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Alabama-Texas A&M Game A Big Deal
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Let's face it, this Saturday's matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas A&M Aggies is a big deal. But with one loss this season, to the Ole Miss Rebels, all the remaining games on this season's schedule are a big deal for Bama. But this one is one that could cause problems.
If Alabama can get it's sputtering offense in gear faster this week then things won't be quite so rough. But if it takes over half the game for the Bama O to get things going, then it won't be pretty.
Everyone knows that the Alabama defense is one of the best in both the SEC and in the nation, but the secondary is still suspect. Especially when it comes to the type offense that A&M uses. The Aggies will spread the Tide, and use the uptempo to keep them as off-balance as possible, which is what everyone knows has proven to be a weakness the past couple of seasons.
Alabama has the running backs to get the job done. And at times the offensive line has cooperated. There have been times, however, that missed assignments caused tackles for losses and quarterback sacks. That's to be expected in a heavy rush, but numerous times only the usual three or four have come against the Bama backfield.
Another thing everyone realizes is that quarterback Jake Coker does get shaken and makes bad decisions. But he also has made many really good ones. He is not the worst quarterback Alabama has ever had, by far, though many on Twitter and other social media seem to voice that opinion. (Yes, I've seen that stated more than once.) If Coker won't pre-select his target, learn to throw away the ball more quickly (which as a fifth year senior he should know how to do), and keep his cool when the O-line springs its ocassional leak, he can be fine.
Alabama doesn't have to fired up for this game. The guys are looking forward to it. As is the team from over in the state of Texas. And the coaches are excited.
A&M's defensive coordinator even admitted this game with the Crimson Tide is a big deal. John Chavis told reporters yesterday, "I think, yeah, I hate to admit it, but probably so. You look at their stature. This is a big game for Texas A&M. My
focus is on Texas A&M and this game being about us, but certainly,
you've got a chance to go and compete against one of the best teams in
the league and if that doesn't get you excited as a coach or player,
you've got something missing. Players get (excited) for a game like this
and coaches do too."
The Aggies defense is pretty strong when it comes to the passing game, but is suspect when faced with Alabama's strength: the running game. A&M is giving up an average of 4.57 yards per carry, and will be hard-pressed to stop Bama's big man, Derrick Henry, if the offensive line performs better than it did against Arkansas last week.
Chavis was asked if there might be any new wrinkles on defense this week since the Tide coaching staff knew his defensive philosophy so well. He replied, "We're not going to change our scheme. It's been tested at
times and I need to help our players more at times with calls, but we're
not going to change what we do. We're not going to do what somebody
else does, we're not copycats. And they're going to know what we're
going to do too, because we won't change."
So it's a matter of execution. Both teams are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the other. Both have outstanding players in the so-called key positions. It will be a game of both smash-mouth and finesse. But this is one week we don't need to try to get into a scoring battle.
Game time this Saturday for the Alabama-Texas A&M contest is 2:30 p.m. CT.
