It’s time for Alabama to hit the road again.
That means leaving the comforts of Bryant-Denny Stadium behind. Some players like, Jarran Reed, might miss the music that’s played in the stadium.
“I just like to vibe,” Reed said. “It’s good to hear music sometimes. Really just ease you out and makes you ready.”
On Saturday, Alabama will travel to College Station, Texas to face No.9 Texas A&M. The Aggies’ stadium has expanded since the Crimson Tide’s last visit, and its capacity is now listed at 102,733.
Running back Kenyan Drake said the atmosphere in College Station was impressive before the additions. He said it will be interesting to see how much louder it is now.
“[The Aggies’ sway at the start of the fourth quarter] really gives you goosebumps to see; it’s like the stadium is literally rocking,” Drake said. “It will be very interesting to see how that affects it this year.”
Some players like Reed have not made the trip to College Station before. He said he doesn’t think the noise should affect Alabama too much. Of course the defense won’t have to contend with most of the noise the Texas A&M crowd makes.
Offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher said he feels good about the offense’s ability to play effectively in a loud road environment. Limiting the number of negative plays by Alabama’s offense will be even more important on the road.
“You just have to keep pushing, or as we say ‘keep chopping wood,’ and just keep doing your job every play,” Pierschbacher said.
Drake said Texas A&M’s offense changes affects the way Alabama’s offense will play this week. Time of possession is always important, but the Crimson Tide defense might need a little more time on the sidelines this week.
“The main thing for us is to make sure we hold the ball, hold the possession, so our defense can get rest, because they are a fast-pace offense,” Drake said.
Winning time of possession won’t matter as much if the defense cannot limit the number of explosive plays it allows. Reed said he thinks the team is prepared to do just that.
“We’re lighter, we’re in better condition,” Reed said. “Running sideline to sideline, chasing balls down, playing hard between plays, it shouldn’t be hard.”
The receivers Alabama faces this weekend will be fast, and their speed could challenge Alabama’s defensive backs. Reed said it is important that the line can help the secondary out by affecting the quarterback this week.
Ready or not Alabama has to play a game that could go a long way to deciding the SEC West on Saturday.
“I’ve heard ‘Home of the 12th Man,’ other stuff about it,” Pierschbacher said. “I’m looking forward to being in that atmosphere. It’ll be a fun game.”
