The Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) moved back to No. 1 in the rankings after beating Arkansas on Saturday.
By Steve Wright
Follow @14powerscom
They now take on a Texas A&M (3-2) squad that has fallen well below preseason expectations.
Here are the three keys:
Keep Aggies Mistakes Coming
You would think that Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M were reaching Vanderbilt levels of long-term mediocrity by the way people are currently talking about this team. The truth is that while they are undoubtedly underachieving, their two losses have both seen them in turnover hell. They were -2 in turnover margin against an Appalachian State team no one should ever schedule, while they had four turnovers (three in the red zone) and several other mistakes in the defeat to Mississippi State. Alabama can cruise here if they keep the Aggie mistakes coming.
Commit To The Rushing Attack
We don’t know if Heisman Trophy holder Bryce Young will play in this game. He was knocked out of the Arkansas contest, and while he is practicing, he is listed as day-to-day. We will see Jalen Milroe under center if he doesn’t play. Milroe is obviously talented – he is at ‘Bama – but he is more of a runner than a passer at this point. Given thatJahmyr Gibbs rushed for over 200 yards and two touchdowns against the Hogs, it is time ‘Bama leaned heavily on the run anyway. Pound the ball away against the No. 97 run defense and break down the Aggies’ resolve.
Get After The Quarterback
Starter Max Johnson was knocked out of the Mississippi State game. The previous starter Haynes King was (perhaps unfairly) made the scapegoat and dropped after the game against Appy State. This team is loaded with talent but without any offensive spark. They rank 108th in the country in scoring offense at just 21.8 points per game, which is even harder to reach after losing star wide receiver Ainias Smith for the season over Arkansas. If ‘Bama gets after either quarterback, they will make mistakes rather than big plays.
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