It's a second-consecutive top-25 clash for No. 23 Texas A&M as the Aggies travel to Arlington for a neutral-site clash with No. 10 Arkansas. On Monday, Jimbo Fisher, Albert Regis, Ainias Smith, Devon Achane and Edgerrin Cooper spoke to the media as the Ags eye the Hogs.
The following are live, paraphrased notes from Jimbo Fisher’s Monday afternoon media availability:
- After reviewing the film, proud of our team. Played extremely hard and physically in all three phases. Nowhere close to perfect. We pulled it together after a tough loss. Played very well. Have not played close to what we can do. Had the chance to score right off the bat. We moved the ball. Our punter did a great job. The second half, came back with eight to nine-play drive. Got the ball back with eight minutes left in the game. The defense played well. We didn't get the ball much on offense. The guys kept fighting. Devon Achane did a great job and has the ability to do many different things. Kickoff returns had a one really good one. We had a muffed punt at the end but got the ball back. We got to get better. The offensive line played better. We have to clean up pass blocking and our routes.
- You got to get Achane touches. We have to do things in front of him well. He had a couple of nice catches out of the backfield.
- The suspended players will be back.
- Kickers Caden Davis and Randy Bond battled all camp. Bond did a great job.
- When Max Johnson got in the portal, we called and asked if he was interested to come to A&M. We’re very glad he did.
- Max took care of the ball. He managed the game. Hopefully, he can grow, and we can grow around him. I love his attitude and demeanor. You saw him run. He’s a good athlete.
- We have to execute against their pass defense This sounds crazy, but we're a lot closer than it seems.
- Drew Sanders, we recruited the heck out of him, and he went to Alabama. He’s a phenomenal player.
- Sam Pittman is a great coach. Those transfers have played everywhere. Bumper Pool seems like he's been there forever. They were back in the game last week with a 72-yard punt return. They are an older team. That makes a difference.
- Right now, Randy Bond is kicker. If you need a long one, Caden Davis does have more range.
- They aren’t fans. They are family. The 12th Man is family. I love them, and I thank them for this.
- I love home-and-home games, but I don't mind playing at AT&T Stadium. This year, I wish it was here. Next year, I wish it was in Arlington if we could make that happen.
- We’ll keep that same starting offensive line lineup with Bryce Foster.
- I’ve always had leadership groups. The relationship between the players and coaches is important. You have to see things through each other. You never know a man until you look through his eyes.
- Albert Regis is explosive. He was a running back and tight end in high school. He’s very intelligent. He’s powerful. There’s an instinct to block kicks, and there's a natural ability to it.
- KJ Jefferson is big, strong and athletic.
- Arkanasas’ defense has been ahead in games, so you forced the other team to throw the ball a lot. Numbers can be deceiving, and they are athletic in the secondary.
- Going on the road in this league is tough. You put noise in at practice and do all those things to increase concentration.
