I haven't bet the game, just wondering what the rationale would be. Tennessee is not inferior to A&M on either side of the ball, and just had no chance vs Bama. Surprised me, because I really thought Tennessee was live to win the game. After watching that entire game, I wonder if I'm overreacting.....but I can't imagine this game being close.
I absolutely think that this A&M team can hang with Bama. The Aggies won't win, but I could see them keeping this one close. Saban's defenses have traditionally struggled against Qb's like Trevor knight. Texas A&M was beating Tennessee pretty badly before letting them come back. I think the balance of the A&M offense gives them the ability to move the ball better than most teams Alabama has faced this year. If I'm Kevin Sumlin I'm doing everything in my power to stop the run and force the freshman QB Hurns to move the ball with his arm. If A&M can get Bama in some 3rd and longs, their elite pass rush can be a game changer. I'm probably staying away here, but if the line moves to +20 I may throw something small on the aggies.
Be careful, Trevor Knight didn't look well against that Tennessee def. If he is hurried, he does poorly. I expect Bama to get him to make bad throws. His track record proves this. That is why he was 2nd string at OU. I know that the Aggies are off the bye, but if they don't give Knight time, they are cooked.
Aggies gave up 700 yards to Tennessee, and Bama gave up less than 100 before the backup came in and threw a 40 yard pass. Tennessee really dominated A&M on both sides, and the game wouldn't have been close had there not been 7 turnovers. I'm not high on A&M at all after watching that game, but CFB is largely based on motivation, and letdown games occur all the time. If Bama wants to win by 4 TD's, I think they will.
Im not picking A&M. More than anything I think teams have went about defending Alabama the wrong way. Easier said than done when they have the best players at every position, but no one has really forcedhurns to beat them.OleMiss had a large lead but had the worst second half gameplan ive ever seen, which assisted Bama in their comeback. I just think Texas A&M has a shot if they can limit Alabamas running game enough to generate some 3rd and long situations. I can very easily see Alabama blasting A&M, but, if the aggies can limit mistakes and slow down the Bama run game they can cover.
"Blasting" away, week-in and week-out is a tough proposition for any college football team, even one of the best.....Alabama. What it boils down to, is whether this is the week the Crimson Tide has enough of a let-down to allow a good football team like A & M keep the margin of victory close. Then the big question is, "how close".
I never liked trying to figure-out which week will be the one when a great team like Alabama doesn't have "fire in their eyes". I'm just going to watch the game (no bets).
I never liked trying to figure-out which week will be the one when a great team like Alabama doesn't have "fire in their eyes". I'm just going to watch the game (no bets).
Most of Bama's "close" games comes at home as compared to being on the road where Saban has the team in "business" mode to go smash and destroy teams. I think if the A&M DE's are healthy, they can put a bit of pressure on the Bama Tackles and make Hurts hurry up, or keep him in the pocket and have to throw. He's only making 1 or 2 reads before taking off, and I do like the A&M Secondary matchup, other than TE but Bama hasn't used OJ Howard very much. Could just be a young QB not getting down the tree that far. If I play it, it'll be late to try and get the highest number possible. I like the A&M road record in conference play, but just a lean at this point. Waiting to see if I can get more info on the ankle of DE Hall.
Tennessee is inferior to A&M this year at every position on the field and facet of the game.
A&M has two of the best DE's in the country
A&M has some good skilled position players and an OK O line
Sumlin has been able to have success against Saban, he also can get his ball to player makers in space before a rush even has a chance.
The other side though this year is Saban now can let Kiffin sumlin sumlin's own defense. I kind of expect an A&M back door cover here.
Bama is the best team, let's get this out of the way.
Any X and O will all point to Bama unless they have a bad game and let's not forget these are 18 yo kids. Even pros have bad games. And AM has the horses to make them pay. 18 pts is a lot and hard to imagine Bama stay dominant every game without let down.
Any X and O will all point to Bama unless they have a bad game and let's not forget these are 18 yo kids. Even pros have bad games. And AM has the horses to make them pay. 18 pts is a lot and hard to imagine Bama stay dominant every game without let down.
