Top Ranked Tide look to Keep Rolling against Texas A&M
Saban improved his record against former assistants to 24-0 last week with the defeat of Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss. This week, Saban looks to make that an even 25-0 by taking down Jimbo Fisher.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
We could see this look on Jimbo’s face a lot Saturday night. Photo by Mickey Welsh, USA Today.
This was supposed to be the week...the one that we all were supposed to circle on our calendars. College Station was to be the center of the college football universe as the game between Alabama and Texas A&M was supposed to decide not only the SEC West, but could also determine who would face Georgia in the conference title game and, possibly, vie for a spot in the playoffs. The stars seemed aligned for the Aggies to emerge as the new force in the West. The luster on this can’t-miss-contest has dimmed due to unexpected A&M losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State. The Aggies have been hit hard by the injury bug, and there is frustration in College Station. Yet make no mistake...A&M is still a dangerous team that has the ability to push the top ranked Tide on Saturday night.
Coach Jimbo Fisher’s Aggies enter the contest sitting at 3-2 and out of the top 25, yet they boast one of the top defenses in the nation. The unit is giving up only 12.6 points per game, good for 5th nationally, and 319 yards per game. The loss of cornerbacks Myles Jones and Brian George have been costly, yet the front seven has held up well against solid offensive teams. Corner Antonio Johnson (41 tackles) is the leader of a secondary that struggled with Will Rogers and Mississippi State last week, giving up 408 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air. The Aggie defense has not fared well against Alabama lately, giving up an average of 44 points per game since their last victory over the Tide in 2012. The unit will need to have a great day and limit the powerful Bama offense if they are to pull off the upset.
If you wonder what makes Saban so dominant, check out this quote (and some others) from his radio show. “We work.”
A&M’s problems have stemmed on the offensive side of the football, as starting quarterback Haynes King’s injury in game two against Colorado has proven to be impactful. The offense’s lack of production has put too much pressure on the defense, especially in both losses as the offense has failed to eclipse the 300 yard mark. Currently, A&M’s offense ranks 81st nationally, averaging 376 yards and 23 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Zach Calzada has struggled, completing 53% of his passes for 5 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. He has weapons around him, most notably junior standout back Isaiah Spiller, who leads the conference averaging 6.5 yards per carry and junior tight end Jalen Wydermyer, who gave the Tide fits last year and has 15 catches on the season. Junior wideout Ainias Smith is a weapon as well, and he leads the team with 20 receptions, 2 of them going for touchdowns. The offensive line, which lost four starters from last year, has yet to gel. Senior placekicker Seth Small is off to a strong start, connecting on 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 49 yards.
Facing the Aggie offense will be a Crimson Tide defense that continues to come into its own. The unit currently ranks 11th nationally, surrendering 283 yards and 18 points per game. The front seven has impressed as of late, as standout linebackers Will Anderson (33 tackles, 3 sacks), Christian Harris (27-1), and Henry To’o To’o (35) are all having breakout seasons. Sophomore starting backer Drew Sanders, who has done a nice job after taking the place of injured Christopher Allen, will miss the A&M games with a hand injury, and ultra-talented sophomore Chris Braswell and freshman Dallas Turner will be tasked with taking his place on Saturday. The secondary, led by juniors DeMarco Hellams and Jordan Battle, continue to progress and are making more plays on the ball.
Offensively, Alabama continues to perform at a high level, ranking 26th nationally averaging 462 yards and 44.2 points per game. Sophomore quarterback and Heisman Trophy contender Bryce Young has thrown for 1,365 yards and a 17-2 touchdown to interception ratio. He is currently completing 73% of his passes. Young has played well all year and continues to grow nicely into the position. He is surrounded by an assortment of riches, starting with an offensive line that has made steady progress throughout the season. Junior receivers Jamison Williams (17 catches, 21.4 yards per catch and 3 touchdowns) and John Metchie III (27, 10.2, 2) are having solid seasons and both, along with a corps of younger receivers that are getting their footing, have the ability to stretch the field. Junior tight ends Jahleel Billingsley (10, 17.8, 2) and Cameron Latu (9, 13.6, 5) have become weapons, as both are impact receivers and are becoming consistent blockers in the run game. Senior tailback Brian Robinson Jr. is coming off a career game against Ole Miss, compiling 171 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. His steady primary backup, sophomore Jase McClellan, injured his knee last week against the Rebels and will miss the remainder of the season. Touches will increase for talented and capable sophomores Roydell Williams (6.4 yards per carry) and Trey Sanders (4.2). Junior placekicker Will Reichard has hit 6 of 7 field goals this year (20 of his last 21) with a long of 51 yards.
Will Anderson is a dangerous man. Photo by Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
This game still has the chance to be a good one, and in order for that to happen, several things will need to happen. Calzada has weapons all around him and he will need a breakout game where the offense not only scores, but controls the ball to the degree that allows the defense to stay fresh. Of particular concern is the offense’s lack of success on 3rd down (converting 43%), and A&M will need to move the sticks more consistently and make more plays on third down. In addition, the famed 12th Man will need to be in full force and impact the game similarly to what the crowd did in the Swamp a few weeks back.
The Aggie defense will need to make plays and limit Bama’s downfield passing game. Getting pressure on Young would help, as the rookie gunslinger can be forced into making poor decisions. If A&M is to pull the upset, Alabama will need to help them out, possibly with a sloppy performance on defense and by giving the Aggies a few turnovers. Here’s saying that Texas A&M plays one of their better games this year, yet the stars will not align for the Aggies as Alabama earns its 8th straight win over the Aggies and their 20th straight overall.
Alabama 40
Texas A&M 26