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Following a brief reprieve against The Citadel, Texas A&M football now faces its next Southeastern Conference test: a road trip to Alabama. The Aggies, mired at 1-3 in league play, are searching for a breakthrough, while the Crimson Tide looks to recover from a grueling contest against Georgia.
The Maroon and White will face a stern challenge in Tuscaloosa, especially with right guard Wilkin Formby returning to the program where he began his college career. Formby's presence will be crucial in the Aggies' push for an upset, but numerous other factors will determine whether they can pull off the surprising victory.
So where might that opportunity arise, and who are the key figures in this clash of two historic programs? Here are three matchups that will shape the story of this pivotal SEC game and distinguish between leaving empty-handed and returning with renewed hope.
Aggies' Quarterback(s) vs. Crimson Tide Pass Rush
Simply put, Texas A&M has struggled against ranked opponents. In three games versus teams currently in the AP Poll, quarterback Marcel Reed has thrown only two touchdowns and five interceptions. Against LSU and Missouri, he failed to throw for a score and accumulated fewer than 300 passing yards combined, as the Aggies' offense sputtered on the road.
If Reed starts against Alabama, his success will depend on making quick decisions and standing tall in the pocket against a formidable pass rush. Linebacker Yhonzae Pierre paces the Crimson Tide with 3.5 sacks and will be relentless in pursuing the Maroon and White all afternoon. Should Reed struggle or get rattled, backup Brady Hart is next on the depth chart and could get an opportunity.
If either quarterback can diagnose the pass rush and stay ahead of schedule, the Aggies might finally establish some offensive rhythm against a Power 4 opponent. However, that's a tall order, as eight different Alabama defenders have recorded at least one sack, including Pierre.
Dezz Ricks vs. Everyone
Aside from a rough outing against LSU, cornerback Dezz Ricks has quietly emerged as one of the premier defensive backs in the SEC. Over a two-game stretch, he allowed just one reception for one yard and held Missouri to zero catches when he was the primary defender. The former Crimson Tide player has blossomed in his senior season, and the Aggies will need him at his best for any chance at victory.
Ricks is likely to match up with wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, whose 415 receiving yards are tied for the team lead and who has hauled in a team-best four touchdowns. Wide receiver Lotzier Brooks shares that receiving yards tie, while three other pass catchers have at least 140 yards to their name.
Alongside Ricks, the Aggies played strong enough defense to win against Missouri but fell short due to offensive shortcomings. If they can fix that, a shutdown performance from Ricks could be the difference maker.
Maroon and White Rush vs. Crimson Tide Run Stoppers
The 41-0 thrashing of The Citadel revealed a lot about the capabilities of Texas A&M's young rushers, and against Alabama, they'll have a chance to turn that potential into production. After struggling to generate explosive plays with running back Rueben Owens II leading the run game, the veteran took a back seat to a trio of young backs who appear to be the future of the Aggies' ground attack.
Running backs Jamarion Morrow, Carsyn Baker and KJ Edwards combined for 224 yards and three touchdowns, with all of the points in the end zone coming from that group. Edwards led all players with 116 rushing yards and was just a broken tackle away from adding a 98-yard rushing score to his final stat line.
Alabama, however, boasts a stout rushing defense that has allowed just 107 yards per game, making it critical for A&M to establish its ground game early and often to relieve pressure on the quarterback. A struggling passer needs an outlet for breathing room, and if the Aggie running backs can breach the Crimson Tide dam, there's hope the visitors can come back victorious.