Texas A&M
vs.
Alabama
College Football Pick
10/22/16
As it stands, this looks like the de facto SEC title Game with both Alabama and Texas A&M coming in undefeated. Both have proved to be leaps and bounds better than anyone else in the conference, especially those in the East. But that said, will this Game be close?
It was thought the Crimson Tide would be challenged in their last two road Games and Arkansas put up a little fight, but not much in the end. Alabama just keeps getting it done in all phases of the Game, seemingly with a defensive or special teams touchdown every week. This past weekend they absolutely destroyed a Tennessee team that showed fight against Texas A&M the week before. Then again, the Aggies looked like the better team against the Vols for most of that Game, so there is some hope for them here.
However, winning in Tuscaloosa is another story and may not be possible for any team other than Alabama this season. The difference between these teams is that Bama’s defensive line is becoming as dominant as its offensive line.
The Aggies have Myles Garrett, and he’s still not at full health, but they did allow 282 rushing yards to the Volunteers in that win. The Tide were too much for the Vols, holding them to 32 rushing yards with Joshua Dobbs under pressure most of the Game, passing for a putrid 92 yards. That’s where the issue could come for Texas A&M.
Trevor Knight has had a good first half of the season, rushing for 502 yards and nine touchdowns in addition to his nine passing TDs and five interceptions. The same can be said for running back Trayveon Williams, who’s averaging a ridiculous 8.6 yards per carry. Of course, they haven’t seen a defense like Bama’s yet.
On the other end of that, Alabama has often had trouble with mobile quarterbacks and Knight is exactly that. Earlier in the season the Tide found themselves in a shootout against Chad Kelly and Ole Miss. For A&M to win, or at least cover here, they’ll likely need this Game to be a shootout because at this point, there’s almost no stopping the Tide offense.
They continue to run over everyone with dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts, who ran for 132 yards and three touchdowns against the Vols. As a team, they went for 438 yards and five touchdowns with two other backs rushing for at least 94 yards apiece. A&M may have a couple pieces on the line, but it’s hard to see that mattering all that much against this offense.
In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if this result were similar to last year’s when Alabama won 41-23 in College Station. The Tide ran for 258 yards and held the Aggies to just 32. But now at home with Hurts leading the way, things could be worse unless Knight can match whatever Hurts and the ‘Bama offense does. Knight hasn’t had a task this big yet, and many wonder if he’ll be up for it.
Our Pick – Texas A&M +18