COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - In November of 2021, Texas A&M faced what would become one of the sports’ statistical leaders at the quarterback position in Bo Nix. Ultimately, the Aggies held Nix to completing less than 50% of his passes for 153 yards and no touchdowns in the 20-3 Aggie win, thanks in big part to A&M’s effectiveness on third-down defense.

Then Aggie defensive coordinator Mike Elko dialed up exotic looks on third down, using different personnel groupings and blitzes from different angles to keep the Tiger offense on their heels. Nix was sacked four times in the game, two of which came on third down.

As the Aggies prepare for the 2025 season with Elko now in his second year at the helm, unique third-down looks might just make a comeback.

“I think Coach Elko’s exotic stuf

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