There are many theories about Texas A&M’s shocking 17-14 college football loss to Appalachian State last Saturday.
Overconfidence. Bad coaching. Erratic quarterback play. Poor conditioning.
Texas A&M senior receiver Ainias Smith offered another theory on Monday. He suggested the Aggies were done in because not all have bought in.
“Honestly, I feel like it’s just a matter of ‘want to,’” Smith said. “We can all do our best to go ahead and try to force everything we want to do. At the end of the game — when that time comes — if people are not all the way locked in, it’s not going to be what we want it to be.
“Honestly, I feel like it’s just a matter of ‘want to.’ We can all do our best to go ahead and try to force everything we want to do. At the end of the game — when that time comes — if people are not all the way locked in, it’s not going to be what we want it to be.”
- Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith
“It’s times when people weren’t bought in. You can see it in practice, and it showed up in the game.”
Senior safety Demani Richardson agreed with Smith’s evaluation.
“I feel like that’s a true statement,” Richardson said. “I feel like guys could buy in more as a whole. Guys are starting to get on board, but it could be a more significant number of players.”
Such statements conjure thoughts of players’ disinterest or even a player revolt.
However, coach Jimbo Fisher insisted that was not the case. He said Smith’s definition of “buying in” is different than others. Fisher said Smith was referring to needing more consistent effort in practice.
“When you take 150 reps during practice, if you’re a young man, you think on each play (that if) I get it right a couple of times and get it wrong once, it’s OK,” Fisher said. “Buy-in for an older guy like him, who understands the difference, is that every play of every practice is like a game. And you learn how to practice. That’s what bought-in is.
“It’s not that they’re fighting the program, fighting what we do. It’s just that their ability to strain for long periods of time has to grow and every practice rep has got to be just like a game rep.”
Fisher referenced NBA legend Michael Jordan, who was known for setting high standards and demanding extreme effort from teammates in practice.
“The great teams I’ve been on, in every sport, the buy-in is that every play in practice matters,” Fisher said. “Young guys sometimes will do it three-fourths of the time, two-thirds of the time, nine-tenths of the time of getting that part. That’s what (Smith’s) talking about in buy-in.
“That’s what he’s saying. We’ve got to get them to do it (in practice), so when we get to the game field, there’s no other way to do it.”
Although the Aggies (1-1) have gotten off to a disappointing start, Smith said they can still have a strong season. He was speaking from experience.
Jamie Maury, TexAgs
Smith has 10 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns through A&M’s first two games in 2022.
Two seasons ago, the Aggies opened with a lackluster victory over Vanderbilt. They were then blown out by Alabama.
However, they followed up with a 41-38 victory over Florida to start a streak of eight consecutive victories.
They’re hoping to duplicate that feat when the Aggies face Miami on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Kyle Field.
“I remember the 2020 year when we went into the ‘Bama game,” Smith said. “Some people were not all the way focused on what we wanted to accomplish. It was a big week. Everybody knew it. Everybody wasn’t all the way locked in. We ended up taking the ‘L.’
“But then that ‘L’ turned around the motivated us and turned the whole game plan around. We ended up going undefeated for the rest of the season. Hopefully, this season can be the same thing.”
Changes Coming?
Fisher did not say struggling quarterback whether Haynes King would be taken out of the starting lineup.
However, Fisher did not dismiss the possibility of starting junior Max Johnson or true freshman Conner Weigman.
“Possibly could,” Fisher said. “We’ll evaluate everything this week. We’ll evaluate every position this week with all the things and different guys.”
Calling The Shots
Fisher’s play-calling came under heavy criticism after the Aggies managed just one offensive touchdown and 186 total yards in the loss to Appalachian State.
In the past, Fisher had been adamant about calling plays.
However, he suggested he would at least consider delegating play-calling duties to an assistant.
“Possibly, yes. Whatever it takes to win,” Fisher said. “Winning takes all effect over everything.”
Injury Report
Fisher announced sophomore center Bryce Foster is returning to practice. He had been sidelined with a case of mononucleosis. Fisher did not say whether Foster would be brought back to play center or guard.
Fisher also said cornerback Jaylon Jones, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and tight end Max Wright are recovered from injuries and are returning to practice.
Linebacker Andre White, who sat out the Appalachian State game, is not expected to return to practice.
