Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Big matchup
Quarterback Kenny Hill (above) is putting up statistics similar to former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, but No. 21 Texas A&M faces a stiff test today when it takes on No. 7 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Aggies average almost 547 yards a game, but the Crimson Tide are allowing only 277 yards a game.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No team has given Alabama’s stout defenses more fits than Texas A&M lately.
The matchups have produced memorable, down-tothe-wire games the past two seasons, and even a shootout. Yes, involving Alabama.
The 21st-ranked Aggies’ visit to the seventh-ranked Crimson Tide today still presents an appealing matchup of high-powered offense against stingy defense, even with Alabama nemesis Johnny Manziel now in the NFL.
“We’ve had a couple of great games with them since they’ve joined the SEC,” Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban said.
Kenny Hill has replaced Manziel and is putting up similarly outrageous numbers. Manziel’s counterpart last season, AJ McCarron, is also a pro now.
Led by Hill’s passing, Texas A&M is fourth nationally in total offense while Alabama is third in total defense. The Aggies’ fast-paced offense is averaging nearly twice the yardage that the Tide is allowing (546.9-277.2).
The Tide must change gears from smash- mouth, huddle- up Arkansas. “We practice fastball,” Tide safety Landon Collins said. “We practice long-shot routes ev- ery day, so if we’re constantly working at it we don’t have to worry about it. We’re going to be ready for it.”
Hill and Alabama’s Blake Sims both replaced star quarterbacks, and both have been somewhat up and down. Hill has passed for 500-plus yards once and 401 last week against Ole Miss, while Sims had one of the best passing days in Alabama history with 445 yards against Florida.
“You don’t know who [Hill’s] favorite receiver is or who he likes to throw to at any particular moment,” Collins said. “That’s the best thing that they have.”
Aggies Coach Kevin Sumlin is expecting receiver Malcome Kennedy to play after missing the past two games with a shoulder injury. The Aggies have six players with at least 23 catches.
Alabama’s Amari Cooper is the SEC’s top receiver but was held to two catches for 22 yards against Arkansas.
Alabama and Texas A&M rank 11th and 13th, respectively, in turnover margin among SEC teams. The Tide had four fumbles in the return game against Arkansas, losing two of them. Hill has been intercepted five times and lost a fumble in the past two games. However, the two defenses bring up the rear in interceptions.
What’s missing for today’s game is the rampant hype that made this one of the more anticipated matchups — and a huge TV draw — in 2013. Now, Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) has lost to No. 3 Mississippi, squeaked by Arkansas and found itself likely in a must-win situation from here on out to challenge for a league title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Texas A&M (5-2, 2-2) has done its part to derail the pregame hoopla, too. The Aggies have lost two consecutive games, though they were to No. 1 Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
The Tide won 49-42 last season despite giving up an unheard-of 464 passing yards and five touchdowns to Manziel, who had led an upset in the previous meeting that helped launch him to the 2012 Heisman Trophy.
Neither game was decided until the final minutes.
Texas A&M has performed well in tough road games under Sumlin. He’s led the Aggies to a 6-2 record against ranked teams away from home, including the 2012 Alabama game, and hasn’t beaten one at Kyle Field.
“We do what we do,” Sumlin said.