Nick Saban talked all week about how this matchup could be a trap game for Alabama and so far through two quarters, it’s looking as such.
After back-to-back disappointing performances from Texas A&M, the Aggies came out looking like a completely different team on Saturday against the Crimson Tide. Quarterback Zach Calzada, who has struggled since he first took over for the injured Haynes King, began the game looking like a seasoned veteran completing his first 10 passes on the day.
Accompanied by a solid gameplan from head coach Jimbo Fisher, Calzada was able to find easy targets, chipping away at Alabama’s defense. Running backs Devon Achane and Isaiah Spiller were major factors up the middle for Texas A&M who was able to move Alabama’s defensive front early on in the game.
Alabama on the other was also showing uncharacteristic traits on the offensive side of the ball which was prevalent in its two turnovers in the first half. Quarterback Bryce Young threw a bad interception on 3rd and goal and running back Brian Robinson also fumbled on a third-down attempt which resulted in an Aggies score.
Pass protection proved to be another key issue for Alabama especially on third down where Young was sacked a total of three times with the Crimson Tide line appearing to be mixed up or overpowered on multiple occasions.
Alabama’s struggles resulted in a 14 point deficit at the half which will require major adjustments to come out on top.
Below are the major highlights from the first half:
1st quarter:
-DB Malachi Moore ejected for targeting 13:43
-K Seth Small field goal for TAMU, 11:35
-QB Bryce Young to RB Roydell Williams 20 yard for a TD, 6:42
-QB Zach Calzada to TE Jalen Wydermeyer for a TD, 5:26
– RB Brian Robinson fumbles
-QB Zach Calzada to RB Anias Smith for a 6 yard TD, 0:33
2nd quarter:
-QB Bryce Young intercepted by DB Demani Richardson
-DB DeMarcco Hellams intercepted QB Zach Calzada, 7:09
-RB Isaiah Spiller 15 yard run for a TD, 2:09
Texas A&M 24 Alabama 10
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
