Sherrill speaks on A&M's non-conference clash with New Mexico State

Just three regular season games remain for No. 15 Texas A&M, with a non-conference bout vs. New Mexico State on deck. Legendary coach Jackie Sherrill joined TexAgs Live to discuss how the Aggies should have utilized the bye week and how to remain focused moving forward.

Key notes from Jackie Sherrill interview

• The South Carolina game jumped out at you. It either exposed some things that we need to improve, or we are not the team we are supposed to be. We are still in a great position. 
   
• Losing Le'Veon Moss is a huge loss. Very rarely does a team lose two great running backs. 
   
• Texas A&M is in a good position right now. You can play some younger guys against New Mexico State and try to shore up some issues.
   
• Then, you are at Auburn. Right now, I have to pick us against Auburn. If that happens, you are playing Texas to go to the SEC Championship. There is a lot to play for and be excited about. We have to go out and perform.
   
• Your open weekend should be focused on two things. Getting better is the first thing. You can improve on what you are doing well and eliminate what you aren't. It gives you a week to work with your players. You can work on things full-speed that you would not during a game week. 
   
• I remember a couple of games that we did not play well. Back then, we had 16-millimeter film. I would put in the gas can, put lighter fluid on it, and burn it up. That game is over. Let's move on. 
   
• You use different psychological components. Today, it is extremely important for a coach to make sure that their players are ready mentally and emotionally. The focus has to be on this week. Everyone is pointing to the Texas game.
   
• The South Carolina game was a reminder that you have to bring your A-game on the road. Alabama beat Georgia and then went on the road and got embarrassed by Vanderbilt. We got embarrassed at South Carolina.
   
• You have to understand the fans. You look around the country and see how many stadiums are half-empty. There is no support. Everyone says the horses are the players. To me, the fans are the players. They are so important. If we want to be in a position to win the SEC, we need to show up and give our players confidence. 
   
• If Texas A&M beats New Mexico State and Auburn, there won't be enough tickets for the Texas game.