After back-to-back losses, Alabama has its back squarely up against the wall. There's nowhere to run and nowhere to hide from it. The only way out of this skid is through, and that means taking care of business at home against Texas A&M.
After a 5-0 start, the Crimson Tide was in a good spot in the College Football Playoff race. After consecutive losses to Georgia and Tennessee, the season is on the brink with a similarly desperate Texas A&M team in need of a win to avoid a fourth loss with a week to go in October.
It was a soul-searching week for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama. The Crimson Tide's offense sputtered and crashed last week against Tennessee. Alabama mustered just 10 points. All eyes will be on OC Ryan Grubb this week. He drew the bulk of the ire of Tide fans in the aftermath of the disappointing performance in Knoxville.
Alabama will be without several key players, and perhaps several more. Ryan Coleman-Williams and Terrance Green are still out, and Racin Delgatty, EJ Crowell, and Zabien Brown are all listed as doubtful for this matchup.
If Alabama wants to guarantee a spot in the College Football Playoff, it has to win five in a row to close the regular season. You can't win five in a row without winning the first one. They've got to take care of business this afternoon.
Betting odds for Alabama vs. Texas A&M
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 5am ET on Saturday.
Spread: Alabama -13.5
Over/Under: 50.5
Moneyline: Alabama -610/Texas A&M +440
Alabama vs. Texas A&M game predictions
Alabama will face a more well-rested team on the other sideline this weekend. While the Crimson Tide had to go to Knoxville and face Tennessee a week after a physical war against Georgia, Texas A&M got to play The Citadel. That could matter.
Grubb has to have a plan to make things simpler for Keelon Russell this week. This will mark the third consecutive game Alabama has faced an elite defensive mind. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and his staff have seen the things that make Russell uncomfortable, and they're going to throw the same looks at him.
Can Russell find the answers? Will Grubb give him the help he needs? We'll find out. We remain cautiously optimistic.
Picks:
John Mitchell: Alabama 31, Texas A&M 17
Ron Evans: Alabama 27, Texas A&M 16
Trevion Ware: Alabama 34, Texas A&M 17
Dominic Giacobazzi: Alabama 28, Texas A&M 27
Kyra Madore: Alabama 42, Texas A&M 10
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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