Texas A&M’s offense will be without Max Johnson (quarterback) and Ainias Smith (wide receiver) against Alabama.
Coach Jimbo Fisher has one player to rely on versus the Crimson Tide’s defense. Devon Achane, a junior running back for the Aggies, is the best offensive weapon for Texas A&M. He is explosive, versatile, and one of the nation’s most elite athletes in college football. Achane has 466 rushing yards, 92 receiving yards, 274 kick return yards, and five total touchdowns this season.
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He is dynamic between the tackles, plays well in space, and is elusive on the perimeter.
Texas A&M is going to have Achane touch the ball over 20 times versus Alabama. After allowing 101 yards rushing to Raheim Sanders of Arkansas, Achane looks to have much success against the Tide. Alabama’s defensive line and linebackers must be strong in gap assignments and make secure tackles. The kickoff coverage for the Tide has to limit Achane to short yardage, and the pass rush has to prevent Haynes King or Conner Weigman (true freshman) from getting the ball to Achane in space.
Achane has 34 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, 96 kick return yards, and a touchdown for Texas A&M in its 41-38 victory over Alabama in 2021 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
Saturday’s matchup is a perfect opportunity for Alabama’s run defense to clean things up.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
