Asked about where his program has made improvements, Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said one clear distinction is the Aggies expected to win games like against Alabama. When he first arrived in College Station, that was not the case.

“I think our physicality up front and the defensive line has become very good,” Fisher said at his Monday press conference. “Even though in the secondary, there’s some very good young players in there, older guys, there’s some secondary guys. Our skill guys on offense, we run much better. We got good size coming in, we’ve got some youth. We’re creating more plays, we’re moving the football consistently. Our young backs are going to be really good players.”

Fisher also complimented his offensive line against Alabama, and said they ran the ball well and did not allow a sack.

“We had some pressures, but before we had been dominated up front, at times, getting pushed around, knocked around,” Fisher said, and added they were able to sustain drives. The Aggies should have scored four out of seven times in the first half.

After a struggle to beat Vanderbilt and a lopsided loss to Alabama, questions are growing about Fisher’s ability to consistently contend in the SEC West.

He said they need to fix the big plays on defense, “But I think we’re making tons of progress. A lot of players that are making contributions are very young football players.”

Fisher was asked about the direction of the program knowing that the recruits he brought in are still underclassmen.

“At the end of three years, we’ll look and see where we are, and our evaluation of what we need to do,” Fisher said. “We love our young players, the older players have gotten better. … But until you when them all, you’re never satisfied. … We have to learn to make the critical plays in critical moments.”

He said to close the gap on the likes of Alabama comes down to coaching hard and recruiting better. Fisher said he can sense that the Aggies are getting to the point of competing with Alabama.