This year marks the 10th time in the past 15 seasons that Texas A&M has ranked inside the top 10 of the AP poll and/or College Football Playoff Rankings at some point. The No. 3 Aggies are regular contenders for the sport’s elite since joining the SEC, but they have rarely stayed among them.

What changed? It was confirmed on Saturday when the No. 3 Aggies improved to 9-0 (6-0 SEC) with a 38-17 victory at No. 22 Missouri. This win not only secured their CFP position but also set up expectations well beyond just participation.

Texas A&M hasn’t made it to the SEC Championship Game since their entry into the league in 2012. With a good chance to compete for the title, they are well-positioned for a strong playoff showing.

Second-year coach Mike Elko has demonstrated that effective coaching can prevail without the spotlight. This stands in stark contrast to past big-name hires who failed to deliver results.

Additionally, here’s a closer look at the standout performances of the week:

Loser: Missouri Struggles

No. 22 Missouri faced a tough match against Texas A&M, eventually losing 38-17. The team’s third-string quarterback Matt Zollers ended up completing only 7 of 22 passes for 77 yards against a robust defense.

Winner: Oregon’s Drama
Oregon secured an 18-16 win against Iowa with a crucial late-game throw from Dante Moore.

Winner: Indiana’s Resilience

Facing a stiff challenge, No. 2 Indiana rallied back from a late-game deficit to claim a 27-24 victory over Penn State.

The team’s capacity to perform under pressure is vital as they eye championship dreams.