The Aggies need this one. They are 3-2 after losing to Mississippi State last time out, and a team stacked with talent just isn’t performing.
By Steve Wright
Follow @14powerscom
They jumped up to beat ‘Bama in College Station last season, and a similar result against the 5-0 Crimson Tide might kick this season into gear.
Here are the three keys to a Texas A&M victory:
Be Ready For A Rushing Onslaught
Alabama’s Heisman-holding quarterback Bryce Young is day-to-day with an injury he picked up last time out against Arkansas. Even if Young is healthy – and he is practicing – then expect Alabama to lean on the run here. The Texas A&M run defense has no business being as bad as it is given the talent on that side of the ball. They are 97th nationally in rush defense and give up 170.2 yards per rush. ‘Bama, on the other hand, is No. 1 in the country in yards per rush as they roll for 7.35 per carry. That is a terrifying stat for Aggie fans as Alabama’s rushing attack is heating up at the wrong time.
Clean Up The Mistakes
A team averaging just 21.8 points per game – good for No. 108 in the country – cannot make mistakes. With playmaker Ainias Smith out for the season and ongoing quarterback health concerns, there isn’t the firepower to run down deficits. In the loss to Appalachian State, the Aggies were -2 in turnover margin. Last week against Mississippi State, they allowed a blocked field goal return for a touchdown, had a pick-six against them, and had three red zone turnovers. This isn’t a team that can win with those mistakes.
Hang Around
The Aggies have been good at keeping things close this season. This can work for and against Texas A&M, but Arkansas threatened Alabama until the fourth quarter last week when the Crimson Tide running game took over. The Aggies have the talent to win this game; part of that will be making sure it is still a contest entering the fourth quarter. Alabama has the weapons to run away and hide, Texas A&M does not. The best route to an upset is for A&M to frustrate ‘Bama with a few key turnovers and be right in this contest late.
Be the first to comment