Alabama Football: Three Bold Predictions for Bama vs Texas A&M

3. Alabama Football wins the turnover battle

Much has been made of Jalen Milroe’s “turnover issues,” but the Alabama quarterback has done a much better job of protecting the football in recent weeks.

He has to continue to make smart decisions in what will be a crazy environment at Kyle Field, and must not revert to his old ways even if A&M is able to generate pressure. Given that he is still a very young quarterback (five career starts) and has had trouble with reading complex coverages, I think we have to give Milroe a mulligan on one turnover per game.

If he does turn it over, he would be wise not to do so in Texas A&M territory. Interceptions like the one he threw in the end zone against Ole Miss are more tolerable; although they take points off the board for the Tide, they set up a long field for the opposition. The picks Milroe threw against Texas that led to immediate points are the backbreakers that Alabama cannot afford.

In my opinion, Alabama’s turnover issues have been overblown, and Alabama’s own defense has not gotten enough recognition. The Crimson Tide has a potent pass rush of its own, and one of the best ballhawking secondaries in college football.

Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry play the ball in the air really well at cornerback. Slot safety Malachi Moore and strong safety Caleb Downs are playmakers on the back end. Not only can they jump routes like Downs did last week for his first career interception, they are proficient in run support and both have a knack for forcing fumbles.

Bama won this matchup last year despite having a turnover margin of -3 (4-1). While it wouldn’t surprise me if the Alabama offense commits a turnover or two, I think the defense comes to play and forces three Texas A&M turnovers.

I agree with the general consensus that whoever wins the turnover battle will win this game, and I have confidence that Alabama Football will come out on top.