(13) Texas A&M Aggies @ (1) Alabama Crimson Tide by Michael Richter
Remember the Tide has selected the (13) Texas A&M Aggies @ (1) Alabama Crimson Tide for this week’s SEC Game of the Week. Let’s break down this game into some pros & cons:
Pros for Texas A&M: Looking back at Alabama’s history, the Crimson Tide & Nick Saban have never really found a ton of success when attempting to contain a dual-threat quarterback. And Johnny “Football” Manziel is a dual-threat quarterback if I have ever seen one. This kid is leading the Aggies in passing and rushing and against SEC Defenses! He is putting up really impressive numbers as a Red-Shirt Freshman. But the real pro for Texas A&M is Alabama’s track record against dual-threat quarterback. Nick Saban is currently 57-6 when leading the Crimson Tide into battle. 5 of those 6 loses came against dual-threat quarterbacks: Tim Tebow (2008), Stephen Garcia (2010), Jordan Jefferson (2010 & 2011), Cam Newton (2010).
Pros for Alabama: The Alabama Crimson Tide can see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, that might be working against them in this game. The Alabama Crimson Tide’s only real advantage in this game would be it’s defense. LSU’s Zach Mettenberger was able to pick apart Alabama’s young secondary with ease. Johnny Manziel is – in my opinion – a much better quarterback than Zach Mettenberger, not to mention he is the leading rusher on his team. Another advantage Alabama will have the in the trenches – where we all know SEC battles are won and lost. Ultimately, this should be a huge plus for the Tide as Alabama’s Offensive, and Defensive Lines are much bigger than those of A&M.
What to watch for – Texas A&M: The thing to watch in this game is how Johnny Manziel maintains composure under pressure. Alabama will be bringing the blitz against this smaller offensive like, and Alabama will try to throw off & rattle Manziel early on in the game.
What to watch for – Alabama: One of the pros for Alabama might also be its con. What I am talking about is not the defense, but Alabama’s Offensive Line. I say this because although Alabama’s O-Line is really quite good, their weakness seems to come against a small speedy defensive line. From the previous 9 games this season, Alabama’s O-Line has really had trouble maintaining the line when the defensive ends bring more speed than strength.
Who will be Offensive MVP?: I think in this game, Johnny Manziel would be the Offensive MVP, if the Aggies were going to come into Tuscaloosa and take down the top ranked Crimson Tide. However, the real Offensive MVP will go to TJ Yeldon. Yeldon will be crucial in allowing Alabama’s defensive to rest up between Aggie possessions, not to mention the yards Yeldon will be able to pile up if Alabama pounds the ball between the tackles consistently throughout the game.
Overview: Alabama’s game plan for this game should be very simple. That game plan should be to pound the ball inside, maybe to a couple (a.k.a. 2) screen passes to the outside. Mainly, the Tide should just continuously pound the ball up the middle. The Tide will want to weaken and tire out the Aggie Defensive Line early throughout the game, and running right at them is Alabama’s specialty. The Aggies on the other hand will want to take advantage of Alabama’s secondary, and Alabama’s tendency to over commit. I did mention that tendency last week, when we discussed Alabama v. LSU – and it appeared in the game. The Alabama Defensive Ends were over committing to the run, and allowing the running back to get to the outside, or break back inside. The Tide must improve in this area – especially, if they expect to take on Oregon, who will run all over the Tide’s secondary and linebackers if allowed to. But back to Texas A&M. Manziel will take advantage of this also, if Manziel doesn’t see his receiver open down field, Manziel will tuck it and run for it. Manziel has the speed and the agility to really shock this Alabama defense. Manziel could take the Alabama fan base out of the game early, if the Tide are not able to find a way to stop him.
Prediction: Alabama 38 – Texas A&M 21
For more from Michael on SEC football check out Remember the Tide.
