(Photo: The Tuscaloosa News)
Campus Clash
(11) Alabama Crimson Tide at Texas A&M Aggies
Alabama: Since the loss to the Texas Longhorns in week two, they’ve won their last three games. The game against South Florida made me question them even more and prior to that showdown, Nick Saban decided to make a coaching change which left myself and other people speechless. They were able to win that game, but they won it in ugly fashion. I wouldn’t have benched Jalen Milroe because he gives them the best chance to win. He may not be what Bryce Young and other Alabama Quarterbacks have been in years past, but your best shot at winning football games comes with him under center. Against the Ole Miss Rebels, a team that usually plays them tough yearly, they were struggling early on until they adjusted and came out looking like a much different team in the second half. This past weekend against Mississippi State, they dominated that game to stay afloat in the SEC West. The only issue I had with them in the game was the Quarterback was also the leading rusher and that’s what I mean when I say you’re asking the Quarterback to do way too much. You all have heard me say it with guys in the NFL and the same can be applied to the guys in college. All in all, I’m still not scared of this Crimson Tide team and I’m sticking by that because they just aren’t the teams we saw win titles because they were built to win. They had that power running game, electric Wide Receiver (as of late), consistent Quarterback play and the defense was always top notch. Back then, you feared Nick and his teams. These days, you don’t because teams don’t hesitate to test them left and right. On Saturday, they travel to Texas for a showdown in College Station.
Texas A&M: The last time I saw them play, it was week two against the Miami Hurricanes and they were punched in the mouth. In the first half, they started that game so quickly and were doing it all on offense, defense and capitalizing on the mistakes on Special Teams from the U. Once that second half rolled around, the tides turned and it was a completely different ball game. Since then, it’s been nothing but victories for Jimbo Fisher’s group. In the midst of the winning streak, the Aggies lost their starting Quarterback, Conner Weigman to a foot injury that’s expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season unfortunately. This is where having an experienced back up Quarterback comes in handy and that’s exactly what Max Johnson is for them. The name might look familiar because he’s a transfer from LSU and this past weekend against the Arkansas Razorbacks, he played well enough to help lead the team to victory despite throwing a pick-six. The one thing I’ve noticed about this offense is how much they miss Devon Achane. Devon was that hard runner in between the tackles and got those hard-fought yards each time he was handed the football. One thing that’s really impressed me with this group has been their defense which has a very fast and physical front seven that feels they can limit anyone in their pathway. Week six is here and they will welcome Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide to town for an SEC showdown.
Alabama X-Factor: Kool-Aid McKinstry– Yes, that’s really his name. He may not be a lockdown Cornerback such as Patrick Surtain II, but he’s one of the best players at his position in the conference. Kool-Aid will blanket any receiver lined up against him. He almost plays his position as if he were a Safety because he’s looking to run downhill and make a hit on a ball-carrier. I like that instinct because he will find his way to the ball at all costs.
Texas A&M X-Factor: Anias Smith– He’s one of the best playmakers in all of college football. Jimbo will find ways to get him the football whether he’s lined up wide on the perimeter, in the slot, out the backfield or even letting Anias take snaps at Quarterback. Just give him the ball and let him work! He does such a great job at turning what looks to be nothing into a positive gain of yards. Anias is tough and physical who plays with a serious edge to him.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. Aggies Pass Catchers vs Bama Secondary– This is what could determine the outcome of this entire football game. Let’s just admit it, Texas A&M isn’t running the football on this Alabama defense, so for them to have a shot in this game, attacking this up and down Tide secondary will be key. On the other side, how does Alabama attempt to compete with the speed they’ll see from this group of receivers?
2. Saban and Jimbo- It’s another battle between Nick Saban and one of his former assistants. This will actually be the second one this year as the first took place in week two against Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns which resulted in a loss in Tuscaloosa. Jimbo always seems to have his men ready to play when Alabama appears on the schedule and I don’t expect anything different this time around.
3. Milroe, it’s your time- Jalen Milroe got his first start last season against these same Aggies when he filled in for Bryce Young who was injured at the time. The Aggies defense gave him all he could handle, but Alabama still came away with the victory. This is the perfect chance for him to prove himself and keep Alabama afloat in the division. Also, this will be his toughest road test at Kyle Field dealing with the 12th man.
Final Thoughts: This is always a very intriguing, yet interesting battle. Texas A&M always appears to give Alabama fits. In 2021, the Aggies won on a last second field goal and last season’s showdown came down to one final play and Alabama was able to get revenge. Alabama’s first two drives must end with points and I’m talking about six, not three. Do all you can to take this crowd out of the game early on and most importantly, set the tempo of this game in your favor. I don’t see either team being able to run on either defense, so this game will be won in the air. Milroe must also release the ball quickly because if he doesn’t, this Aggies front will come after him. This is an aggressive front they will be facing. Anias Smith said this game is personal, so I can’t wait to see what he does on the field on Saturday. I expect this game to be close and hard-hitting throughout. The Crimson Tide enter this game coming off their best performance of the year last weekend. Although they don’t look like the Bama we’re accustomed to seeing, it’s tough to trust Texas A&M in situations such as this. I like Alabama to keep rolling, pun intended.
Prediction: Alabama 35, Texas A&M 27
