#15 Texas A&M Aggies at #1 Alabama Crimson Tide Preview

The Crimson Tide are favored in this one by 13.5 points.

I think this one could definitely be a lot closer than what the experts are saying. Yes, Bama is loaded with talent in every single position. But Texas A&M has quite a few playmakers as well. Of course, the game is being played in Bryant-Denny Stadium, which gives the Crimson Tide an advantage.

Freshman TJ Yeldon has rushed for over 700 yards this season.

I did a simulation of this game on NCAA Football 13, and I've got to say, my XBox loves itself some Alabama. In the simulation Bama double Texas A&M's score, winning 42-21. AJ McCarron threw four touchdowns, and Eddie Lacy ran in two touchdowns. TJ Yeldon didn't even get a carry. That won't happen.

The Aggies are ranked 10th in the nation for rushing yards in a game. Alabama is ranked 24th. But Bama has quite an impressive duo of running backs. Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon are two amazing running backs that know how to get it done on the ground. Yeldon has over 700 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Lacy has 679 yards and 8 touchdowns. Both will definitely be a factor this Saturday at 3:30.

However, like I said before, the Aggies are ranked higher for rushing yards per game. That's because of two players. One, their senior running back Ben Malena. Malena has over 600 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. Two, their FRESHMAN quarterback Johnny  Manziel. Manziel is a dual-threat quarterback, passing for over 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, and rushing for over 900 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Freshman QB Johnny Manziel has impressed this season.

Defense is a big key to this game. Alabama is only allowing nine points a game on average. Texas A&M is allowing about 21. If the Aggies defense can't shut down this high powered Alabama offense, they aren't going to win this game. The Aggies will also have to find a way to do something that most teams haven't been able to do this year...score points on Alabama! But if there is a player that can do it, it very well could be Manziel. He has been very impressive thus far.

This is a game that although one team is favored by quite a few points, I think it could go either way. If the offenses click, we could see a very high scoring game. Then again, if the defenses click, we may see a low scoring, one or two touchdown game. This is one I definitely won't be missing. If you are a fan of hard hitting college football, I encourage you to tune in to CBS at 3:30 to check this one out. You won't regret it.

Off topic a little, I am going to go on record saying that two players in this game will be up for the Heisman in a few years. And both are freshman. Johnny Manziel and TJ Yeldon. Both have had an amazing year and will continue to impress for years to come.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle