Jimbo Fisher would like to see continued improvement in trenches for Texas A&M

Above all else, Jimbo Fisher would like to see the play from his offensive and defensive lines continue to trend up as the season goes on. Outside of the quarterback, he explained how the trenches are where success starts and stops.

With Texas A&M sitting at 2-1 and entering the SEC slate, solid play up front will be even more valuable. And Fisher wishes more people could appreciate how valuable strong line play is to a winning outfit.

“I always think — because the intricacies of the O line, D line, I don’t think people give the true credit for how complicated and tough it truly is and understand how the game is truly won and lost there. And we get so enamored by the skill guys in space, but the true — the greatness is really measured by guys [in the trenches],” Fisher said. “So I always think, in the lines of scrimmage, I think you’re always trying to improve in every way, shape or form.”

On the surface level, the two lines for Texas A&M have performed at a functional level to start 2023, albeit not a dominant one. The Aggies are tied for No. 41 in the country in sacks allowed, just four in three games and ranks No. 65 in team sacks, with six so far. The rushing defense far outpaces the rushing offense, ranking No. 35 as opposed to the No. 95 overall rush defense, in terms of yards per game.

But even those stats don’t tell the full story, one that Fisher ultimately hopes is a tale of constant improvement.

“I always go back to the trenches. I really do. You don’t understand how the game is won and lost there based on everything you do. How we fit the runs, how we want to pressure the quarterback, getting pressure, and how you’re making your calls in your protection schemes and blocking schemes in the run and pass,” Fisher said.

Along with the lines, quarterback Conner Weigman will be key to Texas A&M’s success

Conner Weigman was a five-star prospect coming out of high school per the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Texas A&M is hoping he can play up to it this season as they hope to bounce back from a 5-7 record last year. Through three games, there have been mixed results.

On3’s Clark Brooks broke down where Wegiman’s strengths have shown up and where there have also been a few struggles. Brooks has not been too impressed with the arm talent, something most teams would hope their quarterback possesses. But thankfully, Weigman has been strong in a place you would not expect from a young QB in the SEC.

“I’m not the biggest fan of his arm talent but that’s only one aspect to quarterback play,” Brooks said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “A lot of it is cerebral, what’s going on between the ears, being able to diagnose things. Get people lined up, knowing who’s open, and being able to decipher ball placement.”

Part of the reason Clark believes Weigman’s mental side has improved so much has been because of coaching. Fisher has always been thought of as an offensive mind but Bobby Petrino also made his way to College Station this offseason. Results have already come through, with Weigman completing 25 of 29 passing against ULM on Saturday.

“He’s been very well coached this offseason,” Brooks said. “Knowing where to look and even though — yes, he’s been pressured, he’s been beaten — He’s still back there and he has not been broken yet. Last time I checked, I think he broke a completion percentage record for Texas A&M over the weekend.”