I said a few weeks back that Georgia was a great match up for this Alabama team, because their offensive strength was running the ball, and they could not pass against this defense. To beat Alabama you have to be able to pass the ball. Sure Ole Miss benefited from a bunch of turnovers, but if you can get a lead against Alabama you start forcing them outside their comfort zone and A&Mâs defense is dramatically improved from last year and rank 11th in havoc rate overall.
Over the last 4 seasons (including this year), Alabama has lost 6 games, and in each one itâs been the same thing. Opposing QBâs have great games. In their loss to Ole Miss they gave up a 171 QB rating, and in their wins just 85. In 2014 it was 162, and 117, 2013 it was 140 and 112, and in 2013 it was 163 (Texas A&M), and 107 in Alabamaâs wins. Itâs true Alabama can dominate the line of scrimmage but the last 4 seasons or so the way to beat them has been through the air as their secondary has not been nearly as good.
This is a good match up for Texas A&M, not only are they improved on defense, at home, underdog, coming off a bye, but they have the advantage against the secondary. The Aggies are littered with 5 start receivers and it has paid dividends as Christina Kirk, Josh Reynolds and Ricky Seals-Jones are going to be tough match ups for the Tide. Kyle Allen has been every bit as good if not better than Chad Kelly who beat Alabama on the road and posted a 171 QB rating, and the Aggies have a much better running game to compliment along with an X-factor with Kyler Murray who can also run the ball or throw.
Iâd also like to add that Alabama has only faced one team this year that is currently ranked. Yes Georgia deserves to be ranked and in reality that score was just not as bad as it looked. Iâm very confident that the Aggies are going to give Alabama issues and put them in uncomfortable situations where they will be forced to come back and win by throwing the ball.
