Jimbo Fisher says UMass will be 'extremely challenging' on Conner Weigman

Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher isn’t downplaying the challenge that the Massachusetts defense presents for true freshman quarterback Conner Weigman. Although the Minutemen (1-9) might not have the brand name of the SEC schools the Aggies have faced this year, Fisher knows his team can’t afford to overlook them.

After beginning the season ranked No. 6, A&M is in the midst of a six-game losing streak and has already been eliminated from bowl eligibility. For that reason, Fisher wants Weigman to prepare for this game like he would any other.

“These guys cause you all kind of problems on defense,” the coach said. “It’ll be extremely challenging for him because of how they blitz and the fronts they do and the scheme. They’re a very challenging team. It’s gonna be just like he’s in a conference game and playing anybody else in America.”

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Weigman has started twice this season due to injuries and is set to make his third Saturday against UMass. His best performance came in a 31-28 loss to Ole Miss, where he threw for 338 yards and four touchdowns. However, he struggled to hit his targets last week against Auburn, going 14-of-36 for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Jimbo Fisher is not wrong about the challenge UMass defense present to Conner Weigman on paper, as the Minutemen rank 19th in the FBS with 184.5 air yards allowed per game. They are also coming away with nearly an interception per game. For Weigman, a five-star recruit who ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2022 class according to On3 Consensus, this will be an opportunity to finish out the year strong as he should battle for the starting job next season.

Texas A&M is scheduled to kick off against Massachusetts at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday in College Station.