What’s next for Texas A&M after dropping its last two games each by more than two touchdowns? Why, just a pissed-off Nick Saban and an Alabama team that knows it was fortunate to have escaped Arkansas last weekend.
How to watch Texas A&M vs. Alabama: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
After escaping Arkansas, Alabama meets a Texas A&M team frustrated after two big losses.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Crimson Tide was out-gained by more than 100 yards (and only gained 227 itself) vs. the Razorbacks, and also committed two turnovers for the third straight game. Quarterback Blake Sims was at least better, throwing two touchdowns while protecting the football. Bama now ranks 95th with a minus-0.5 turnover margin and 75th with 11 turnovers lost.
More broadly, Alabama needs to figure out if it has issues on offense, or is just suffering through some mid-October struggles. After beginning the season scoring at least 33 points in each of its first four games -- and at least 41 in three of those -- the Tide scored just 17 in its loss to Ole Miss in 14 last weekend against Arkansas. Fumbles have been especially troublesome, especially on special teams.
The Aggies, meanwhile, are hoping to stave off their first three-game losing skid since 2011. Their offense has put up an average of 25.5 points over the last two games after scoring 51.2 per contest over the first five. Quarterback Kenny Hill has tossed five interceptions over those last two games, losses to Mississippi State and Ole Miss. If Texas A&M falters again, at least a game vs. UL-Monroe looms before a trip to Auburn on Nov. 8.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Online streaming: CBSSports.com
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The numbers
Rankings and records: Alabama is 5-1 (2-1 SEC), and ranked No. 7 in both the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Polls. Texas A&M is 5-2 (2-2) and ranked No. 21 in both polls.
Vegas: Alabama opened as a 12-point favorite and is now an 13.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 63.5.
Weather forecast: Sunny, high of 80 and low of 49.
Two things at stake
This game will tip the scales in the SEC West. At 2-1, Alabama needs a win to keep pace with 3-0 Mississippi State and Ole Miss. At 2-2, Texas A&M risks falling behind LSU and close to Arkansas territory.
One big matchup
Kenny Hill vs. Alabama’s defense. If we see magic Kenny Hill on Saturday, the Aggies have a chance, especially if the Crimson Tide continue struggling with turnovers. Alas, Hill seemed to have communication issues with his receivers that have complicated the offense of late. Even with his struggles, though, A&M ranks fourth with 564.9 yards per game and sixth with 43.9 points per game.
Further reading
For more on Alabama, check out Roll Bama Roll. For more on Texas A&M, head to Good Bull Hunting. GBH’s THE TAILGATE is must-read material, especially for this weekend.
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