The time has come to get some separation in the SEC and we should learn more about the top half of the SEC West when 10th-ranked Alabama (5-1, 2-1 in conference) heads to College Station to take on the No. 9 Texas A&M Aggies (5-0, 2-0).
How to watch Alabama vs. Texas A&M on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Tide head to College Station looking to get back into the SEC West race.
The Aggies had become something of a matchup problem for Nick Saban's Tide in the Johnny Manziel years, but Alabama made a statement in this game last season, shutting out Texas A&M 59-0 in Tuscaloosa. Now things move over to newly expanded Kyle Field, with the Aggies looking to show they're ready to compete for the conference title.
Alabama was knocked down a bit by a loss to Ole Miss, but recovered with two straight wins over Georgia and Arkansas. The defense looks on track holding both teams under 4.5 yards per play, and freshman receiver Calvin Ridley seems to be emerging as a deep threat for the passing game with back-to-back 100-yard outings.
A&M has the SEC's highest-rated passer in sophomore Kyle Allen, but the defense has been a big story, particularly creating havoc with star defensive end Myles Garrett, the SEC's leading sacker.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Sat., 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson on the call.
Online streaming: CBS Sports
Spread: Alabama favored by 3 points.
Make friends: Good Bull Hunting is the place for Aggies to chat about this one, while Alabama fans can head over to Roll Bama Roll.
Three big things to know
1. Youth gone wild
The best wide receivers on both of these teams are freshmen -- Ridley for Alabama and Christian Kirk for Texas A&M, the SEC’s current overall leader in receiving yards. Alabama’s Jacob Coker has struggled at times, but he appears to be finding a rapport with the former five-star recruit. Both teams will need their ace wideout to make plays down the field.
2. Myles Garrett
The Aggies lead the SEC in sacks per game with 3.8, but Alabama has allowed just seven all season long. Can Texas A&M’s best player have an impact in this one? Against Arkansas he was relatively quiet before a huge sack and fumble late that nearly gave A&M the win in regulation.
There's been much talk of new defensive coordinator John Chavis' revamping of the A&M defense, and while it's improved, it's still allowing more than 200 rush yards a game in conference play. Enter Alabama's 240-pound junior, currently fourth in the SEC in rushing with 665 yards and second to Leonard Fournette with 10 rushing touchdowns. Alabama will want to get Henry involved early and often.
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