Playing smart football crucial for No. 7 Texas A&M against New Mexico
Physically, No. 7 Texas A&M (2-0) poses a mismatch for New Mexico (2-0).
The Aggies field a much bigger, faster and stronger roster than the visiting Lobos when they square off in a college football clash on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Kyle Field.
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher warns bigger, faster and stronger might not be sufficient, though. He said the Aggies must be smarter, too.
“They (New Mexico Lobos) are a pain in the tail,” Fisher said. “They twist and stunt up front for your linemen and quarterback and blitz packages as much as anybody we’ll play anywhere. What they do is very multiple. It’s a very diverse package, and they’re very good at it.”
Fisher later added:
“They’re all over the place. You have to be really disciplined. You’ve got to be honed to the different types of runs, options, screens, throws.
“The multiplicity of things they do on defense is as much as anybody we’ll see, maybe times two. It’s going to be a very mental game.”
Those twists and stunts figure to challenge the football intellect of A&M's offensive line, but the main area of concern is the frame of mind of quarterback Zach Calzada, who will be making his first career start.
Calzada came on in place of injured starter Haynes King in a 10-7 victory over Colorado last week. He struggled early but was efficient in the fourth quarter in leading a game-winning drive.
Calzada has reportedly had a strong week of practice. Fisher said the extra practice as a starter will have Calzada better prepared.
“I think the preparation, the ability to practice this week and knowing you’re going in,” Fisher said. "I think he’ll have a great mindset.”
Fisher suggested the Aggies should be more concerned about New Mexico quarterback Terry Wilson, a transfer from Kentucky.
Though Wilson passed for 382 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-25 victory over New Mexico State last week, he’s most feared for his running ability. He rushed for 424 yards and five touchdowns last season for Kentucky.
Running quarterbacks have caused a few problems for the Aggies thus far. Kent State’s Dustin Crum rushed for 60 yards in A&M’s opening 41-10 victory. Colorado’s Brendon Lewis rushed for 76 yards.
Wilson faced A&M in 2018. He was limited to just four rushing yards and 108 passing yards in A&M’s 20-14 overtime victory over Kentucky.
“He’s as athletic as heck,” Fisher said of Wilson. “If we slip up one second, he’s around the corner.”
The goal then is avoiding slip-ups and preventing Wilson from getting around the corner.
That will require A&M’s defense to exercise its superior physicality but also be ready psychologically.
