ALABAMA QB JALEN HURTS RETURNS TO HOME STATE TO FACE AN A&M TEAM ON A FOUR-GAME WIN STREAK
COLLEGE STATION — Proof that Texas A&M senior running back Keith Ford keeps grinding even as he’s going down was on his elbow this week, in the form of a massive, blood-red turf burn. A fleshy wound impacting an intricate tattoo on his left arm.
“It’s probably going to fade a little bit, but it doesn’t matter,” Ford said, smiling slightly. “I’m probably going to have to get it redone.”
Ford considers the burn and its perpetual sting worth it if it meant extra yards gained – and that’s exactly what the former Cypress Ranch standout did a week ago. He strung together two hard-fought fourth quarter touchdown runs of seven and 17 yards in the Aggies’ 24-17 comeback victory over South Carolina
at Kyle Field.
“I don’t like going to the ground,” Ford said.
The Aggies’ competition on Saturday night stiffens considerably, when topranked Alabama (5-0, 2-0) visits Kyle for a third time since A&M (4-1, 2-0) joined the SEC in 2012. The Crimson Tide are favored by 26½ points, and the Aggies have only been bigger underdogs once at Kyle Field, against Oklahoma (27½ points) in 2008. The topranked Sooners won 66-28.
Fans love high-flying, aerial offenses like that one of OU, but Saturday might offer a throwback of sorts between the programs, to when running was king.
“This is a line of scrimmage league,” said Kevin Sumlin, who’s 1-4 against Alabama as A&M coach. “If you’re a defensive lineman or an offensive lineman in this league, you know what time it is.”
The time will be for players like Ford, who has two or more rushing touchdowns in three of the Aggies’ five games this season, and Alabama sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts to strut their stuff. Hurts has solid numbers throwing the ball — completing 64 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and zero interceptions — but his numbers on the ground are even more impressive.
“He’s been an impact player from the day he got there,” Sumlin said of the former Channelview High star who has rushed for more than 100 yards in a game three times this season.
Stingy against the run
The Crimson Tide are just as impactful on the other side of the ball, and their 73.8 rushing yards allowed is second nationally.
“No one tries to run against them, but we will,” A&M offensive tackle Keaton Sutherland said. “We’ll play our style of football and play how we will.”
The Aggies’ style of football of late has been to rely on Ford with the game on the line. Sophomore Trayveon Williams, electric in his own right, has been slowed the last couple of games by a bum ankle. Williams still leads A&M in rushing (384 in four games), but Ford’s seven rushing touchdowns are two more than Williams and six more than any other Aggie.
Ford, a former five-star prospect, transferred from Oklahoma two years ago in search of playing time, and it’s come in waves this season.
“He’s one of the most physical backs I’ve ever seen,” A&M center Erik McCoy said. “Even when there’s not a hole, he makes a hole. He gains yards where there are none to gain. He’s just angry and wants to get yards.”
Slimmed down
Ford also is trimmed down from last season, and his teammates have noticed once he bruises his way past the first line of defense.
“He’s breaking bigger runs this year,” McCoy said. “He’s getting to the second level, and he’s actually been able to outrun a couple of guys, as well as use his power.”
Meanwhile A&M offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has mostly kept dual-threat freshman quarterback Kellen Mond in check through five games, but if there was ever a time to turn him loose, it’s against Alabama.
“They’re a very explosive offensive team, and they’ve run the ball very effectively,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said of the Aggies.
But can the Aggies run it against the Crimson Tide? Sumlin offered a “we’ll see on Saturday.”
“I’m not here to talk about our game plan,” Sumlin said with a smile. “But you better be able to block ’em. People have had a really, really difficult time doing that over the last five weeks. We’ve got to have a plan that gives our guys a chance.”