Nick Saban evaluates the impact Bobby Petrino has had on Texas A&M offense

Last year, the Texas A&M offense struggled mightily, finishing 12th in the SEC in total offense and 13th in scoring. That led Jimbo Fisher to bring in Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator to try and turn things around.

So far, that’s been the case, and Nick Saban sees Petrino’s fingerprints on Fisher’s scheme.

Saban said looking at the tape ahead of Alabama’s game against Texas A&M, the Aggies’ offense has some differences from last year. While he also noted Petrino and Fisher have a similar way of thinking with their schemes, Saban added it’s a unique blend of the two ways of thinking.

“I think you can see it,” Saban said. “But I also think that there’s, philosophically, some of the things that Jimbo likes to do. I don’t think those guys think that differently. But there are some things that Bobby’s done in the past that you see them doing now that they’ve added to what they do, and it’s all very effective.”

Last year, Texas A&M averaged just 22.8 points — only Vanderbilt was worse — to go with 361.2 yards of offense per game. It was part of a disappointing year for the Aggies, who went 5-7 despite entering the year with a top-10 ranking in the AP poll.

Bobby Petrino, Texas A&M offense face big test this week against Alabama

That led Fisher to make a change, moving on from Darrell Dickey and eventually hiring Petrino. This year has been a different story. Texas A&M is averaging 443.4 total yards per game and sits fourth in the SEC with 37.4 points per contest.

However, it hasn’t all been good news for the Aggies this year. Quarterback Conner Weigman is likely out for the year after suffering an injury against Auburn. But Max Johnson looks like he’s capable of filling those shoes. Last week against Arkansas, he completed 17 of 28 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns to help Texas A&M past Petrino’s former program 34-22. It marked the fifth consecutive game the Aggies totaled 400 yards.

This week, Texas A&M has quite a test. Alabama makes its way to College Station fresh off a resounding 40-17 victory over Mississippi State. Since losing to Texas, the Crimson Tide have won three straight to create some momentum entering SEC play and have held opponents to 297 yards on average through five games.

Fisher knows the Aggies have to be at their best.

“You worry about beating Alabama, you know who they are. But, I mean, I don’t mean any disrespect to them but, at the same time, that’s your next opponent,” Fisher said. “You’ve got to get ready to play.”