Get your popcorn ready, because we’re only two days away from the much anticipated Texas A&M vs. Alabama game this Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, and as nervous as Aggie fans may be due to Texas A&M’s lackluster season so far, this game always seems to bring the best out of both sides and sitting at 3-2 on the year, the Aggies have plenty to fight for.
Texas A&M dropped its second game of the season 42-24 against Mississippi State last Saturday while losing starting quarterback Max Johnson potentially for the year after the southpaw broke a bone in his throwing hand in the second half of the matchup. Long story short, the Aggies struggled in all three phases of the game, which has sadly become the most consistent aspect of their play so far this season.
To no one’s surprise, Alabama is a heavy favorite going into the weekend, and with the injury report piling up for the maroon and white, it’s going to take one heck of an effort from the players and coaching staff as Alabama head coach Nick Saban is looking to avenge his 2021 loss to the Aggies last season. With Max Johnson’s injury, redshirt sophomore Haynes King is next in line to reclaim his starting position but remains on a short leash as 5-star freshman Conner Weigman will be waiting in the wings. With that, here are a couple of areas of concern I have for Texas A&M going into this weekend:
Texas A&M’s defense vs. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young/Jalen Milroe
As much as I want to say that Texas A&M’s defense has been the strength of the team, they’re still very young and mistake-prone, meaning that defensive leaders such as Demani Richardson, Antonio Johnson, McKinnley Jackson, and Myles Jones will be counted on to bring their experience against the Tide into play, and guide the young defenders against an offense that has big play potential no matter who is at quarterback on Saturday night.
Now, as Heisman winner, Bryce Young is currently a game-time decision, The Aggies will need to prepare for a lot more QB-designed runs with Jalen Milroe at the helm, meaning that linebackers Chris Russell Jr. and Edgrerren Cooper will be counted on to key in on the run, and keep a spy on Milroe throughout the night.
Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King/Conner Weigman vs. Alabama’s defense
Quarterback Haynes King is expected to start against Alabama on Saturday night in what will be his third start of the season while being given a second chance due to Max Johnson’s potential season-ending hand injury. Yes, I also listed freshman Conner Weigman due to the fact that head coach Jimbo Fisher may be forced to make a change mid-game, and if so, the former 5-Star high school superstar will finally get a chance to show just what he’s made of at the collegiate level.
Whoever receives the majority of the snaps will be facing an Alabama defense ranked in the Top 10 in almost every major defensive category, while Texas A&M’s scoring offense is currently ranked 108th in the nation out of 131 FBS teams. Biggest defensive threat? That would be outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who not only is the best defensive player in the country but already has 5 sacks on the season after recording 17.5 in 2021.
In a nutshell, the passing game will need to develop a rhythm early and often (dink and dunk), while running back Devon Achane will need to continue his stellar play on the ground, a force the Tide to respect the run to inevitably open up the passing game.
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