He is not in awe of Alabama football, but Jimbo Fisher knows the talent Nick Saban has.
After suffering two straight losses, Texas A&M has one goal. Fisher and the Aggies hope to spoil Alabama’s season at Kyle Field this weekend as CBS Sports will call the matchup. The Crimson Tide anticipates a better performance with handling crowd noise, especially after its lesson against Florida. Bryce Young, Alabama’s sophomore quarterback, handled the moment well.
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He tossed three touchdowns and had a composure that helped the Tide secure a 31-29 victory. Texas A&M wants to get back on track, but frustrating Young is a challenge. Opposing teams have brought pressure, forced him to read different coverages, and intercepted him twice, but he carries unshakable confidence. He is completing 73 percent of his passes and has 17 touchdowns.
Young took the lead in the Heisman race by default in defeating Matt Corral of Mississippi.
His numbers were not jaw-dropping; however, the Rebels dropped eight defenders in coverage. Ole Miss was not allowing any marquee plays from Alabama’s vertical passing game, and it helped Brian Robinson dominate on the ground. Bill O’Brien will attack the defensive secondary of the Aggies, and it could be Young’s moment to separate himself in the Heisman conversation.
In Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, Fisher raved about Young’s abilities at quarterback.
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“Bryce (Young) is a very polished young man,” Fisher said. “He’s very athletic. He can create plays with his feet, but he’s a very accurate thrower. He processes information very well and can get the ball out at different angles and can do it with his body in different positions.”
Young studies Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. Jordan Rodgers, younger brother of Aaron, told reporters via SEC Nation webinar he sees a lot of his brother in Young’s game. As a first-year starter, the California native is fourth in college football for touchdowns (17), fourth in passer rating (185.6), fifth in completion percentage (73.0), and third in quarterback rating (88.9).
Texas A&M has a good defensive front. DeMarvin Leal has 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.
Micheal Clemons, Jayden Peevy, Shemar Turner, Tyree Johnson, Jahzion Harris, and Fadil Diggs make up the Aggies’ defensive line. Aaron Hansford, a senior linebacker, captains the group. Texas A&M will use its crowd to offset Young’s timing.
Fisher’s group is allowing 12.6 points per game, but the sophomore looks to shred it under the lights.
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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.
