Think back to early May, as Jimbo Fisher went on one an epic rant after ,
Alabama head coach Nick Saban accused the Aggies head coach of “buying players” after the program signed the No.1
recruiting class in the country during the 2022 recruiting cycle. In the aftermath
, every media member in the country had October 8th circled on their calendars as the potential
“game of the year” as both head coaches looked to take their personal frustrations out on the gridiron.
Well, as we’re now only a couple of days away from the game, Texas A&M sits at 3-2 on the season,
coming off of their embarrassing 42-24 loss to Mississippi State last Saturday,
while Alabama is right where they’re supposed to be, ranked No.1 in the land, and 5-0 on the season after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks 49-26.
1. Haynes King or Conner Weigman? Jimbo Fisher has a choice to make
Texas A&M’s Starting quarterback Max Johnson suffered an injury to his throwing
hand in the second half of last Saturday’s game against Mississippi State, making him doubtful against
the Crimson Tide on Saturday night. On Monday, Jimbo Fisher reiterated that Johnson is “day to day”
while stating that former starter Haynes King and true freshman Conner Weigman will “compete” for the starting gig if Johnson in fact cannot play.
2. Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young/ Jalen Milroe vs. Texas A&M's pass defense
Due to the unknown regarding Alabama quarterback Bryce Young’s status for Saturday’s game (AC Joint Sprain),
talented sophomore Jalen Milroe will take his place if called upon.
Whoever ends up playing will be going against an Aggie secondary that allowed 329 yards and 3 touchdowns
through the air from Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers, by far their worst outing yet this season.
3. Aggies Defensive Coordinator D.J Durkin will be under the microscope on Saturday night
Texas A&M’s defense has been, for the most part, good enough throughout the season to keep the team in every game,
First-year defensive coordinator D.J Durkin is following in the footsteps of former coordinator Mike Elko,
4. Texas A&M's wide receivers will once again need to elevate their play in a big way
the Aggies have struggled in the passing game minus their season-opener against Sam Houston State.
5. Texas A&M's offensive line vs. outside linebacker Will Anderson
ever since the start of the season, Texas A&M’s offensive line has been under some scrutiny as of late due to sub-par play, and a perceived lack of understanding in the trenches.