Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball past Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Statistically, Texas A&M has two of the best four receivers in the SEC in Christian Kirk and Josh Reynolds.
Kirk, a true freshman, has had 100 or more receiving yards in three of the Aggies’ five games this season. He’s the only SEC receiver who averages more than 100 yards per game (103.8). On the year, Kirk has 32 receptions for 519 yards and four touchdowns.
Reynolds, a junior, is fourth in the SEC with 76.6 receiving yards per game. Reynolds has 18 catches for 383 yards and three scores.
Those two along with the other countless receivers the Aggies will provide Alabama with its toughest test to date on Saturday.
“They’re probably the deepest receiving corps we’re going to see this year,” Alabama cornerback Cyrus Jones said. “Talented across the board. It’s going to be really hard to key on one guy and say ‘If we take him out of the game, we’re going to be fine.’ We just have to be solid all across the board in the secondary.”
Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen has thrown for 1,274 yards and 14 touchdowns to two interceptions while completing 64 percent of his passes. Allen leads the SEC in passing efficiency (169.0) and is third in yards per game (254.8).
The Aggies like to spread teams out and take advantage of the speed of their receivers with quick passes. Alabama should be in its nickel and dime packages the majority of the game.
All of Alabama’s defensive backs, especially the younger players, will have to be on top of their game to avoid blown assignments.
After shutting down Arkansas, Alabama’s passing defense is now No. 2 in the SEC, allowing 187.2 yards per game. The Tide is No. 1 in the SEC in opponent’s yards per attempts (5.1) and passing efficiency (98.52). Alabama’s eight interceptions is good for second in the league.
“They score a lot of points and make a lot of big plays,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “This is certainly going to be a challenge for our defense. Tough game on the road. Our players have to focus on what we need to do to execute and do our job well.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Derrick Henry: This could be another one of those games were Alabama relies heavily on Henry and its rushing attack to keep Texas A&M off the field.
–LB Tim Williams: Williams has emerged as one of the Tide’s top pass rushers. With Texas A&M’s throwing the ball a lot, Williams speed of the edge could be a real plus for the Tide’s defense.
–CB Cyrus Jones: Jones is Alabama’s top cornerback so expect him to be locked on the Aggies best receiving threat.
