Jimbo Fisher calls New Mexico hard to prepare for

Texas A&M is going to want to avoid an early slip-up like they had last year against Appalachian State. Even so, Jimbo Fisher knows that’s a big ask considering what New Mexico is going to bring to the table in their opener this weekend.

Fisher spoke highly of the Lobos during his radio show on Wednesday night. He started by looking at their defense which is both familiar but is also very unique in Albuquerque. While they only return two starters from that side from a year ago, it could definitely trip up the Aggies if they’re not careful.

“I’m gonna tell you – they’re a hard team to prepare for. Defensively, what they do? It all drives back from a Rocky Long system. Multiple blitz, twists, stunts, constant pressure, unorthodox fronts and overloads,” said Fisher. “It’s a very hard team to prepare for on our offense because of the multiplicity of what they do and how they do it.

“Some of it is it’s not as conventional as other people. It’s a little bit different. It causes you some rules you have to tie or break by certain things you have. You have to learn it, see it,” Fisher continued. “The secondary is very aggressive, mixed coverages to man to zone to different things they do. They play very hard that way.”

You’d think New Mexico’s offense would at least be easier to deal with considering they averaged just 13.1 points per game last year, which was 130th in the nation. If you did, though, you thought wrong considering what Bryant Vincent is adding from his previous stop and how he has challenged A&M before.

“Offensively, they got a new coordinator from UAB. They had a lot of success the last few years now,” said Fisher. “They played us. We played really well on offense that day. They moved the ball on us up and down the field, did a great job.

“Can run the football, very physical. On offense, the quarterback went from UAB over there so it’s somebody who knows the system. Very good throwing the ball downfield.”

Although Danny Gonzales’ team went 2-10 in 2022, they aren’t going to be a layup for the Aggies come 7 p.m. EST on Saturday on ESPN. That’s why Fisher is expecting a strong start to the year from his team in order to open their campaign at 1-0.

“We’re going to have to play a very good game,” Fisher said.