Jimbo Fisher offers robust explanation for Texas A&M's success in 1st half vs. Alabama
As Texas A&M took a 17-10 lead over Alabama in the half at Kyle Field, head coach Jimbo Fisher was generally content with how his team played, especially in the 2nd quarter. Fisher dove into what worked well for the Aggies with CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell.
On defense, Fisher acknowledged the Aggies got caught out by a few deep passes but they settled in. And on offense, it was a matter of getting quarterback Max Johnson into a rhythm.
“Well I think we just kept playing the next play. Don’t worry about the past because they had a couple of opportunities early, wish we could’ve scored touchdowns. But, we just kept playing the next play. Defense made adjustment. They had a couple deep balls, got our composure back on defense, got pressure back on the quarterback. Then we — we got some continuity in Max. Max got in a rhythm, started getting the ball out, hit a couple big third downs and we got the ball to our playmakers,” Fisher said.
Johnson finished the half 8-of-14 for 151 yards and a touchdown and didn’t throw an interception. And the Aggie defense generated four first-half sacks.
Just before the half, Texas A&M could’ve pressed the advantage and tried to score once more, knowing Alabama starts the second half with the ball. Fisher wasn’t going to risk upsetting the good vibes his team had built up just before the half.
“We’re backed up on our 20. They’ve got three timeouts left so if there’s a chance you have to punt or give them a chance to get it back. We’re up 7 points going into halftime. No sense in making a mistake,” Fisher said.
Texas A&M benefitted from a questionable call in the 2nd half
Alabama appeared to have swung a road game against Texas A&M firmly in its favor with a heroic blocked field goal and return from Chris Braswell. But a suspect illegal blindside block call on Dallas Turner wiped out a return for a touchdown on the play.
Instead, Alabama took over on offense around midfield and eventually was forced to punt. The block, which occurred well behind the play on the return, wasn’t a particularly notable hit.
Turner caught the hip of an Aggie chasing down the play, coming in from the side and delivering a hit that didn’t even knock the Texas A&M player down on the play.