The top-ranked Crimson Tide will take their first trip to Kyle Field since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012, and Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin thinks they are in for a surprise. "I've been in both of those locker rooms at Kyle Field," Sumlin said. "It's one of the best places to play in the country if you're the home team and one of the hardest places to play or coach if you're the visiting team. For a lot of people who've never been here, they will be surprised by the atmosphere and what 'The 12th Man' brings to the table." Alabama will find out Saturday if they are in fact ready to hear the supposed roar of the "12th Man" atmosphere.
However, the biggest test during Saturday's showdown may be Texas A&M's relatively unproven defense. Led by Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel there is little question surrounding the Aggies offense, but after having to play the first two games with only part of its starting lineup, the defense is still a mystery. During last season's meeting in Tuscaloosa, the A&M defense had a large part in bringing the Aggies to an early 20-0 led. "Last year, I felt like we controlled the line of scrimmage," said A&M defensive back Tony Hurd Jr. "First down, second down, we got them behind the chains. On third down, we just went after them." But this year is different, AJ McCarron's biggest worries on the defensive line, defensive end Damontre Moore and defensive tackle Spencer Nealy, have moved on to the NFL. Sumlin admitted the contrast between last season's match-up and Saturday's upcoming game, "This is very, very different game than it was last year from a personnel standpoint based on the number of players that won't be on the field for both teams."
Texas A&M also suffered serious losses due to a multitude of disciplinary issues, according to Sports Illustrated, defensive tackle Kirby Ennis was suspended by Sumlin following a February gun arrest, then "defensive backs Deshavor Everett (one half) and Floyd Raven (one game) were suspended as a result of their misdemeanor arrests following an April 7 fight at an apartment complex." As if things couldn't get worse for a defense already faced with replacing 5 starters, the administration at Texas A&M disclosed two-game suspensions for cornerback De'Vante Harris, linebacker Steven Jenkins and defensive end Gavin Stansbury for "violating athletic department rules and regulations." And while the suspended players will be back in the Aggies active lineup for this Saturday's game, they are untested and unproven.
When and Where to Watch Texas A&M vs. Alabama
The Aggies and Crimson Tide will meet at Kyle Field, College Station on Saturday, September 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30pm, ET with television coverage available through the CBS Network. A live online stream is available at Watch ESPN here.
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