This is the game that everybody has been waiting for, the rematch of last years epic battle when A&M and their star freshman quarterback handed Bama its only loss in another championship season. Everybody wants to see if A&M can rally for another win or if Alabama will put the early season critics to sleep.
Key Match ups:
Johnny Manziel vs. Alabama defense
I believe this is the biggest match up of the game. Can the Bama defense find a way to slow down the high motor and special play making skills of Johnny Manziel. Manziel picked apart the Bama defense in last years meeting, going 24-31 for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for another 92 and not committing a turnover. While the Bama D is solid up front and at safeties, they have some raw players at the corner positions who might have trouble staying fresh against A&M's spread offense. Alabama will need to be strong up front and make manziel make decisions quicker than he wants.
T.J Yeldon vs A&M defense
Yeldon is one of the better running backs in the country. While people may know him as more of a shifty back he has underestimated strength and can really rack up some yards after contact. He will have to be more effective than his 10 carry 29 yard showing in this game last season because he will be getting the lions share of the carries without the presence of Eddy Lacy. Bama must find ways to get him the ball any way they can including in the pass game.
X-Factors for Bama
Offensive line- Can the Bama offensive line get the job done and be able to protect McCarron enough so he can make his reads. This unit was knocked on after their performance in the Va Tech game. But, I believe they will step up in this game and just do enough to keep Bama's offense flowing.
Secondary- More corner backs then the safeties because everybody knows what Clinton-Dix and Sunseri bring to the table. The question is whether guys like Deion Belue can contain the receiving threats of Mike Evans and others. While it is impossible to really lock them down they have to prevent big plays and avoid mistakes and make A&M earn every point and yard they get.
X-Factors for A&M
Ben Malena- The passing game is the center of A&M's offense but they will need a good contribution from Malena and the other backs in the ground game. Malena carried the ball 14 times for 50 yards in last years meeting but if A&M wants to win again I believe Malena has to rush for over 100 yards. If you become completely one dimensional it will be very tough to beat Bama.
Defensive line- While the whole defense has had a little trouble so far (even if they were missing 6 starters the first game) I believe the d-line really has to step up and not only put pressure on McCarron but also slow down Yeldon and the rushing attack. They have to make Bama throw the ball even if they do have weapons in the passing game. But, if you are not able to stop yeldon he will run wild and down their throats the whole game and keeping Manziel on the sideline.
My Prediction
I believe this A&M team is better this year with additions like Ricky Seals Jones and I believe that the struggles of Bama's o-line will balance out the struggles of the A&M defense. Overall I think Manziel will make more plays than McCarron and this year the game is at college station, not Tuscaloosa, and A&M will win again.
The Score- A&M 31-27
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