Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies have an interesting matchup on their schedule this weekend.

The Aggies travel to Knoxville to take on a Tennessee team that isn’t quite bad, but hasn’t quite lived up to expectations so far this season. The Vols’ offense is another story, but defensively, the Vols may have improved from 2022.

Fisher told reporters Wednesday that he believes success on Saturday comes from owning the line of scrimmage against a “very good” Tennessee front.

Here’s his full comment:

“Usually your front people have to be difference makers. Guys that can change the game, and both sides have those guys,” Fisher said. “Their front is very good, it’s penetrating, they get up field. Tackles get off the ball, the ends can rush. It’s got to start there. And then their backers are active, they’re the second-leading guys who can make them, and they’ve got good ones. And then when they blitz, from that aspect, they’re very similar in that regard with the types of players and the things that are going on, yes.”

Vols pass rusher James Pearce and defensive lineman Omari Thomas are the most dangerous players on the defensive line for Texas A&M to prepare for. Pearce is playing like one of the best pass rushers in the conference and, as Fisher said, there are a few linebackers that have played very well this season too. Especially Aaron Beasley.

Texas A&M needs this one. The Aggies have fallen in both matchup against strong opponents this season, losing to both Miami and Alabama. A win in Knoxville would surely provide some much-needed momentum heading into the back half of the schedule.

Texas A&M kicks off against the Vols at 3:30 on Saturday on CBS.