Alabama enters as heavy favorites over Texas A&M

The Aggies are hoping to end their six-year losing streak. They won't be given any favors over top-ranked Alabama.

COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M faced No.1 Clemson during the second week of the 2019 season. As if their season wasn't challenging enough, they'll be doing it again this weekend. 

The No.24 Aggies (3-2 1-1 SEC) will now face No.1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC) with a chance to pick up a massive victory at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide moved up into the top spot following a 59-31 win over Ole Miss and remained there during their bye week. 

Since 2013, Alabama has bested the Aggies in each outing. Although A&M impressed the SEC community with their 29-24 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2012, they haven't been able to duplicate the magic since. Several games have been close, but the team has fallen short late, allowing the Crimson Tide to advance in the standings. 

Despite losing a pair of games to top-10 opponents, the voters still believe Texas A&M is a serviceable roster this under Jimbo Fisher. Las Vegas, however, isn't buying that the Aggies can pull off the incredible upset although they'll have the home-field advantage. 

Alabama enters Saturday's matchup as an 18-point favorite over the Aggies according to the Golden Gate Casino. The over/under for the contest opened at 60.5 points.

Both teams have impressed at the wide receiver position this season. Alabama will feature a four-headed monster in the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle. The Aggies feature a productive core of Quartney Davis, Jhamon Ausbon, Kendrick Rogers, and Ainais Smith. 

Last season in Tuscaloosa, Kellen Mond struggled in moments to move the ball against the top-caliber defense. He would finish with 196 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The run game was limited against Alabama's front seven, combing for 130 total yards and one touchdown. 

Similar results could occur once more. The Aggies rushing attack has been a liability on offense for the team this season. In three games, the team has barely been able to move the ball, rushing for a combined 189 yards during that span. 

Perhaps the biggest storyline of the series will be the relationship between Fisher and Alabama head coach Nick Saban. The two coached together at LSU and won a National Championship in 2003. Saban still reigns supreme over his proteges, going 17-0 all-time against their teams. 

The Crimson Tide will face A&M at 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, October 12 at Kyle Field. The game will be nationally televised on CBS.