🏈 Texas A&M vs Alabama Crimson Tide - preview

[TerryP]

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[Rainer Sabin | rsabin@al.com]

Top-ranked Alabama returned to the practice field Monday as it began preparations for its game against No. 22 Texas A&M on Saturday.

Alabama returned to the field Monday as the Crimson Tide began preparations for its game against No. 22 Texas A&M.

As is typically the case at the start of the week, the players were in shorts and shells with the temperature 92 degrees.

Here are some observations from the limited access period provided to the media:

-- Before the team hit the field, right tackle Matt Womack was spotted in a walking boot on his right foot, the one he had surgically repaired after he broke a bone last month during fall camp.

-- Outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings appeared limited, standing off to the side as the Tide's other pass rushers went through a drill. Earlier Monday, Alabama coach Nick Saban said, "We have a couple of guys that might be slowed a little bit in practice today but nobody with any significant injuries."

-- On that note, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked fine. It was reported by ESPN that Tagovailoa was suffering cramps in his calves during the first half of Alabama's 62-7 victory over Ole Miss on Saturday. Saban said afterwards Tagovailoa was not injured.

-- Receiver Henry Ruggs III had his left hand and wrist wrapped just as he did after the victory over the Rebels.

Alabama practice report: Crimson Tide at full strength

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Why did #65 replace #66 on Saturday night? Not sure about your TV but #65 looked like Ned in the 1st reader ovah at my house. Bento Jones beat the guy like a redheaded stepchild.

 

[TerryP]

Why did #65 replace #66 on Saturday night?

I noticed that but can't tell you why. I did mention a few weeks ago that Deonte had been getting reps with the 1's at guard--he's the sixth guy for an interior backup. Lester was back with the 1's today during the viewing period.

 

[TerryP]

 

[planomateo]

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[planomateo]

Jimbo is a fraud.

Almost looks like houndstooth on the thumb too.

 

[planomateo]

 

[planomateo]

 

[bamaledge]

So, how do we stack up?

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Can Alabama stop A&M from being able to run the ball with success???? That it is the question. We have to get off the field on defense thus giving more series for Tua to try and add points.

and those teams that have the best chance at beating The King have to so the above as well. They have to use up the clock, score, and reduce the number of series that Bama gets on offense.....

 

[planomateo]

 

[TUSKtimes]

Another very good offensive team that will have to be asked exactly what ole miss was questioned about. Can they stop us? They are better than the rebels on defense but Mond put the ball in harm's way a lot in the Clemson game and it was rewarded more than not. I don't expect that to happen at BDS.

 

[TerryP]

 

[planomateo]

LOL, protecting Reveille.

I've actually heard some folks refer to them as a military school similar to a Service Academy...I just shake my head.

 

[rick4bama]

:clap::hurray::dance::hyper::rtrsign: Guess what I'm going to be watching this weekend! From 2:30-5:30 give a take a few minutes! maybe longer if we have a passing game!

 

[BamaFan334]

I'll be arriving into town Friday evening with my son. Does anyone have a list or a site we can visit to see any festivities and times? We doing a bonfire or pep rally on Friday night anywhere on campus?

 

[94 Grad]

Why did #65 replace #66 on Saturday night? Not sure about your TV but #65 looked like Ned in the 1st reader ovah at my house. Bento Jones beat the guy like a redheaded stepchild.

My guess is he has a higher UP side and is just very raw at the moment. The idea would be get him into some games with the 1st string line to get him some experience and progress him closer to his UP side. Was a perfect opportunity to do that and put down some reps on film for him to learn from. In a closer/different game, he might not be the person Saban would have put in... but he's smart enough to realize the potential is greater there so the reps went to him in a "non-tight" game. In a tight game his option might have been Casher, but how much would it have benefited Casher (5th year senior) to have extra reps at this point in his career over Brown (RSo) since the game was not in questions?

I think it just goes to show you just how good Saban is at development. He sees a bigger picture than most coaches and understands how to manage these types of situation to best benefit the team for the future, and not only the "now" moment.

As an example of ineptness, look at good old Gussy.... His 2 backup QBs have a combined 3 pass attempts on the year even thought the played Alabama State last week and won 63-9. Do you think Saban wouldn't have had the backup QB in there taking snaps with the 1st team to get experience if he was the coach of that team? Of course he would have, because he understand that that backup QB needs to develop some timing with the starters in case the starting QB goes down... but Gussy... nope, we'll just run the hell outta the ball and let the backup QBs stagnate... In the 2nd half the backup QBs played the entire half, Gussy ran the ball 30 times and had 2 total pass attempts.... He's such a smart cookie, I hope they keep him forever!

 

[Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com]

Jimbo Fisher on the SEC teleconference.

What Jimbo Fisher said about Alabama, comparisons to Clemson