Alabama’s third conference game is scheduled for Saturday, October 7 against Texas A&M at Kyle Field.
Texas A&M (4-1) vs. Alabama (5-0)
When: 6:15 p.m. (CT)
Where: Kyle Field – College Station, TX
TV: ESPN
Radio: 102.9 FM
Line: Alabama by 24
Official Tailgate
The Alabama National Alumni Association will be at the Texas A&M’s Student Recreation Center (797 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77840) and will begin at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $40-$60, available at EventBrite.com.
Need To Know
Texas A&M will be following its clear bag policy. Each fan is allowed one large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear bag – plus a small “clutch” purse, no larger than 4½” by 6½”. The larger clear bag must be a standard 12″ by 6″ by 12″ made of clear PVC vinyl. The one-gallon Ziploc bag is readily available, inexpensive and easy to search. The small “clutch” allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
Texas A&M includes a live traffic map on its Gameday website for you to review on your way to the game. You can also download apps to find your parking space, route and pay before you arrive. Download the iphone app here and the Android app here. For more information, visit gameday.12thman.com.
Players To Watch
Alabama
Anfernee Jennings
So./LB
6-3/262
Key Stat: Jennings has two forced fumbles this season.
Alabama’s defense has looked unbreakable since the return of Jennings and senior Rashaan Evans from injury. Jennings will be key to Alabama slowing the Texas A&M running game, which should be more effective than Ole Miss last week. The Aggies’ offense should run the ball more than any team the Crimson Tide has faced so far this season, in part because of the scrambling ability of quarterback Kellen Mond.
Damien Harris
Jr./RB
5-11/221
Key Stat: Harris has 45 carries for 376 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Harris has been extremely effective in Alabama’s first two conference games. The junior turned 19 carries into 218 yards against the Rebels and Commodores, good enough for 11.5 yards per attempt. If Harris continues to produce with limited touches, he could see his usage go up in an already crowded Alabama backfield. Texas A&M’s rushing defense ranks 15th in the FBS.
Hale Hentges
Jr./TE
6-5/249
Key Stat: Hentges has two touchdowns on two receptions this season.
Hentges is the best blocking tight end for the Crimson Tide, but he seems to be a secret weapon for Brian Daboll and Alabama’s passing offense. When used in play-action passes the senior can sneak behind the opponent’s defense and find himself wide open for the score. If it’s happened twice, it can certainly happen again against the Aggies. Look for Hentges in the red zone this week.
Texas A&M
Christian Kirk
Jr./WR
5-11/200
Key Stat: Kirk has 23 receptions for 264 yards and four touchdowns in 2017.
Kirk is an NFL prospect at wide receiver and began the season as a preseason All-American at receiver and as a punt returner. Without question the junior will be the Crimson Tide’s toughest receiver to cover so far this season. He has piled up over 2000 yards for his career in just over two years with the Aggies, and has the ability to score any time he gets his hands on the ball. Expect Texas A&M to go to Kirk as many times as possible, including using him out of the backfield on sweeps.
Jarrett Johnson
Sr./DE
6-3/265
Key Stat: Johnson had 4 1/2 sacks last season.
Johnson has been tasked with replacing first-overall draft pick Myles Garrett this season. Those are some tough shoes to fill, but the senior has been productive with three sacks in five games. His ability to create negative plays for the Alabama offense will be important for the Aggies,because the Crimson Tide is converting on third down 44 percent of the time. Texas A&M’s defense will need to get off the field by creating third-and-long situations for Jalen Hurts.
Trayveon Williams
So./RB
5-9/200
Key Stat: Williams has 66 carries for 384 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Something has to give. Williams is averaging 5.8 yards per carry this season for the Aggies, but Alabama’s defense is holding opponents to 2.8 yards in that statistic. The sophomore rushed for over 1000 yards last season for the Aggies, and will need to perform well this week to keep the pressure off quarterback Kellen Mond. Ole Miss tried running the ball 26 times against Alabama, but only gained 88 yards. Half of the Rebel’s yards came on a single carry by running back Jordan Wilkins.
