September 23, 2020 October 15, 2015 Aggies and the Tide

The two will tangle at the new and improved Kyle Field on Saturday. This is a game that everybody has been pointing to, well other than Ole Miss and Georgia, since the season began. On paper Alabama had one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Things changes but a bunch of SEC games remain, including this one. What will this game will determine? It will determine if Alabama remains in contention for a playoff berth or just a nice season. It will determine if the Tide’s defense has turned the corner against fast teams. Keep in mind that a bunch of young players have been starting. Oh and keep in mind that Reggie Ragland shouldn’t be wearing a number, but rather the letter “S”, on his jersey. Lord, he was on fire against the Hogs. This game will help shape the SEC west race. Can the Tide’s offense stop being its own worst enemy this week? In some ways Jake Coker reminds one of Freddie Kitchens. When the good Freddie was playing they were outstanding. When the bad Freddie showed up it could get ugly. I think Coker has more of an upside than Freddie did and when he’s on he’s really pretty good. Also, let’s cut the guy some slack. He’s started all of five games in his entire college career. On Saturday he’s going to get the chance to prove how good he can be. He will not have to win the game this weekend; all he’ll have to do is manage it. The Tide’s biggest advantage in this game is their rushing defense. The Tide is holding opponents to just over 77 yards per game while the Aggies are giving up over 180. In fact on both sides of the ball defensively the Tide holds the advantage. For a more in-depth look at the statistical breakdown see Kirk McNair’s piece in Bama Magazine. As he points out the Tide is better on defense and the Aggies on offense. Texas A&M has a couple of good pass rushers and that could be an issue, if the Tide is forced to throw the ball a lot. Arkansas put pressure on Jake Coker last week and forced a couple of bad throws. If A&M can shut down the Tide’s running game it could be a long day for the Crimson Tide. That seems unlikely, but stuff happens. Aggie defensive coordinator John Chavis has improved that side of the A&M game, but it is still not putting up great numbers, but it’s not a defense to be overlooked. It seems to me that if Alabama can get its running game going and stop Texas A&M’s run game it’s advantage Alabama. If not the game becomes a shootout, which is advantage A&M. I don’t see A&M running on Alabama and I really think the Tide’s pass defense is better than it has been. A&M will get some yards, but not Manzel-like yards. These are both different teams. Alabama will not lay a 59-0 whipping on the Aggies but they will beat them. My guess Alabama 35 A&M 21 Roll Tide Fox

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