get carried away <strong>or look too far ahead</strong>. In the SEC, teams must give their best effort week in and week out. Any given Saturday isn’t just a marketing phrase—<strong>it’s a mantra all schools preach</strong>.</p>



<h2>One game at a time</h2>



<p>Determined to keep their respective win streaks alive, the Longhorns and Aggies are turning their focus onto the upcoming games in their seasons. <strong>Manning and Texas will travel to Starkville</strong>, where the 4-3 (0-3 SEC) <strong>Mississippi State Bulldogs</strong> await. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/29181324/arch-manning-1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Arch Manning walking off the field" class="wp-image-450783" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. </figcaption></figure>



<p>As for Reed and Texas A&amp;M, their undefeated record will be on the line Saturday night, when <strong>the Aggies enter Death Valley in Baton Rouge</strong> to take on the <strong>No. 20 LSU Tigers</strong>. Undoubtedly, this will be the biggest test for Mike Elko and his program so far this year. If the No. 3 Aggies can make it out of Louisiana in one piece, they’ll get a much-needed morale boost heading into the final stretch of the campaign. If not, they could be in for a rude awakening and a downward spiral.</p>


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SEC makes an example of Manning, Texas’ nemesis, with firm punishment

<p>Unfortunately for the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-am">Texas A&amp;M Aggies</a></strong>, the hope of making a deep run this season in the <strong>NCAAB</strong> ended quickly after a tough loss to the Michigan Wolverines. The March Madness elimination led to the departure of <strong>Buzz Williams</strong>, who eventually secured his move to the <strong>Maryland Terrapins</strong>, and one of his top players, who joined the <strong>Transfer Portal</strong>.</p>


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<p><strong>Pharrel Payne</strong>, one of the stars of the Aggies in the last <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">College Basketball</a> season, <strong>has finally made the decision to leave the program</strong> as he looks toward the future and will seek new opportunities in the near term.</p>



<p>The news was reported by NCAAB expert journalist <em>Pete Nakos</em>, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, shared the important decision made by the talented forward, who was key for the Texas A&amp;M Aggies last season.</p>



<p><strong><em>“NEW: Texas A&amp;M forward Pharrel Payne has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Payne averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game this season,”</em></strong> Nakos reported via <em>@PeteNakos_</em>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02163112/Pharrel-Payne-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Pharrel Payne Texas A&amp;M Aggies" class="wp-image-368937" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Pharrel Payne #21 of the Texas A&amp;M Aggies reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Reed Arena on February 11, 2025 in College Station, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What will be Payne’s next destination?</h2>



<p>Payne’s arrival at the Aggies had a key figure in this story: Buzz Williams. In statements to the press, the forward had previously stated that one of the reasons he joined the program was precisely because of who his coach was.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/the-greatest-march-madness-coaches-of-all-time-who-built-the-best-dynasties" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250310_BUS_352132_John-Wooden-March-Madness-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="From Coach K’s Duke legacy to Wooden&apos;s UCLA dynasty, these legends didn’t just win titles—they shaped the very fabric of college basketball and March Madness, creating dynasties that still echo today.
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<p><em>“I would say the first day was open, the first morning, coaches were able to come out and see players,”</em> Payne said to <em>Andrew Hattersley of 24/7 Sports. “Coach Buzz was the first person to come see me. <strong>When he told me what they were doing over there at Texas A&amp;M, I wanted to join</strong>.”</em></p>



<p>With the news confirmed of Williams’ arrival as the new head coach at the University of Maryland, many questions arise regarding the potential arrival of the former Minnesota player to the Terrapins, reuniting with his former coach. Will we see this duo together once again for a second consecutive time?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02163746/Pharrel-Payne-Buzz-Williams-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Buzz Williams Pharrel Payne" class="wp-image-368952" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head coach Buzz Williams of the Texas A&amp;M Aggies speaks to Pharrel Payne #21 against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Mackey Arena on December 14, 2024 in West Lafayette, Indiana.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The difference between the SEC and the Big Ten according to Payne</h2>



<p>Payne was one of only two Big Ten players to average 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in less than 27 minutes of play in the 2023/2024 season. After playing two years at Minnesota, the forward ultimately decided to join Texas A&amp;M last season.</p>


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<p>When asked by the press if he felt he had made a leap moving from the Big Ten to the SEC, the player was clear with his response: <strong><em>“Compared to the league I was at last year, the Big Ten, I’d say (the SEC is) a complete step up,”</em></strong> he said.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67eda21c0c8fd1e7fdf26bed" data-title="Will Williams and Payne reunite once again in the NCAAB?" data-options="3"></div>

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<p>Undoubtedly, the <strong>Texas A&amp;M Aggies</strong>‘ campaign this season in the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">NCAAF</a></strong> did not go as expected at the start. After the loss to the <strong>USC Trojans</strong> in the <strong>Las Vegas Bowl</strong>, the year came to an end for <strong>Mike Elko</strong>‘s team, who made it clear his thoughts on the level of his team’s performance this season.</p>


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<p>After the defeat, the coach spoke with the press, and while he acknowledged the significant improvements in his team, he knows there is still much work to be done moving forward: <em>“I mean, this is what I told our guys in the locker room, I think this is the reality of our situation,”</em> Elko said.</p>



<p><em>“I think we learned how to become accountable. I think we learned how to care for each other. I think we learned how to practice hard. I think we learned what work ethic looks like. None of those things existed in this program when I got here. Not one of them. <strong>We had kids on the football team not at the bowl game last year. That’s where we were when I took over,”</strong></em> he also added.</p>



<p>Despite all the improvements the coach had seen in recent weeks, the 35-31 loss to the Trojans in the Las Vegas Bowl highlighted the team’s biggest weaknesses, areas that will need to be addressed moving forward.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/28145134/Texas-AM-USC-Trojans-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Texas A&amp;M Aggies USC Trojans" class="wp-image-302034" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Texas A&amp;M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) runs with the football during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl featuring the USC Trojans and the Texas A&amp;M Aggies on December 27, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.</figcaption></figure>



<p><em><strong>“What we didn’t do was get good enough at football. And that’s ultimately my responsibility,</strong>”</em> Elko said. <em>“So we are fundamentally not good enough. We are just not good enough right now. So the challenge is, when we get back here in January, that everything has to get turned up.”</em></p>


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<p>Due to this, the HC made it clear that improvements are necessary for what lies ahead: <em>“You know, we are now where we need to be from a culture standpoint,”</em> Elko said. <em><strong>“Now we have to become a good football program. And so that’s the next step we have to take.”</strong></em></p>



<h2>Elko reflects on the key factor in the loss to USC</h2>



<p>The Aggies’ defeat not only left a bitter taste for failing to secure the Las Vegas Bowl, but it also highlighted the main weaknesses of Mike Elko’s team throughout the entire season.</p>


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<p>After the game, the Texas A&amp;M coach spoke with the press and, somewhat frustrated by the situation, made it clear where the key factor lay in the Trojans’ victory.</p>



<p><strong><em>“I think the story of the game is the story of our season, you know,”</em></strong> Elko said. <em>“We can’t cover the forward pass well enough to be a good football team, and so that’s my fault.”</em></p>



<p>“<em>Yea, I mean, I have a lot of apprehension when the other team’s going to drop back and throw the ball. I’ve had apprehension all season, starting with Florida, we got lucky. Starting with Missouri, we got lucky. LSU threw for 400 yards. It’s been a problem all season. So it’s on me and I’ve got to fix it,”</em> Elko finally concluded.</p>



<h2>The areas to improve for what’s ahead</h2>



<p>The Aggies’ coach took responsibility for his team’s situation and, far from avoiding blame, stated the areas where they need to improve in order to have a better season in 2025.</p>



<p><strong><em>“So many things. Fundamentally. … We can’t play zone coverage,”</em></strong> Elko said. <em>“Every time we play zone coverage we give up big plays. So we have no concept of space. We have no concept of zone coverage. We have no concept of what we’re doing.</em></p>



<p><em>“So we have to play man-to-man all the time. And we had some guys in there filling in some roles today that got caught in a lot of man-to-man situations and that was hard for them.”</em></p>


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NCAAF News: Aggies HC Mike Elko offers self-criticism following the loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl - Bolavip US

NCAAF News: Aggies HC Mike Elko offers self-criticism following the loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl

<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-am">Texas A&amp;M</a> </strong>and <strong>USC </strong>will face each other in what will be the&nbsp;<strong>2024 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl.</strong> Fans nationwide can stay informed with all the essential details, including the official game date, kickoff time, and streaming options, ensuring they’re ready to catch every moment of this highly anticipated matchup.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">[Watch Texas A&amp;M vs USC online for FREE in the US on Fubo]</a></strong></p>



<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a></strong> are set to face the <strong>Texas A&amp;M Aggies</strong> in the <strong>SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl</strong>, with both teams eager to cap off their 2024 campaigns on a high note. <strong>USC</strong>, a 3.5-point underdog with a 6-6 record, will look to pull off an upset against the 8-4 Aggies.</p>



<p>The game is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 51.5 points. Both teams entered the season with lofty goals but fell short, each having spent time ranked in the top 10-11. As they look to end the year on a positive note, they’re focused on building momentum heading into the offseason.</p>



<h2>When will the Texas A&amp;M vs USC match be played?</h2>



<p><strong>Texas A&amp;M </strong>play against <strong>USC </strong>this&nbsp;<strong>Friday, December 27th</strong>, in the highly anticipated&nbsp;<strong>2024 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. </strong>The game will kick off at&nbsp;<strong>7:30 PM (ET).</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24142245/Texas-AM-quarterback-Marcel-Reed-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-300002" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Texas A&amp;M quarterback Marcel Reed – IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Texas A&amp;M vs USC: Time by State in the USA</h2>



<p><strong>ET</strong>: 7:30 PM</p>



<p><strong>CT</strong>: 6:30 PM</p>



<p><strong>MT</strong>: 5:30 PM</p>



<p><strong>PT</strong>: 4:30 PM</p>


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<h2>How to watch Texas A&amp;M vs USC in the USA</h2>



<p>Catch the&nbsp;<strong>2024 college football&nbsp;</strong>clash between<strong> Texas A&amp;M </strong>and<strong> USC </strong>live on&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">Fubo (free trial)</a></strong>. Alternatively, you can tune in to ESPN.</p>


Where to watch Texas A&M vs USC live for free in the USA: 2024 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

Where to watch Texas A&amp;M vs USC live for free in the USA: 2024 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl - Bolavip US

<p>College football has kicked off its highly anticipated season, and one of the key matchups this weekend features a face-off between <strong>Texas A&amp;M</strong> head coach <strong>Mike Elko</strong> and <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame</a></strong> quarterback <strong>Riley Leonard</strong>. Both previously achieved impressive results at Duke University before going their separate ways.</p>



<p>The duo that made successful results at Duke has leveraged that experience to propel their careers and make significant strides in college football. <strong>Kyle Field will witness an exciting clash between these two old teammates from the NCAAF.</strong></p>



<p>Following the departure of head coach Jimbo Fisher, <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-a&amp;m">Texas A&amp;M</a> moved quickly to secure the services of the experienced Mike Elko</strong>, who had achieved significant success before arriving at Texas.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Notre Dame secured the services of talented QB Riley Leonard, who, alongside Elko, formed a solid duo at Duke University. <strong>Leonard had amassed 33 touchdowns in 2022 and led the <em>Blue Devils</em> as high as No. 16 in the national polls before suffering an injury in 2023. The QB announced on social media that he would be transferring to Notre Dame, calling the move <em>‘a dream come true.’</em></strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/27194134/Mike-Elko-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Mike Elko Duke" class="wp-image-227251" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head coach Mike Elko of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Elko and Leonard, face o face</h2>



<p>After having shared a roster for a long time, the coach and quarterback ultimately went their separate ways. Fate has now brought them face-to-face in none other than Week 1 of the championship.</p>


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<p><strong>About 100,000 people are expected to fill Kyle Field, as it welcomes Riley Leonard and his Notre Dame team in what will undoubtedly be one of the most thrilling games of the weekend.</strong> Both universities will be aiming to start their path to the title on the right foot.</p>



<p>HC Mike Elko will face off against his former player Leonard for the first time, with whom he achieved great success when they were part of one of the most consistent duos in college football.</p>



<h2>Elko’s clear message to the QB</h2>



<p>In statements to the press, the former Duke coach addressed the situation of facing Leonard in the season opener: <em>“It’s interesting and weird and not really something I want to do. But at the end of the day, it’s part of the game,”</em></p>



<p>“<em><strong>I have a tremendous amount of respect for who he is, not just as a player but also as a young man. I have respect for his family. It’ll be three hours competing against each other, and the rest of the year rooting for him</strong>“</em>, he concluded. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/27194132/Elko-and-Reynold-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Elko Reynold Duke" class="wp-image-227254" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head coach Mike Elko of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates with Riley Leonard #13 after a victory against the UCF Knights in the Military Bowl Presented by Peraton at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2022 in Annapolis, Maryland.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>HC expects his former to have an advantage</h2>



<p>Regarding the specific fact of facing a former teammate, the experienced coach stated the following: <em>“I would argue that he has more of an upper hand than we do”.</em></p>



<p><em>“He’s probably a little bit more familiar with this defense than most quarterbacks we play. It’s not the exact defense we ran at Duke, but we don’t have a ton of comfort as a program going against this offense. Two years going against a version of this defense that’s similar to what he’ll see Saturday night probably gives him a little bit more of an advantage than it does us.”,</em> Elko concluded.</p>


Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko delivers message on Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard

Texas A&amp;M head coach Mike Elko delivers message on Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard - Bolavip US

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