The Alabama Crimson Tide plays host to the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday afternoon in a crucial SEC showdown from Bryant-Denny Stadium. When these two met last season, it was one of the best games of the regular season, with the Aggies springing the upset at home. Texas A&M has struggled to find consistency at home this season, and it seems difficult to imagine that turning around this weekend. For the Crimson Tide, they continue to look like the favorites in the SEC West, though injuries may change that tune. After last year's excitement in this meeting, plenty will want to watch the rematch between two of the conference's proudest programs.
Even though they'll be going on the road in this year's version of the rivalry, the Aggies will still aim to continue their run of success against the Crimson Tide. Last year saw them spring the upset at home but without quite a bit of talent lost and more inexperience in the lineup, it's expected to be far more of a struggle for Texas A&M in this one. The Aggie thought they had things working back in the right direction after taking down Arkansas just a few weeks ago, though an 18-point loss to Mississippi State last week has them searching for more answers than they anticipated needing at this point in the season. Adding in a loss to Appalachian State and a handful of other close games, Alabama is likely to present a world of trouble for this group.
It doesn't help matters that Texas A&M has some key injuries that they're aiming to navigate as well. With the issues at quarterback already on the season, fans will want to keep an eye on the status of Max Johnson (hand) who is questionable. Ainias Smith (ankle) has also been ruled out for the season and as the Aggies leading receiver, his absence is bound to impact their ability to move the ball in this one.
What a throw by @MaxJohnson14.
What a catch by @MooseMuhammad.?? @SECNetwork | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/LR7jpcmJxY
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 1, 2022
Texas A&M's offense, despite all the talent, has struggled to get much of anything going this season and now that they face a defense laced with NFL-bound talent, things aren't likely to get better. They already rank outside the top 100 nationally in total yardage, passing yards, and scoring offense, while ranking 97th in rushing offense. As if things couldn't get worse, they could be without the quarterback that has helped them see a slight resurgence of late, in addition to their top-downfield threat. With inexperience plaguing this roster, Saturday is bound to be another game where this group struggles to move the ball.
Over the years, the defense has been able to step up nicely and offset some of the issues on offense for the Aggies, though that won't be the case on Saturday. The main concern is how Texas A&M plans to stop the run, where they rank 97th nationally, and will be aiming to stop an Alabama team th at has run over opponents this season. They have at least held opponents to field goals to the tune of the nation's 24-the best scoring defense but Alabama is far more dangerous than most of the other teams on their schedule.