COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher insists the Aggies treat Saturday’s visit from No. 11 Alabama the same as any other game.
“What you’ve got to focus on is learning that you have to control yourself,” Fisher said. “There’s nothing we can do about Alabama. Alabama’s Alabama. They’re a great team. What we have to do is get prepared to play Alabama or whoever you’re playing, because each game is a big game … you prepare for them like you would anybody else.”
Even so, it’s impossible for the Aggies (4-1, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) to ignore the fact that a win over the Crimson Tide (4-1, 2-0) would give them a big push as they aim for their first West Division title since joining the SEC in 2012.
Alabama and Texas A&M are tied for first place in the West. The Aggies have won three in a row, including conference wins over West teams Auburn and Arkansas, since a 48-33 road loss to Miami of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Tide also have a three-game winning streak, including league victories over West teams Ole Miss and Mississippi State, since a 34-24 home loss to the Big 12’s Texas, which was ranked No. 12 at the time and his risen to No. 3 after a 5-0 start.