Texas A&M Jimbo Fisher Press Conference: Week 3 Quotes
Texas A&M is attempting to move forward from their disastrous Sept. 10th loss to the Appalachian State Mountaineers, After being ranked 6th in both the AP and USA Today Coaches Poll going into the game, the Aggies have surprisingly remained in both rankings after the loss, dropping to 22nd in the Coaches Poll, and 24th in the AP Top 25.
On Monday, Head coach Jimbo Fisher and select players spoke to the media, answering questions about the loss, while looking towards their all-important prime-time matchup this Saturday against the 13th-ranked (AP Poll) Miami Hurricanes.
After players including Layden Robinson, Ainias Smith, and Demani Richardson took the mic, Fisher came in right after to detail just what went wrong against Appalachian State, and how important this week’s practice is to fix whatever caused this Aggies roster to struggle for four quarters against the men from Boone, North Carolina.
Here are some of the most notable quotes from Head coach Jimbo Fisher during Monday’s press conference:
Fisher describing his initial feelings and thoughts after the loss
Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I’m very disappointed in how we did and how we played. We had opportunities and didn’t execute.”
“Our defense played hard and played physical. It was a hard-fought, physical game.”
“They did a nice job in the game, we just have to get off the field earlier.”
Fisher on the lack of offensive execution, & Devon Achane's impact
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Texas A&M Aggies arrives prior to facing the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kyle Field on September 10, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“Offensively, we did not execute at a high enough level. We had eight possessions in the game, and we didn’t execute at a high enough level. Everyone took turns (making mistakes).”
“Achane was outstanding with the return. It was a long return for a touchdown that kept us in the game.”
(Jimbo Fisher also said he would consider handing over the play calling to someone else, if he thought it would be what it took to win.)
Fisher on if his offensive system is "too complex" for the quarterbacks
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Texas A&M Aggies arrives prior to facing the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kyle Field on September 10, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“No. Our guys know exactly what they’re doing.”
“They know exactly what to do.”
Fisher on a wake up call from the loss
Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher speaks during a half time interview of the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It all depends on how you wake up and what you do the next day, what you do and how you respond to things.”
“We have to prove that on the practice field.”
“I believe in our players, and I believe in what we’re doing.”
Fisher on the quarterback position, and details Miami's offensive attack
Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher speaks during a half time interview of the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Jimbo Fisher says that they are evaluating everything this week, including at quarterback. However, Fisher did not announce a change at quarterback for Saturday’s game vs. Miami.
“You got to get guys in the box, tackle well in space and get them down.”
“You’re going to have to play a complete football game on defense and then keep the ball on offense.”
Fisher on what his team needs to do moving forward
Jul 21, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher shown on the stage during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
“We’re not playing with exact consistency all the way through, but I thought we had a really good week of practice last week.”
“There are some things with young guys in there that we have to get fixed. That’s not just on the guys; it’s on coaching too.”
“Every practice rep has to be just like a game rep.”
“That’s what the great teams do in any sport. The buy-in is that every rep in practice matters, and it’s not just did I do it; it’s about doing it perfectly.”
Fisher on center Bryce Foster's current status
Jul 21, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher shown on the stage during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
“We’ll see where he’s at health-wise and conditioning-wise.”
(Fisher says he expects both Foster and Matthew Wykoff will play this week rather than Foster replacing Wykoff at center.)
Fisher on the importance of better player execution and coaching
Jul 21, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher shown on the stage during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
“Every practice rep has to be just like a game rep.”
“That’s what the great teams do in any sport. The buy-in is that every rep in practice matters, and it’s not just did I do it; it’s about doing it perfectly.”
“We have been physical. We weren’t unphysical in that football game. They fought for some inches and banged out some things.”
“We weren’t not physical. We weren’t technical with some of the things we needed to.”
Lastly, Fisher gives an initial injury update concerning key players on offense and defense
Jul 21, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher shown on the stage during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jimbo Fisher says that Jaylon Jones is practicing “some” and is being evaluated daily.
Fisher States that Walter Nolen, McKinnley Jackson, and Max Wright “should” be practicing, while Andre White is not.
