No championships, playoff berths or even obscure bowl games are at stake.
The Aggies (4-7) are winding down a disappointing 2022 football season with a meaningless match with No. 7 LSU (9-2) on Saturday at Kyle Field.
But don’t expect Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher to agree the season finale has no meaning.
At his Monday press conference, Fisher insisted the 6 p.m. CT clash on Saturday qualifies as a “big game” for several reasons.
“I think it’s huge,” Fisher said. “For the future you have here, which we believe is extremely bright … where we’re going and what we’re doing. These guys playing together and being together. And, I think, for the seniors, a great send-off in the last time they walk in that stadium.
“Learning another lesson of persevering. Not letting circumstances dictate who you are and what you are. But how you deal with them and what you persevere through.
“I think it would be great for the seniors and a great message for these young players going into the offseason.”
At least one player appears to have gotten the message.
Junior guard Layden Robinson — who could be playing his final game at A&M if he opts to enter the NFL Draft — is aiming for a strong finish to a weak year.
“I feel like this team is going to have a great game on Saturday,” Robinson said. “We’re going to battle our hearts out like we always do. We’re going to fight tooth and nail. We’re going to fight until that clock hits 0:00. That’s what we’re going to do.
“We’re playing a great LSU team, but they’re going to get the best of us as well.”
Unfortunately, A&M’s best usually hasn’t been good enough.
Last week, they defeated Massachusetts 20-3 to end a six-game losing streak. Four losses in that skid were by six points or less.
They also led Florida at halftime but collapsed in the second half.
Those near misses have sparked speculation that significant changes will be made to the coaching staff.
While not commenting directly, Fisher seemed to acknowledge changes will be made.
“We always have to evaluate, be on top of (issues) to get A&M back where it belongs and where it should be,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to get through this game, and then we’ll evaluate everything.”
Fisher later seemed to take a philosophical approach to the first losing season in his career.
“You’re disappointed,” he said. “You’re always trying to find answers. Any time you’re not where you want to be, you’re constantly looking, pushing, challenging, evaluating, changing, thinking.
“But it’s part of life. It’s just like if something bad goes in life — something bad happens in anything — it’s no different in that perspective.
“It makes you evaluate everything you do and what you do. Try to keep the guys and understand you can’t let circumstances define who you are.”
Circumstances might not dictate who a team is, but the win-loss record does.
A&M is a struggling team. But the Aggies can at least finish on a high note if they can upset LSU.
Notes
Fisher indicated the playing status of receiver Evan Stewart and running back Devon Achane is uncertain.
Achane has missed the last two games with a foot injury. Stewart missed the game against UMass, presumably because of a concussion sustained late in a loss to Auburn. They’re the two best players on the A&M offense, so obviously, he’s hopeful they will be able to play.
“Very hopeful,” Fisher said. “I’m very optimistic about that. I can’t say that for sure. Those are day-by-day things. I feel very optimistic. They’re pushing, I’ll say that. They’ve been working their tails off.”
Fisher also said senior tight end Max Wright is day-to-day.
