A few weeks ago, Texas A&M fans had this Saturday’s meeting with Alabama circled in maroon ink, certain that this would represent the Aggies’ chance to show that they were ready to contend in the SEC West, rather than just another stepping stone to another conference title for the Crimson Tide. Then, the Aggies lost their starting quarterback, and they got upset by Arkansas. They followed that up with an even more unthinkable home loss to Mississippi State, widely considered one of the worst teams in the SEC West. The Tide come in with a perfect 5-0 record (2-0 SEC), on the momentum of a 42-21 dusting of then-#12 Ole Miss a week ago. The last time the Tide went on the road, though, they barely escaped Florida with a two-point win. Will more road insanity take place? Or will the Tide take care of business?
We have your college football betting preview for this SEC prime-time clash right here.
NCAAF Preview: #1 Alabama at Texas A&M (Saturday, October 9)
When: Saturday, October 9, 2021, 8:00 pm ET
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
TV: CBS
Radio: Alabama Crimson Tide Sports Network / Texas A&M Aggie Radio Network
Live Stream: Hulu
NCAAF Odds: Alabama -18 / O/U 51 // Texas A&M +650 / Alabama -1000
Why should you bet on the Crimson Tide?
The Texas A&M offense simply fell apart when Zach Calzada, an inexperienced redshirt sophomore, had to take the reins of the offense. The O-line was already patchwork, but having a green signal-caller meant that opponents could load the box and dare Calzada to beat them down the field. The result has been a total offense of fewer than 300 yards each of the past two weeks. The Aggie defense has not forced a turnover in either of those two losses.
Alabama has the top turnover margin in the SEC, so I would not expect ball security to help the Aggies this week either. After seeing the Florida game turn into too much of a barnburner, Alabama has seized control of the offensive rhythm of their two wins since then, relying more on the running game. They ran all over Southern Miss and then ran for 210 yards and four touchdowns on 50 carries against Ole Miss. Tailback Brian Robinson has brought balance to the offense, giving Bryce Young the opportunity to stretch the defense when they load the box.
Why should you put your money on the Aggies?
Yes, the Aggies’ offensive line has had some continuity issues, but some cracks are showing in the Alabama O-line as well. The tackles for loss against the Tide are climbing, and Brian Robinson has had his share of injuries. His backup, Jase McClellan, went down for the season with a knee injury, and now Trey Sanders and Roydell Williams make up the rest of the depth chart.
On defense, Texas A&M has given up a lot of yards, but for the most part, it held Arkansas and Mississippi State from putting the game out of reach. They get tackles for loss, and they can slow teams down in the red zone. The problem for the Aggies is that the Alabama defense will not allow them to win the time of possession battle, which is a must when you are trying a run-first, grinding approach — which is what the Aggies have left with a backup quarterback running the offense.
Final Score and Betting Prediction
Get ready for Blitz City from the Alabama defense. That means run blitzes to clog up holes and pass blitzes to overwhelm Calzada and force rushed throws — and interceptions. Then, get ready for Alabama’s offense to do their best to wear down the Aggie defense, first with some quick strikes and then with the slow rhythm of their running game. I predict a final score of Alabama 37, Texas A&M 13.
College Football Betting Odds
Love betting NCAA football games? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date college football lines
