Game Preview: #10 Alabama vs #9 Texas A&M
On Saturday the #10 Crimson Tide take on the #9 Aggies in a game that looks to be more competitive than the previous matchup. The Aggies were blown out 59-0 against the Tide last year but with Kenny Hill off to TCU and Kyle Allen picking up where he left off last season the Aggies QB situation looks to be prime along with a young and very talented defense.
Alabama of course, is running with one of the best defenses. As well as Kyle Allen has been playing Alabama is allowing a mere 19.3 total QBR in their first 6 games and have been holding opposing teams to 264.5 yards per game. Not only that but they have a monster runningback in Derrick Henry who has 665 yards rushing and 10 TDs on only 120 carries. If you average that number out its 5.5 ypc and 1 touchdown every 12 carries.
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Young Talent
Both Alabama and A&M are playing with good, young talent on their teams. True sophomore Myles Garrett might be the best of the young bunch though. With 11.5 sacks in his first season out of high school, Garrett hasn’t disappointed in his sophomore campaign totaling 7.5 sacks so far through 5 games. Playing against Alabama for his second time after a thrashing last year, I’m sure we’ll hear number 15’s name called a fair amount.
Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Calvin Ridley is picking up where Amari Cooper left off. In Ridley’s first 4 games of the year he totaled 125 yards receiving but in his last 2 games he’s exploded for 260 yards including a 9 catch 140 yard performance against Arkansas. Look for him to have another high catch performance against the Aggies and their pass rush today.
The freshman receiver on the other side of the field might be the best in the country. Christian Kirk is averaging 100 yards receiving per game and has only seen one game with less than 6 catches and at least 75 yards. Kyle Allen will be relying heavily on the true freshman to make an impact against a stout Alabama defense.
Speaking of Kyle Allen, the sophomore will need to show poise and control in today’s game. Last year it was Kenny Hill who took the first snap while Kyle Allen only saw JV time after the score was out of reach. He has the experience of playing the end of the season last year and 5 games into this year but having the full Alabama experience was one game he was missing. His preparation will be the difference between an Aggie loss or an Aggie win.
Prediction
As much as I like coach Sumlin it took Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans to bring down Alabama. Unfortunately both of those guys are in the NFL and although the future is bright I just don’t see A&M walking away with this one. They’ll play a tough first half but adjustments and experience will give way to Alabama. Alabama wins 34-17