As the July 19, 2024 release date approaches for the highly-anticipated EA Sports College Football 25 video game, more information continues to come out. The latest batch of information to be revealed was a ranking for the toughest stadiums to play in.
The top 10 features expected programs, such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide.
While it’s tough to argue over the facts that these programs certainly belong in the top 10, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where they belong in the rankings.
What has stirred some debate, however, is the No. 1 overall spot, which belongs to the Texas A&M Aggies. Some fans and experts aren’t convinced that Kyle Field is actually the toughest stadium for visiting teams.
Though it certainly is tough, as evidenced by the sheer size of the stadium and impact the loud fans have on the game, is it more difficult to play there than anywhere else?
Patrick Conn of the College Sports Wire argues that LSU and Alabama would probably be the more appropriate pick. He backed it up with statistics.
“Two other teams that hail from the SEC have been more dominating at home than the Aggies and they were ranked No. 2 and No. 3 on EA Sports’ list. The LSU Tigers have finished with seven seasons with an unblemished home record since 2004.
“The Alabama Crimson Tide have 10 seasons with an unblemished home record since 2007, the year that Nick Saban took over the program. Under the guidance of Saban, the Tide were 108-9 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Now that is some home dominance.”
Conn acknowledges that EA Sports respects the Tigers and Tide by having them ranked immediately behind Kyle Field. However, he points to the fact that, when it comes down to it, visiting teams have a harder time playing in Tuscaloosa and Baton Rouge than they do in College Station.
Additionally, Conn states that Texas A&M has only had one perfect season in games played at Kyle Field since 2000, which was during the pandemic with a reduced schedule and little-to-no fans in the seats.
Overall, this isn’t to say Kyle Field isn’t one of the most daunting environments to play in as a visiting team. It’s just a matter of asking the question of if Kyle Field is the most daunting environments to play in as a visiting team.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football news as the 2024 offseason progresses.
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