Alabama Football: Rating the Crimson Tide and Aggies position groups
By Ronald Evans
Defensive Line
This is the foundation of the Aggies defense. Even without poor snaps, the Alabama O-line will have a major challenge. For the Aggies, Shemar Turner, Walter Nolen and McKinnley Jackson are future NFL first-round selections. Without good blocking schemes, the trio has the capacity to overwhelm the Tide’s offensive front. Turner is built like a tank and moves like a linebacker. Big Advantage – Texas A&M
Linebackers
The leading tacklers for the Aggies are linebackers, Edgerrin Cooper and Taurean York. Edge backer, Fadil Diggs could cause frequent problems for the Crimson Tide if he is matched up with Kadyn Proctor one-on-one. Even with Deontae Lawson likely sitting out another game, the Aggies don’t measure up to Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Trezmen Marshall and Jihaad Campbell. Advantage – Alabama
Defensive Backs
Alabama football fans know well that Aggie safety, Demani Richardson can make big plays. Richardson does not have an INT this season, but he has two career interceptions against the Crimson Tide. Otherwise the A&M secondary is good but not great. Big Advantage – Alabama
Punter
Nik Constantinou is an experienced punter for the Aggies. From last season to this one, his punting average has gone from 41.7 yards to 44.6 yards. James Burnip is averaging 48.9 yards for the Crimson Tide. Slight Advantage – Alabama
Note: Player data provided by Sports Reference
Alabama Football has had bigger games under Nick Saban. No Jimbo Fisher-coached Aggie team has had a bigger one.