Preview: Can Alabama Contain Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel? Where to Watch SEC Showdown Online
Coming off their biggest and most trying win of the season, the Alabama Crimson Tide host Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M Aggies Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Quarterback A.J. McCarron led the Crimson Tide on the game-winning drive, hitting T.J. Yeldon for a 28-yard touchdown with 51 seconds remaing and clinched a 21-17 victory over LSU.
No. 1 Alabama’s defense was on a historic run before they met the Tigers, as they surrendered two rushing touchdowns in the second half and trailed for the first time all season. LSU’s typically inconsistent quarterback Zach Mettenberger put up 289 yards against Alabama, as the Tigers totaled 435 all-purpose yards.
Yeldon and fellow back Eddie Lacy would combine for 159 rushing yards, with Lacy scoring the Crimson Tide’s first touchdown in the second quarter.
McCarron went 14-for-27 for 165 yards, and now has a streak of 289 passes thrown without an interception.
The Crimson Tide defense will have an even biggest test with A&M’s Manziel coming to town.
Manziel has become a national sensation with his dual-threat play, and he totaled 440 all-purpose yards and two rushing scores in the No. 15 Aggies 38-13 win over Mississippi State.
The redshirt freshman leads the SEC in rushing with 922 yards and A&M have the third highest scoring offense in the country with 44.7 points per game.
Manziel may find it difficult to post those same numbers against Alabama, even if their defense was sluggish versus LSU. He struggled in the Aggies two losses to Florida and LSU, both considered top defenses.
The contest begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast by CBS, or you can watch their live online stream at CBS Sports here.
Prediction: The Crimson Tide will try to keep Manziel in the pocket, and force him to beat them with his arm. Alabama’s defense will be keyed up after last week’s performance and should lead victory.
Betting Odds: Alabama is favored by 14 points
Over/Under: 56 points
Predicted Score: Alabama 30, Texas A&M 17
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