On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Texas A&M Aggies in the conference-only home opener in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the teams meet for the thirteenth time in Alabama football history.
The Aggies, who defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 17-12 are looking to redeem themselves after a rough season opener. Although the Aggies won, they struggled on both sides of the ball, and only finished with 376 total yards of offense. Aggies’ quarterback Kellen Mond finished the game going 17-28 for 189 yards and 1 TD. This game against Alabama will be a statement game to show what they’re capable of this season in the SEC.
As for the Crimson Tide, who beat the Missouri Tigers 38-19, the Tide is looking to win big in their home opener of the season. Alabama showed room for growth and improvement on both sides of the ball, but they showed to be a much more hungry and determined team than they were last season. Mac Jones put on a show going 18-24 for 249 yards and 2 TDs.
Alabama is 10-2 against the Aggies in series history, and under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is 7-1 against the Aggies.
Alabama has outscored Texas A&M, 423- 220, and under Saban, Alabama has also outscored the Aggies, 325- 178.
Oddsmakers at BetMGM have Alabama listed as an 18-point favorite against the Aggies.
Could the Tide cover the spread?
Yes and no.
Let’s find out why and how.
These are five ways the Crimson Tide could easily cover.
1. Mac Jones and Alabama’s offensive weapons
Mac Jones proved himself worthy of the starting quarterback job against Missouri. Jones went 18 of 24 for 249 yards and 2 TDs, and he didn’t even play the entire game. He showcased his ability to throw accurately, and well as down the field, and finished the game with a 95.2 QBR.
As for the offensive weapons, Jaylen Waddle was the star of the night. He finished with 8 receptions for 134 yards and 2 TDs. DeVonta Smith didn’t record a touchdown, but he did finish the game with 8 carries for 89 yards.
If Alabama plays like they did on Saturday, the Tide won’t have any trouble on offense converting the spread.