Brian Kelly shares what coaching against Jimbo Fisher is like

Saturday won’t serve as the first time Brian Kelly and Jimbo Fisher have stood across sidelines from one another. They previously battled twice while coaching at Notre Dame and Florida State, respectively.

Fisher has edge on Kelly, winning both matchups including a 2011 Champs Sports Bowl (now the Cheez-It Bowl) 18-14 in 2011. They last matched up in 2014 when Fisher’s Seminoles defeated the Kelly-led Fighting Irish in Tallahassee 31-27.

“Jimbo obviously is an outstanding football coach. I’ve gone against him when he was at Florida State. Certainly this is their game,” Kelly said Monday. “Last one that they play this year again LSU, their rival, they’ll play their absolute best against us, and we’ll have to meet and exceed our play.”

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Regardless of Kelly’s record against Fisher, Texas A&M has had a year everyone wants to forget – and they have nothing to lose heading into Saturday’s season finale. No. 6 LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes would be incinerated despite already earning a bid into the SEC Championship game against No. 1 Georgia.

Despite the Aggies (4-7, 1-6 SEC) poor 2022 campaign, Jimbo Fisher still has talent throughout his roster and they’re capable of beating any team on any given night – that’s just how the SEC has been this season. Still, Kelly sung Fisher’s praises ahead of Saturday in what should be a hotly contested matchup.

“He is talented. He is obviously a great recruiter, and he is talented. He’s had talented football teams every year that I’ve gone against him,” Kelly said. “Again, the calling card has always been outstanding offenses, the ability to play aggressive defense and just good football teams. You know, they’ve always been great games. We look forward to another great matchup again.”

Kickoff between the SEC West foes is set for 6 p.m. CT live from College Station. ESPN will carry the national broadcast.