No. 21 Texas A&M @ No. 7 Alabama (-11.5) TV: CBS 3:30 pm Saturday
Daniel: I put my faith in A&M last week to pull off an upset for me and got burned. I can’t trust them again this week. This isn’t the Alabama of a few years ago, but I’m not ready to declare the Tide out of anything yet. Their schedule sets up nicely from here. They can get back in the West with home games against contenders Auburn and Mississippi State. They’ll need some help, but they have at least a shot to take care of their own business. The Aggies have faced some impressive offenses in recent weeks, but they’re giving up 37 points per game over their last three contests. Alabama should be able to move the ball at least some and Nick Saban’s defense, though not dominant, hasn’t given up more than 23 points in a game this season. Winner: Alabama 28-21
Houston: Texas A&M’s defense isn’t very good right now, but neither is Alabama’s offense. With Amari Cooper banged up and Kenyan Drake out for the season, Alabama’s offense simply isn’t as explosive as it was earlier in the year. I think that helps A&M a lot in this one. The Aggies have looked very strong offensively against any team not named Ole Miss, and while Bama’s defense is one of the best in the SEC, they are in the bottom-half in passing yards allowed. This is a really tough one for me to pick because I think both teams have weakness that play into the other’s weaknesses and vice versa. I’ll go with the home team in a close one. Winner: Alabama 27-24
Reed: Alabama is now 5-3 in their last eight games after a 14-13 win over Arkansas last weekend. They’re winless, however, in their last three games against ranked teams. The Aggies probably shouldn’t be ranked after getting destroyed by Ole Miss at home last week and destroyed by Mississippi State the week before. Alabama isn’t what they used to be, but they still have the top-ranked defense in the SEC. The Aggies can’t stop a nosebleed and, unless Bama completely implodes, won’t be able to slow the Tide enough to pull the upset. Winner: Tide 34-24
Kevin: Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin aren’t talking much over breakfast these days, and Nick won’t even kiss Lane’s cheek when he leaves for work. The hype is actually drastically overblown about Alabama’s problems, Ole Miss is a great team, and Arkansas is improved enough to keep Phyllis from Mulga stressing over her dynasty. I don’t love Alabama winning by double digits, but “Kenny Trill” is trending in the wrong direction, and Little Nicky is angry, which means he will show no mercy if his team can find its offensive identity again. Take the Tide, and enjoy the soap opera Saban & Kiffin perform on the sideline during the game. Winner: Alabama 47-35
