Fisher, No. 6 Aggies wary of the challenges Appalachian State brings

Despite all the moves in realignment, Appalachian State is not moving to the SEC.

The Mountaineers aren’t in Texas A&M’s conference, but they are in the Aggies’ league.

That’s the message delivered by A&M coach Jimbo Fisher as the sixth-ranked Aggies (1-0) clash with Appalachian State (0-1) on Saturday at Kyle Field.

Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

“They’ve got one heck of a football team and have for a long time,” Fisher said earlier this week. “This is a great football team that I think could be in any major conference in the country and be extremely competitive in our league and anybody’s league.”

Supporting Fisher’s opinion is the fact Appalachian State battled North Carolina down to the wire last week before falling, 63-61.

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Appalachian State scored 40 points in the fourth quarter against UNC last week.

The Mountaineers rolled up 649 total yards, scored nine touchdowns and were a botched two-point conversion away from pulling off the upset.

Quarterback Chase Brice passed for six touchdowns. Running back Nate Noel rushed for 116 yards and two scores. Twelve receivers caught passes.

“They get the ball down the field on shot plays because you have to respect the run,” Fisher said. “When you get that run game going, it opens up so many avenues of your offense.”

A&M figures to post more roadblocks on those avenues than North Carolina.

Boosted up a strong effort from the defensive line, A&M allowed just 107 rushing yards in a 31-0 victory over Sam Houston. Eighteen of those yards were gained on a faked punt.

Fisher, however, suggested containing Appalachian State’s offense will be much more difficult.

“They’ve got really good skill guys. They’re going to challenge you across the board,” Fisher said. “Our eye discipline and our discipline to fit the gaps (are important). Then you have to have great physicality and tackle in space. You have to make one-on-one plays down the field. You’ve got to be able to cover and do those things.”

The Aggie defense figures to be up to the challenge. They have not allowed a touchdown at Kyle Field since Oct. 23 of last season, when they gave up two garbage-time touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a 44-14 victory over South Carolina.

Since then, at Kyle Field, the A&M defense has allowed one field goal to Auburn and one field goal to Prairie View.

Realistically, that streak probably ends against Appalachian State.

First, shutouts are challenging to secure. Last week, only nine teams posted shutouts.

Secondly, shutting out an opponent with the firepower to score 61 points in one game is highly unlikely.

The Aggies will count on their offense to be more balanced than last week.

Though quarterback Haynes King passed for 364 yards and three long touchdowns, A&M’s running game was disappointing. The Aggies rushed for just 110 yards. Explosive running back Devon Achane was held to just 42 rushing yards.

Inconsistent blocking was the reason Achane was held in check.

Producing running room for him is a top priority.

“We’re going to have to run the football. That’s what we do,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to get synchronized and get things together. Get the five (offensive linemen) all executing together.

“We’ve got to get that going to get the plays we need to get. We’ve got to get 6 (Achane) some space. You get him in some space, and good things happen to you.”