Texas A&M football isn't spending its bye week preparing for a championship run. Instead, Mike Elko and the Aggies are trying to figure out how a season filled with College Football Playoff expectations has turned into a fight for bowl eligibility.

At 4-4 overall and 1-4 in SEC play, Texas A&M has plenty to fix before traveling to South Carolina on Nov. 7.

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And the biggest concerns begin with an offense that continues to disappear when the Aggies need it most.

Saturday's 31-20 loss at Alabama provided another frustrating example.

Texas A&M entered the fourth quarter leading 20-17 but managed just 15 yards over its final three possessions, all ending in three-and-outs. Alabama scored 14 unanswered points to complete the comeback.

Offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins faces the challenge of producing a more dependable attack, particularly when opponents adjust defensively.

Quarterback Marcel Reed's decision-making is another major issue.

Reed completed 14 of 21 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Alabama. Elko acknowledged afterward that he considered inserting freshman Brady Hart before deciding to stay with his starter.

"I still believe he's our best option," Elko said.

That doesn't eliminate the need to evaluate the position, particularly with four difficult SEC games remaining.

The Aggies must also use the break to recover physically.

Running back KJ Edwards suffered a deep leg contusion against Alabama, while injuries have already depleted the receiving corps and offensive line. Terry Bussey, Madden Williams and Blake Ivy are among the players lost for the season.

Getting healthier could help the offense regain some consistency, but personnel alone won't solve every problem.

Defensively, Elko and coordinator Lyle Hemphill have another challenge.

Texas A&M limited Alabama to 68 rushing yards but surrendered 311 passing yards and three touchdowns to Keelon Russell.

Coverage breakdowns have repeatedly undermined otherwise competitive defensive performances.

Linebacker Daymion Sanford acknowledged the mistakes after Saturday's loss.

"We just got lazy with our eyes," Sanford said.

Elko has also emphasized the importance of resetting mentally.

"We don't get many 'off' weeks," Elko said during his recent radio appearance. "The bye is a good opportunity to reset some things."

That reset includes giving players time to recover, evaluating personnel, addressing execution problems and allowing the coaching staff to continue recruiting.

The Aggies have also scheduled no regular football media availability during the open week, with Elko expected to return Nov. 2 to preview South Carolina.

Four games remain against South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas.

A&M needs at least two victories to become bowl eligible, and three of those opponents present difficult challenges for a team still searching for its first road victory.

Reed summarized the team's immediate objective after Alabama.

"Getting healthy, clearing our minds and coming back and winning these last four games," he said.

For Elko, that means transforming a week without a game into something much more valuable.

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The Aggies don't need another round of explanations.

They need adjustments that actually work when the fourth quarter arrives.

Source: Yahoo Sports