The Bodda Getta

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jadennis said...

Since there aren't a lot of great topics out there for our beloved Tigers right now, thought I'd chat about a potentially good upcoming game.

I doubt they have much of a shot, but this is a pretty darn good offense, and actually a pretty solid defense.

Compared to the other offenses Alabama has faced, here is where A&M ranks in different categories:

(A&M rank followed by the rankings of the other SEC teams Alabama has faced)

Total offense in conference games:Texas A&M - #3 in the nation - 551 yards per game Other opponents - 63, 73, 85, 94, 95, 118.

It's clear that A&M is easily the best offense Alabama has faced. Tennessee had put up some good numbers, but they are #73 nationally in conference game offense.

3rd Down ConversionsTexas A&M - #3 in the nation other opponents - 28, 61, 67, 68, 89, 116

Again, A&M is clearly the best team Alabama has faced at converting and keeping drives alive...due in large part to Manziel extending plays.

Plays of 20+ yards in conference gamesTexas A&M - #1 in the nation Other opponents - 67, 72, 78, 78, 90, 94

Apparently none of Alabama's previous opponents were much of a threat on "big" plays. A&M is pretty darn good at it.

Defensively, A&M isn't stellar, but they aren't bad. Because of their pace (5th most plays of BCS teams), looking at "yards per game" doesn't tell a lot, as their opponents get off a lot of plays as well (which equals more yards per game typically). But if you look at yards-per-PLAY instead of yards-per-game, A&M is a solid #38 in the country, which would be the 3rd best Alabama has faced.

And just as A&M is very good at 3rd down conversions on offense, they are very good on defense as well. They are 3rd nationally at holding on 3rd downs....that's actually the best in the SEC...yes, even better than Alabama and LSU.

Of course, all of this might mean nothing come Saturday night in front of 100k Saban worshippers, but the numbers do suggest that if the Aggies can manage to not be too rattled on the road, they have the offensive potential to be a threat. I wouldn't' bet that they pull it off, but they have enough chance to make me want to watch.

My wife is an Aggie, so they are naturally my adopted "2nd" team. But given our own plight this year, maybe they are someone we all can get behind. They're at least fun to watch, no doubt about that. Let's hope they are Saturday as well.

PS. Wanna remember what a team looks like after an exciting win? Check out Sumlin pumping up the celebration in the locker room after the come-back win @ Ole Miss.

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