​Missouri State may have received a new fan before the season even started.Instead of talking down about his Week 1 opponent, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko continually praised Missouri State during his press conference on Monday, Aug. 31. “I think this is a program that is really, really on the rise,” he said. “It’s an exciting program, it’s an exciting team to get a chance to go out and compete against, and we are really looking forward to it.”The Aggies are looking to push for a national championship and SEC title this season. The season must start somewhere, and Missouri State is the Aggies’ first opponent. How to watch: Missouri State vs Texas A&M, time, date, TV, predictionMissouri State football: Bears taking ‘Hoosiers’ approach against Texas A&MElko not only complimented the football team for achieving a bowl game, he gave a shoutout to the women’s basketball team for making the NCAA Tournament and the baseball team for reaching regionals as an at-large bid. “They are really one of the hotter athletic departments in the country,” Elko said, “when you look at the things that they have accomplished last year.”This is the first year for new head coach Casey Woods at Missouri State. Along with Woods, he brought in a new coaching staff along with many new transfers. This has created a big challenge for Elko and his staff as they prepare for the Bears.Texas A&M has watched film on UTEP, SMU, TCU, Tulane and Auburn in the build-up to the game. While speaking about film, Elko also stated how impressed he’s been with Woods. “A guy who is really well-renowned as an offensive strategist,” Elko said. “A young guy who was really, really hot on the OC market in the last few years.”When asked what problems Missouri State poses, Elko stressed that starting quarterback Skyler Locklear “has the ability to hurt you with his arms and his legs.” Elko gave his plaudits to top wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson. Elko also explained that tight end Jeron Askren will be a challenge for the Aggies. Askren was picked to the Mackey Award watch list for the top tight end in the nation. The 6-foot-3 junior will have a chance to shine on a big stage against the Aggies. “They have a big, tall, athletic tight end who will be a matchup issue in the pass game,” Elko said. Elko showed nothing but respect for the Bears. It shows how much the Aggies are preparing for Missouri State and not dismissing any of the team’s accomplishments after the team’s first year in FBS. “They are recruiting at a high level for their conference,” Elko said. “I think they are definitely here for a long haul.”Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.comThis article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Texas A&M coach Mike Elko warns of Missouri State threat: ‘an exciting program’