Coming off back-to-back losses, including an embarrassing beatdown at the hands of rival Tennessee last week in Knoxville, Alabama is in playoff mode heading into this weekend's matchup at home vs. Texas A&M.
It's win-or-go-home every week now for the Crimson Tide. They cannot afford another loss, or they'll be in serious jeopardy of missing the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years under Kalen DeBoer.
Alabama has to bounce back. It has to happen right now.
Damn the injuries, damn the schedule. This week is about mental and physical toughness. Find a way to get it done.
These bold predictions coming true would go a long way toward the Crimson Tide earning a win over the Aggies on Saturday afternoon:
1. Noah Rogers scores his first Alabama touchdown
Ryan Grubb commented on Monday that he was disappointed to see that the NC State transfer only played two snaps against Tennessee. With Ryan Coleman-Williams out, sophomore Derek Meadows stepped in and played 51 of the 55 possible snaps. He was ineffective as a receiver, and it feels like a change needs to be made.
I would expect an uptick in reps for Rogers, and perhaps freshman Cederian Morgan this week if he's healthy. Alabama's receivers struggled to gain separation against Tennessee, which compounded the issues the offense was having moving the ball.
Rogers was expected to play a significant role this year for the Crimson Tide before he suffered a knee injury in the spring. It feels like it's now or never for Rogers in Tuscaloosa.
I think he'll get a big opportunity this week, cashing in with his first touchdown with Alabama.
2. Alabama rushes for 175+ yards
This prediction is again based on comments from Grubb on Monday. He talked about putting Keelon Russell in better spots, and part of that will be by being stubborn with running the football.
With or without EJ Crowell, Alabama should have an opportunity with Daniel Hill, Tra'eshawn Brown, and perhaps AK Dear to move the ball on Texas A&M on the ground. The Aggies are 57th in the country in run defense, giving up an average of 142 yards per game.
Russell's legs will also play a factor, and I think Alabama bounces back after last week's disappointing rushing performance in Knoxville with a prolific day in Tuscaloosa.
3. Alabama records a non-offensive touchdown
It has been a rough year for Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed, and I think that's going to continue this weekend even if Zabien Brown isn't able to go for the Tide.
Reed has thrown six interceptions in seven games, and while there are some genuine issues in Kane Wommack's scheme that have been exposed this season, one thing they do well is taking the football away.
Reed will put the ball in harm's way, and I think Alabama will ultimately pick him off and take it back for a touchdown, though any non-offensive touchdown will do for this prediction.
4. Yhonzae Pierre records two or more sacks
Pierre is starting to ramp up a bit after a slow start statistically. He has recorded a sack in back-to-back games, and this is a matchup he's been licking his chops over.
He should be lined up against former Alabama RT Wilkin Formby for some one-on-one opportunities this weekend. If Alabama can isolate that matchup, Pierre should feast and get into the backfield with an opportunity to make a play on the QB.
Reed isn't easy to corral in the pocket, but the Aggies are giving up two sacks per game on average. I think Pierre gets two of his own this weekend to key a resurgent defensive effort.
Add us as a preferred source on Google