" Why am I not surprised sip lacks the self awareness to see it"
Oh everyone is aware of a certain segment of Aggie fans and their belief in the ability of Texas to control polls, media, the weather, the phases of the moon, banana consumption in the Congo, etc. This has only been going on for years decades centuries for some time now.
Actually I think Elko is doing the right thing. schedule a real team early, take your loss, identify your problems and work to fix them. If A&M had scheduled Quachita Baptist College,Tire & Fender U and A&M prevailed 75-0 some of you would be discussing your pending 'natty' for the next month until some other team pissed in your Post Toasties. Elko is a new coach working with someone else's players, a new scheme and a tough schedule. It is going to take a season of two to work any 'magic' he has in him.
One for certain change: get a QB who can deliver the ball to good receivers and make sure he isn't made of glass. You have several residing on your bench ...