Paul Finebaum addresses expectations for Texas A&M, Jimbo Fisher

Coming into the 2023 season, there are a lot of analysts who have high expectations for Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies. At the same time, the SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum still feels that this is a program that is liable to have a disappointing season.

During an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum explained the expectations that he has for the Aggies this season.

“I think A&M could be disappointing,” Paul Finebaum said. “I like A&M but the problem is if you go back and listen to every commentator that you guys interview, the easiest thing in the world to say is ‘I think A&M could really be a surprise team.’ Well, they’re not. At this point, they’re in the top 25. They’re not going to surprise that many people.”

In 2022, Texas A&M suffered through a disappointing season, going just 5-7. Despite that, the Aggies are starting the 2023 season ranked 23rd in the Preseason AP Top 25 Poll. So, outside expectations are certainly high this season.

“But they also could lose quickly. I mean, I don’t think they’ll lose to Miami but I didn’t think they’d lose to Appalachian State last year, either. So, any time you can get dinged early in a season, it can really start playing with you.”

Last year, Texas A&M beat Miami in a close, low-scoring game That came a week after losing to App State out of the Sun Belt. This year, the Aggies need to travel and play a game at Miami. Along with the Hurricanes, the Aggies have winnable non-conference games against New Mexico and ULM before SEC play starts against Auburn. After that, Texas A&M is going to begin a stretch of very important and very difficult games against the SEC West, along with Tennessee and South Carolina from the East.

“The thing I’m so happy about with the season, and I know you guys are too, is we can quit playing these Kabuki dances and figuring things out because everybody’s got a sleeper, everybody’s got a team that could be disappointing, everybody’s got everything.”

Jimbo Fisher on how he responds to the doubters

After a frustrating 2022 season, there are plenty of people lining up to doubt Texas A&M and head coach Jimbo Fisher. However, Fisher has a concise way of thinking about those doubters.

“People always doubt you,” Fisher said. “As an athlete, you’re doubted every day. Every team out there’s the same way. People doubt you, it makes it fun. That’s what competition’s about.”