Texas A&M (4-3, 1-3 SEC) heads to Tuscaloosa for the first time since 2022, set to face No. 13 Alabama in Week 8 after shutting out The Citadel 41-0 last Saturday afternoon. Alabama is on a similar trajectory, dropping its last two SEC matchups against Georgia and Tennessee, while sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell has thrown for under 200 yards in both losses.
The Aggies entered the week as 14-point road underdogs, which was not surprising given the offenses' struggles under first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, failing to score a touchdown in road losses to LSU and Missouri, while Reed has not thrown a touchdown pass since Texas A&M's Week 2 home loss to Kentucky.
On the flip side, Texas A&M's defense has improved since first-year DC Lyle Hemphil took over defensive play-calling, ranking 10th nationally in passing yards allowed, while tackling has improved over the last two games. Still, even though Keelon Russell has struggled over the past two weeks, he is more than capable of playing at a Heisman-level.
Aggies Wire has released several previews for Saturday's matchup to get you ready for Week 8, including our final predictions for what is widely considered a make-or-break game for Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, while the Aggies are playing with "house money," as they say.
Cameron Ohnysty — Lead Writer
During Wednesday's weekly Aggie Football Hour, coach Mike Elko discussed the need for his team to "go out there and play free" against an Alabama team with more pressure after losing two straight SEC matchups, while the Aggies have already endured plenty of disappointment with three conference losses.
Redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed's struggles aren't foreign to anyone who has watched this team through the first seven weeks of the season, and while most of the Aggie fan base would like to see backup Brady Hart get the nod, Reed's dual-threat skill set and experience in SEC play will result in his starting status staying put, unless the wheels completely fall off.
The keys to Texas A&M pulling off the upset are simple: run the ball and average at least four yards per carry to set up play-action opportunities for Marcel Reed to run or throw on the run, where he is most accurate. Facing Alabama's 101st-ranked pass defense should open up the Aggie passing game, but Marcel Reed has yet to show he can take advantage of shaky secondaries.
Texas A&M's pass rush, which has produced just five sacks this season, should find success against Alabama's shaky offensive line, which allows an average of three sacks per game.
I believe Texas A&M will be prepared for this matchup, and as much as I'd look to see the offense make a statement, this is as much of a "get right" game for the Crimson Tide.
Prediction: Alabama 26, Texas A&M 20
Jarrett Johnson — Contributor
Texas A&M did what it was supposed to do against The Citadel. The Aggies established the running game, avoided turnovers and gave their younger players valuable snaps. However, nothing that happened Saturday proved the offense has solved the problems that showed up against Kentucky, LSU and Missouri.
Alabama is also searching for answers after consecutive losses. The Crimson Tide turned the ball over four times and failed to score after halftime against Tennessee. A&M’s defense can keep it close by pressuring Russell and avoiding short fields.
The Aggies need to lean on Edwards, Morrow and Rueben Owens II instead of asking Reed to carry the offense. I think A&M will play better than in its first two road games, but it's hard to trust this offense to score enough points at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama rebounds at home, though the Aggies keep the final margin below the early spread.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Texas A&M 13
Dylan Flippo — Contributor
The key to Texas A&M winning this game lies in the trenches. Tennessee recorded five sacks and two interceptions in its Week 7 win over Alabama by pressuring Keelon Russell, which forced him into errant throws.
On the other side of the ball, Marcel Reed’s accuracy and decision-making will be integral, especially with Mario Craver listed as questionable to compete against the Tide.
Texas A&M hasn't scored a touchdown against a ranked opponent in 328 days and hasn't beaten Alabama on the road since 2012. One of those will change this year, but it will take a lot for both to happen.
Prediction: Alabama 28, Texas A&M 17
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. No. 13 Alabama in Week 8