Texas A&M welcomes Alabama to Kyle Field on Saturday for a game that has serious SEC West implications.
A loss would be Alabama’s second in division play, and likely would place the Crimson Tide on the outside looking in on what is a tight race at the top.
Meanwhile, the Aggies enter play rested from a bye week and sporting a 5-0 record. A win at home in this game turns them into a serious College Football Playoff contender.
While we wait for Saturday, let’s take a look at what each team will bring to the field with its coaching staffs, and just what their line of thinking might be for this game:
HEAD COACHES
Nick Saban, Alabama: As the architect of four BCS national championship teams, including three at Alabama, Saban has earned his reputation as one of the best active coaches in college football. His squad, which won the SEC and appeared in the College Football Playoff last season, is 5-1 with a loss to Ole Miss Week 3, and appears to again be on the prowl for another trip to Atlanta. Winning this game at Texas A&M is crucial to that endeavor.
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M: Regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football, Sumlin has had undeniable success combining talented recruits with a well-developed playbook through his four years with the Aggies. But what has plagued his Texas A&M teams to this point is a lack of consistent effort on the defensive side of the ball. With the hiring of defensive coordinator John Chavis, there has been noticeable improvement in that area. At 5-0, Sumlin appears on the cusp of a run at a SEC championship during his fourth year in the league.
OFFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Lane Kiffin (QB)
His staff: Burton Burns (RB), Mario Cristobal (OL), Billy Napier (WR), Bobby Williams (TE/ST)
When Alabama has the ball: Bruiser RB Derrick Henry and his elusive backfield partner Kenyan Drake are likely to see their share of focus in the offensive game plan, giving the Aggies defense two different approaches in the running game. QB Jake Coker has settled in as the starter during the last few weeks, and has found a nifty weapon in freshman WR Calvin Ridley who Lane Kiffin is not going to be shy about using.
Texas A&M coordinator: Jake Spavital (QB)
His staff: Jeff Banks (TE/ST), Dave Christensen (OL), Clarence McKinney (RB), Aaron Moorehead (WR)
When Texas A&M has the ball: This will be interesting to watch. The Aggies have committed themselves to a more balanced offensive attack with senior RB Tra Carson anchoring the running game this season, but the Crimson Tide’s front seven is incredibly hard to run against, and Texas A&M has the most explosive set of wide receivers in the league. The Aggies may decide to air it out against Alabama and see what happens.
DEFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Kirby Smart (LB)
His staff: Bo Davis (DL), Mel Tucker (DB), Tosh Lupoi (OLB)
When Texas A&M has the ball: The Crimson Tide secondary has been very good again the pass this season, ranking second in the league, but the strength of this defense is still on the front seven and its ability to smother an opponent’s rushing attempts (2.6 yards per carry). If Alabama is able to consistently stuff the Aggies’ attempts at a running game, making them one-dimensional, then there could be opportunities for the Crimson Tide to force some mistakes from Aggies QB Kyle Allen in unfavorable down-and-distance situations.
Texas A&M coordinator: John Chavis (LB)
His staff: Mark Hagen (DT), Terry Joseph (DB), Terry Price (DE)
When Alabama has the ball: DE Myles Garrett may be the most exciting pass rusher in college football, and John Chavis is sure to try to find a way to get him freed up to wreak havoc on Crimson Tide QB Jake Coker. But ultimately, Texas A&M is going to have to prove it can stop the run if its going to win this game. The Aggies are 12th in the league against the run, and the Crimson Tide will surely take the 4.6 yards per attempt that the Aggies have allowed this season all day long if Texas A&M doesn’t do something to improve.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
