Jimbo Fisher updates status of suspended, ejected players during halftime interview

Texas A&M finished the first half against Miami shorthanded at defensive back after two players were ejected for targeting. But four Aggies players — including two defensive backs — are suspended and conflicting reports emerged about the lengths of the suspension.

When asked if the players could see the field in the second half, Jimbo Fisher shot that down quickly in his halftime interview.

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“We don’t,” Fisher said of how he expects the two suspended DBs to play. “If they’re suspended, they’re suspended. We play with what we’ve got.”

Texas A&M defensive backs Smoke Bouie and Denver Harris were two of four players suspended for a violation of team rules. Add in the ejections of Brian George and Demani Richardson, and the Aggies might have their work cut out for them at the position heading into the second half against the Hurricanes.

Jimbo Fisher on Max Johnson’s first half vs Miami: ‘We’ve got to protect him’

One of the biggest storylines in the days leading up to the matchup against Miami was what Texas A&M would do at quarterback. Ultimately, Fisher opted to bench Haynes King and put Max Johnson in as starter. The former LSU quarterback looked alright in the first half, going 6-for-15 for 63 yards.

But Fisher noted some issues on the offensive line make it tough to evaluate Johnson’s performance. That’s why he called on the o-line to improve in the second half.

“We’ve got to protect him,” Fisher told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “Doesn’t matter who your quarterback is. You’ve got to protect him and give him some time. He made some nice plays early, we’ve done a good job taking care of the football. We’re up 10-3, had another opportunity or two. Missed a couple run plays we could’ve popped. But we’re up 10-3, got to play in the second half.”