This Saturday, Kevin Sumlin will lead his 6-0 Texas A&M Aggies into Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa where they were defeated by a score of 59-0 when they last visited in 2014. Behind the arm and legs of former San Antonio Reagan quarterback Trevor Knight, the Aggies are 4-0 in SEC contests and are averaging just over 40 points per game so far in 2016.
Knight, who is ranked fifth in the SEC in terms of passing yards, has thrown for 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns so far this year while adding nine more scores on the ground. Knight also leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns in addition to being the only quarterback in the league to be ranked in the top ten of both passing and rushing yards. Behind him in the backfield is former C.E. King star and current true freshman Trayveon Williams. Williams, who ranks third in the conference with 704 yards, burst onto the scene week one against UCLA where he rushed for 94 yards on 15 carries. On the outside the Aggies talented receiving corps is led by senior Josh Reynolds, who has the second most receiving yards in the SEC despite being ranked 10th in receptions.
While the Aggies have been impressive on offense, they’ve struggled in the turnover department; something they will have to solve before facing a stout Alabama defense. The Crimson Tide’s defense has forced 14 turnovers so far to begin the season, and has scored a NCAA high eight defensive touchdowns. Dating back to last season, the Tide have scored a defensive touchdown in nine straight contests. With a seemingly impenetrable defense assisting them, the Tide’s offense has started to look more and more dangerous as the season progresses.
Led by former Channelview quarterback and current true freshman Jalen Hurts, the Alabama offense is coming off two straight 49 point games against ranked Arkansas and Tennessee teams. However, Hurts and Alabama will be facing a talented Aggie defense who are coming off a much needed bye week. Defensive coordinator John Chavis will surely be hoping that former Arlington Martin star Myles Garrett, who has been plagued by an ankle injury for much of the year, will be back at full force after his extra week of rest.
While the Aggies have been strong on defense for much of the year, Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs was able to lead the Volunteers to 684 yards in a 45-38 overtime loss two weeks ago. However, one bright spot for the Aggies was in the turnover department, where they were able to force seven takeaways. With the biggest test of the season looming, the veteran filled Aggie roster will have to battle through monumental adversity if they’re to walk out of Tuscaloosa with one of the biggest wins in Texas A&M history.
