Jimbo Fisher accuses Miami of simulating snap count on 2-point attempt

Jimbo Fisher believes Miami made a sneaky play on Saturday. After Texas A&M scored with just over two minutes left in the third quarter to cut Miami’s lead to 31-26, the Aggies went for a two-point conversion.

The play ended in disaster. However, Fisher claims it wasn’t due to a poor play call.

“There was a snap early,” Fisher said. “They clapped. They simulated our snap count and our guys heard the clap, and they snapped the ball. We had a whole play, like a goal-line play. What happened was the ball got snapped early because they simulated the snap count and clapped their hands and our center snapped the ball.”

Fisher’s accusation isn’t to be taken lightly. Simulating a snap is count is not a legal play and results in a 15-yard penalty on the defense. Or, in the case of a two-point conversion, half the distance to the goal line.

Whether or not Fisher is correct, there are other reasons the Aggies fell 48-33 to the Hurricanes. Texas A&M’s defense left much to be desired, giving up 451 total yards while only forcing Miami to face nine third downs the whole game.

The Aggies’ offense wasn’t perfect, either. While quarterback Conner Weigman racked up passing yards he also tossed away two interceptions. Weigman wasn’t alone in his turnover issues. Aggies running back Amari Daniels also lost possession on a pivotal fumble.

A painful step back for Jimbo Fisher

For many fans the disappointing loss was a bitter remind of last season’s shortcomings. In 2022, the Aggies went 5-7 last season and 2-6 in conference play despite boasting top 10 recruiting classes yearly from 2019-22.

Experts around the country seemingly believed Texas A&M was turning it around this year, ranking the Aggies in the AP Top 25. They weren’t alone in their beliefs.

“I’ve seen good changes,” Fisher said after A&M’s Week 1 victory. “The leadership has done a great job of helping change that. I think they have a purpose. I think they have a chip on their shoulder. I think they’re hungry to play. We practice that way and prepare to play.

“We have great mental toughness. We’ll find out going on the road in a hostile environment. We’ll find out. We’re definitely going to find out because there’s going to be some adversity.”

Texas A&M indeed found out. Now, the team must regroup and bounce back in their Week 3 matchup against UL Monroe. The two programs will clash at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.