Jimbo Fisher looks back on facing Auburn in final BCS national championship game
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The last time Jimbo Fisher coached against Auburn’s Gus Malzahn, it was for the national championship.
Then at Florida State, Fisher engineered a massive comeback in a classic title game to punctuate the 2013 season. Fisher’s Seminoles trailed 21-3 early before storming back to take the lead, giving it away with less than two minutes to play and ultimately scoring the game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds left in their 34-31 win.
As Fisher prepares to take No. 20 Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC) to the Plains to face Auburn (5-3, 2-3) at noon ET on Saturday, he was asked about that wild BCS title game during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. Below, you can read Fisher’s response and everything else he said during his portion of the event.
On his 10-year deal with A&M, how important was that the deal?
- Well, I had that deal at the other place. When you are trying to establish a program, time is of the essence. I had job security at the other place.
On Gus Malzahn’s team’s being 7-0 following a bye:
- Very aware of it. They do a great job of planning. They have good football teams. Giving them another week to prep is tough, and we will be coming to their place.
On the first time seeing Malzahn since facing Auburn in the title game:
- I think it was one of the great memories in my coaching career. We had to overcome a lot to win it. … It was as big of a moment as I’ve had, to come back in that one.
On Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham this season and his struggles dealing with pressure:
- I haven’t studied him closely, very talented guy. He’s been through a lot; his mental ability is strong. I think he will play in the NFL.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
