Jimbo Fisher prepares for third outing against former teacher Nick Saban
COLLEGE STATION - Fans of College Football could compare Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher and Alabama's Nick Saban in more than one way. Both hail from West Virginia, both began their coaching careers at their alumni's and brought championships home to their respective programs.
Saban learned under the direction of New England's Bill Belichick. Fisher learned under Saban. Now, for the third time in their careers, two will meet on the gridiron once more. For Fisher, a win could mean much more than just defeating his former teacher.
Top-ranked Alabama will come to College Station with hopes of remaining the pinnacle program in College Football. The No.24 Aggies look to get back on track following a 3-2 start to the 2019 campaign.
Although the Crimson Tide look to be the consistent threat of the Southeastern Conference, Saban has praise for his protege. Even as a young coach, the six-time national champion saw greatness in Fisher and his ability to win.
"I had a lot of respect for Jimbo. We are from the same area so I knew who he was," Saban said on the SEC teleconference Wednesday. "I was familiar with him at Cincinnati, I knew his playcalling."
Fisher worked under Saban for four seasons as the offensive coordinator at LSU (2000-04). During their partnership, the Tigers won two SEC titles and a National Championship in 2003, thanks to Fisher's playcalling.
It would be the start of Fisher's successful career as a play-caller. In 2007, he'd join Bobby Bowden's Florida State, eventually being promoted to head coach. During his nine seasons as the man in charge, the Seminoles won three ACC titles and a National Championship in 2013.
Fisher, now across from Saban, still understands the type of players he'll bring to the table each season.
“You would rather get them at home than on the road or on a neutral field," Fisher said on Alabama. "But they are still bringing some great players.
"This is why you come to A&M to play games like this..,[Saban] does a hell of a job.”
The Crimson Tide feature one of the most dynamic offenses this season under the direction of Tua Tagovailoa. The junior signal-caller has thrown for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns, 18 going towards one of his four highly-ranked receivers.
One area the Aggies are hoping to win in at the turnover margin. Tagovailoa still has yet to throw an interception this season, following a year where he threw six in the final month of play. Known for their larger frame and physical style, Saban believes A&M's secondary could give his receivers legitimate concerns.
“They have some good size. They have big corners," Saban said of A&M. "Those are the guys I like. We have some too."
History plays in favor of Saban versus former assistants. Earlier this season, the Crimson Tide defeated South Carolina, led by former LSU defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (2002-04). All-time, the 65-year-old mastermind is 17-0 against coaches who worked under him. Fisher fell to Saban in 2017 with Florida State, 24-7.
Since the Aggies arrival in the conference, Alabama has bested them six times. Their one loss came in 2012, A&M's inaugural season, when Johnny Manziel led a comeback in Bryant-Denny Stadium, defeating the No.1 program, 29-24. Since then, results have been mixed from close outings to 59-0 blowouts.
The Crimson Tide will take on Texas A&M on Saturday, October 12 at 2:30 P.M. at Kyle Field. The game will nationally televised on CBS.
