‘It’s the next step we have to do. We’re going to have to play a good football game,’ Jimbo Fisher previews Arkansas, provides update on Conner Weigman, and more
The gauntlet that is the SEC regular season continues forward as Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) faces Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC) on Saturday. The head-to-head also marks the next chapter of the Southwest Classic.
The Maroon and White are coming off a hard-fought 27-10 win over Auburn last weekend, and Jimbo Fisher echoed the same in his weekly press conference. The Aggies head coach touted the superb play of the defense, which recorded a season-high seven sacks against the Tigers.
Of course, he spotlighted Max Johnson, who performed more than admirably in the wake of Conner Weigman exiting early with an ankle injury. On the latter, Fisher provided a brief, but significant update on the sophomore quarterback, whose status will be key to monitor ahead of Saturday’s matchup.
In addition, Fisher provided an update on Noah Thomas, how the team is preparing for a physical matchup with the Razorbacks, as well as his thoughts on the future of the Southwest Classic, with the SEC set to expand in 2024.
Below is Jimbo Fisher’s full press conference ahead of this week’s Arkansas matchup, as well as notable highlights from his time at the podium.
Nothing like a hard-fought win to kickoff SEC play
“Proud of the guys and the way we opened SEC play. It was a very physical game on Saturday with a lot of big hits and a lot of big plays. It was hard-fought.”
It's time to give the defense their flowers
“The defense was outstanding… They played well, pressured the quarterback, affected the quarterback and got to the run game. The defensive line played well, but I thought both linebackers played extremely well.”
Of course, you have to highlight Max Johnson's performance
“We moved the ball consistently on the day. I thought Max (Johnson) did well once Conner (Weigman) came out.”
Fisher knows Reuben Owens will put his fumble behind him
“He’s going to get a zillion more times. He’s a phenomenal player. That’s a learning curve.”
Jimbo touted the versatility of the RB room
“I think we’ve got three really good guys that we can count on, which is huge for us and what we do.”
1-0 in SEC play is a start, but the job's not finished
“Good SEC win. Not perfect. A lot of room to work and a lot of things to get better at.”
Arkansas poses a formidable test on Saturday
“It’s the next step we have to do. We’re going to have to play a good football game all the way through and do some things that we need to get better.”
Jimbo noted Conner Weigman is "day-to-day"
“A little sprain with a little swelling.”
Max Johnson's "brother-to-brother" TD was a sight to behold
“That’s a rarity… That doesn’t happen very often at the level. To be able to throw and catch to each other was pretty cool. It was a neat thing for them to have that touchdown.”
Fisher also provided an update on Noah Thomas
“He should be good to go.”
Fisher provided his perspective on half-time adjustments
“Adjustments are good and overrated too. You sense what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. We’re getting the kids calmed down so they see it… It’s about letting them see what’s going on, take a deep breath and relax.”
Jimbo knows KJ Jefferson is a threat when he has the ball
“He’s probably going to break through a time or do, and when he does, hopefully, our spies can do a good job of getting him on the ground.”
Words of wisdom from the Aggies head coach
“As a player, you have to live in the moment. You have to live in today. What good does it do to see what’s out there? You have to learn to do what you can control, and what you can control is how you prepare, how you practice and how you play on Saturday.”
How does the Southwest Classic feel year in and year out?
“When you play an opponent over and over and consistently, it’s like playing your brother in a weird way. The more you play somebody, the more comfortable you are competing against them.”
On the chemistry between the QBs and the WRs
“Practice and what you did in the offseason and what you did when nobody was watching. It goes back to practice habits, and we’re starting to practice well.”
Sounds like Jimbo won't be playing defense anytime soon!
“(I was wondering) ‘How’d he get the ball?’ I didn’t see the fumble. I was trying to get Max (Johnson)’s attention about something… I shouldn’t have been out there, but I thought the play was dead.”
Fisher echoed the confidence in Max Johnson
“Max (Johnson) believes in himself. That’s one of the things I love about him. He practiced and competed to be ready to play. He never lost confidence.”
On the future of the A&M-Arkansas rivalry
“I get the home-and-home, and I appreciate it because anytime you can play in Kyle Field, I love it. It’s a venue that’s a tremendous facility.”
Fisher and the Aggies are standing with Noah Thomas during his recent family tragedy
“He’s dealing with that right now, and we’re all trying to deal with it with him.”
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