Jimbo Fisher credits defense in win over Colorado

Texas A&M trailed for the majority of Saturday’s game at Colorado. Plus, with quarterback Haynes King dealing with an apparent leg injury, the Aggies needed their defense to answer the call.

The defense shut down the Buffaloes for most of Saturday, allowing only a first-quarter touchdown. Colorado produced just 89 yards through the air, throwing an interception, too. The stiff defense was just what Texas A&M needed as backup quarterback Zach Calzada adjusted on the fly.

“They were outstanding,” Jimbo Fisher said in his postgame press conference. “They couldn’t breath. I’ll tell you the other thing we did a great job of, we condensed our rush lanes. Did not give scrambles, that guy is really athletic. I can think of about six of the top of my head, and there’s other ways to affect the quarterback other than sacking him and they were outstanding today.

“The second half was perfect. It was what we needed because it was the only way we could win the game.”

Texas A&M did not allow any points in the second half as the Colorado offense came to a standstill, producing just 54 total yards in the final two quarters. Calzada started to settle in the second half, however, as the Aggies racked up 207 yards and dominated the time of possession.

Jimbo Fisher updates Texas A&M quarterback status

 The Aggies left Colorado without their starting quarterback fully healthy. Haynes King exited the game early in the first quarter after suffering a foot injury and was ruled out for the game near the end of the second quarter. 

The freshman quarterback was replaced by Zach Calzada, who finished 18-of-38 pass with a touchdown. But Calzada couldn’t replace the dual-threat that King brings. 

The extent of the injury or what King’s availability will be for next week’s game against New Mexico is unknown. After the nonconference game, however, the Aggies are entrenched in their SEC schedule. 

“We’re still waiting on that. There’s not a final analysis on that,” Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said in his postgame press conference. 

King took over the Texas A&M offense for Kellen Mond, who took the Aggies to the Orange Bowl last season. Mond also left College Station as one of three SEC quarterbacks to record over 9,000 career passing yards with 1,500 rushing yards. 

The freshman quarterback impressed in his debut last week, finishing 21-of-33 for 292 yards, two touchdowns and three interception against Kent State.