When College Gameday comes to town, you know that it is a big game. Alabama will be playing its second top 10 matchup in two weeks, when the No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies come to Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
Coach Nick Saban expects it to be a big game, as the last of the two SEC undefeated teams face off. There are some fun matchups like Alabama’s nation leading rushing defense versus the SEC’s second ranked Texas A&M rushing offense. The Aggies defense has forced 17 turnovers which ties for second in the nation, while Alabama has been able to take care of the ball and only lose 10 turnovers.
“It seems like it’s been a long time since we’ve played at home, but we’re certainly looking forward to it. This is a great challenge for any player. I think playing in these kind of games are one of the reasons a lot of guys come here,” Saban said. “Great competition, great atmosphere, great fans. It’s going to be a great team we’re playing against.”
Saban had high praise for A&M’s defensive coordinator John Chavis, who has bounced around the SEC. Chavis most notably helped build some league-leading defenses at LSU from 2009-2014 before he moved to College Station, Texas in 2015. Since Chavis has been added to the staff the Aggies defense has gone from 11th to fifth in the conference in points allowed per game.
“He has some really good players and he’s an outstanding coach,” Saban said. “He’s done a good job for a long time, wherever he’s been. I think you have about as much respect for him as anybody you play against when it comes to how he’s going to try to defend you.”
Saban and Alabama know they have a challenge, but its not something the Crimson Tide hasn’t faced before. Alabama already has wins over four ranked teams this season. Texas A&M is just the next opponent.
Other quotes:
Saban on Bo Scarbrough putting his hand in a Tennessee fan’s face after he scored a touchdown:
“I did talk to him. I talked to the whole team about it,” Saban said. “Look, that’s a young kid that needs people to look up to in the world. Needs sports figures that he can sort of have some admiration for the way they carry themselves, the example they set the things that they do. That was not an action that actually contributed to that in any way and it’s not how we want our players to represent themselves, their family or the program.”
