Before he ever coached a game at Texas A&M, Jimbo Fisher received a national championship plaque. Chancellor John Sharp presented the faux award, leaving a two-digit space to inscribe the year when his hyped new coach would lead the Aggies to a natty.

You shouldn't have to be reminded: Four years later, Fisher still has the honor of being awarded a national championship plaque at Texas A&M without having earned one yet.

Going into the Year 5 of the Fisher Grand Experiment, that is the grand issue. Texas A&M hired him because of his success with two national champions (2003 as Nick Saban's offensive coordinator at LSU, 2013 as Florida State's coach). But will Fisher ever win it all in College Station?

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Because that remains the mandate. Not just to beat Alabama — as Fisher did last season, becoming the first Nick Saban assistant to beat his mentor — but seal the big, ol' hairy deal.

The same real-world obstacles exist as the day Fisher was introduced. It's the SEC West, completely outfitted with a cement ceiling.

Last season was somewhat of a wasted opportunity. A breakthrough victory over Bama could not be celebrated too long as the Aggies ended sluggishly with an 8-4 finish (including four conference losses).

Is Fisher where he wants to be five years in?

"No," he said. "We haven't won a national championship. At the same time, I think we're more equipped right now, going for the future, the depth of things we have in place."

If you can't sell winning (it all), you always sell the future. It's College Coaching Marketing 101.