There are a lot of concerns over how Alabama will play against Texas A&M this weekend following what some would call a “lackluster performance” by Alabama standards against Virginia Tech. But while Virginia Tech had some advantages that could be exploited against Alabama – Virginia Tech’s strong and deep defensive line against Alabama’s inexperience in the offensive line combined with senior corner Kyle Fuller who essentially shut down Amari Cooper – Alabama theoretically matches up very favorably against the Aggies. And that is why I believe Alabama will not only win Saturday, but win handily by 17 points.

Now this isn’t completely a homer pick: I’m absolutely terrified of the matchup against LSU later this year. But if you look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team, you can see why Alabama should have the edge.

Let’s start with Texas A&M. Last year, not only did the Aggies’ offensive line bully Alabama’s front seven and Manziel unexpectedly run wild, but while defensive adjustments mostly limited Manziel over the next three quarters, A&M’s front seven continued to give Alabama’s offense problems in what was the only time all year Alabama’s offensive line at times seemed outmatched. But what was a strength last year is a major weakness for the Aggies, with the front seven replacing four starters from last year. Just last week, Timothy Flanders from Sam Houston State was able to rush for 170 yards on 19 carries. If Flanders can run for that much, what will T.J. Yeldon be able to do running the ball?

Now admittedly Texas A&M has had a lot of its players suspended the last two games that will be back Saturday, and its front seven should put up a much better effort than it did the last two weeks. But the Alabama offensive line’s effort against Virginia Tech is less alarming than public perception might believe. For one, as much as Saban and company would have made you believe otherwise in the past, it is really hard to come into the season with terrific line play when you have three new starters. Even last year Alabama’s offensive line wasn’t particularly imposing against Michigan and didn’t find true form until later in the season. Combine that with the fact Virginia Tech has arguably one of the five best defensive lines in football – it’s too early to write off Alabama’s ability control the trenches just yet – and the line should look much better against A&M.

It’s also fair to point out that Texas A&M is definitely more of an offensive juggernaut anyway. And it’s borderline impossible to stop Manziel when he does Johnny Football-like things. The only real hope is to contain him. But the speed in Alabama’s linebackers and safeties should prevent Manziel from running too wild, and Alabama’s corners match up favorably against the Aggies receiving core, especially with Geno Smith back for Alabama as the nickel corner. With the exception of one long run, Virginia Tech was unable to get anything running the ball against Alabama. And if Texas A&M is going to win, then its offensive line (one of the best in the country) will have to win the battle against Alabama’s defensive line (also one of the best in the country). And while I believe the Aggies will more than hold their own on that front, I can’t see there being an enough of an edge to make a substantial difference.

Even with the game at hospitable Kyle Field, it’s too hard to imagine the Crimson Tide letting anything get in its away from getting revenge Saturday. When it comes down to it, Alabama’s offense will have an easier time against Texas A&M’s defense than A&M’s offense will against Alabama’s defense. Plus, when was the last time someone beat a Nick Saban team twice in a row? Final Score: Alabama 38, Texas A&M 21.