The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide continue to dominate everything in their path. The same can’t be said about the Texas A&M Aggies, who have dropped their last two games and are one of the most disappointing teams in college football this season. The Crimson Tide are posted as more than two touchdown favorites but that seems a bit small for the NCAA odds. Should they be laying more or are they the best choice for your college football picks? Let’s take a closer look.
|
Betting Lines
Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
Alabama | -18 | -900 | 51½ | |
Texas A&M | +18 | +650 | 51½ |
Head-to-Head
Alabama has simply dominated Texas A&M in their long series history that has extended back to 1942. Alabama has won 11 of their last 13 matchups, including eight in a row. The largest margin of victory for Texas A&M in its two wins was only five points. While the most recent game between these two schools was a 52-24 shellacking that Alabama put on the Aggies. It is going to take a lot to finally flip the script for Texas A&M.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Next game: at Mississippi State Bulldogs
Last Game
What else is new? Alabama, once again, dominated an opponent. The Tide lined up against the Ole Miss Rebels, who were supposed to be a threat, and walked away with a 42-21 victory. Quarterback Bryce Young played another solid game, throwing for 241 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but it was their run game that made the difference. Brian Robinson led the backfield with 36 physical carries and converted them into 171 yards and four touchdowns. Robinson’s dominance in the ground game allowed Alabama to completely control the game and slowly build a big lead. The Crimson Tide defense only racked up two sacks and one turnover but they were able to force enough stops to help their team get the win. This game wasn’t much of a surprise as Alabama came in as heavy favorites, just like this upcoming game against the Aggies. Young and company will have to continue to play their game and not fall into their own hype.
Injury Report
Running back Jase McClellan has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury last week. Fellow running back Camar Wheaton is also dealing with a knee injury that has him questionable for this weekend.
Texas A&M Aggies
Next game: at Missouri Tigers
Last Game
The Aggies weren’t able to get their fourth win, losing to the Mississippi State Bulldogs in their last game 26-22. It was yet another game without starting quarterback Haynes King, as Zach Calzada got another start against the Bulldogs. He threw for only 135 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The run game was really the only positive of the offense with Isaiah Spiller taking 16 carries for 100 yards and Devon Achane running eight times for 69 yards. Defensively, the Aggies had three sacks but couldn’t force a single turnover. The Offense seems to be sputtering at a bad time for the Aggies as the Bulldogs outscored them in every quarter except the fourth. If Texas A&M walks into this contest with the same inconsistent offense, it is going to be crushed.
Injury Report
King is questionable to return to this matchup with a fractured ankle. His timetable after surgery was mid-October. Defensive back Brian George is listed as out for the season with an undisclosed injury and offensive lineman Luke Matthews will be out for the same reason. Defensive back Myles Jones is also out after opting to have foot surgery.
Betting on the Game
Moneyline
Well, it doesn’t look good for the Aggies right now. Alabama has scored at least 45 points in each of the last three games against Texas A&M and its offense is talented enough to do that a fourth straight time. It should also be mentioned that the Crimson Tide have scored over 40 points in four of their five games. With the Aggies having some questions regarding their offense, it should be safe to assume that Alabama will walk away as the winners.
Point Spread
The 18-point spread is massive for Alabama right now. With that being said, Texas A&M could wind up covering for those who bet online if it keeps this game at a slower pace than usual. The Aggies’ ground game has worked well but the challenge is that there is no threat of a pass. Even if Texas A&M covers in the end, it’s tough to go online and bet it confidently. The Aggies are just a mess right now.
Over/Under
Sticking with that same theme, the Aggies aren’t going to be keeping up with Alabama offensively. Their best chance will be to control the clock and essentially play keep-away vs the Crimson Tide.
What’s interesting is that we did see Florida run the ball fairly well against Alabama. Maybe Texas A&M can grind out some yards at home and put some points on the board. That’s likely enough to propel this to an over.