These programs are heading in two completely different directions heading into this matchup. However, Alabama could have some adversity if quarterback Bryce Young can’t play due to the shoulder injury he suffered last week. This could make things a little more difficult for the Crimson Tide.
Let’s take that into consideration while forming our Alabama vs. Texas A&M predictions and best bets for Saturday, Oct. 8.
Texas A&M vs. Alabama Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M | +24 (-110) | +1300 | O 52 (-110) |
| @ Alabama | -24 (-110) | -2600 | U 52 (-110) |
Odds via Betway as of 4 p.m. on Oct. 4
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Bryant–Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL
- TV: CBS
Texas A&M vs. Alabama Trends
- Alabama is 12-8 ATS in its last 20 games.
- Alabama is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games as a home favorite.
- Texas A&M is 7-7-1 ATS in its last 15 road games against SEC opponents.
- Texas A&M is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 road games against SEC opponents as an underdog.
- As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 54% of tickets and 52% of the money are on the favorites Alabama against the spread.
- DraftKings also reports that 91% of betting tickets and 82% of the handle have selected Over 52 total points.
The Tide Head Home After A Big Road Win
Arkansas did everything they needed to last week to beat Alabama. The Razorbacks won on special teams, had a turnover, no Bryce Young, and they still took a huge loss and couldn’t cover.
The Alabama receiving corps is still young and learning, but they are fast and athletic. They won a lot of contested passes and made big plays. The run game continues to be Alabama’s best asset, including Jahmyr Gibbs, who looks like the steal of the portal.
Jahmyr Gibbs has been named your SEC Player of the Week.
When you do stuff like this, that tends to happen 😎🐘pic.twitter.com/h1DHf5apbY
— TorresOnBama (@TorresonBama) October 3, 2022
The Tide will rely on Gibbs to move the ball, especially if QB Bryce Young can’t play or is limited with that shoulder. He’s in a good spot with Texas A&M allowing six yards per carry last week to Mississippi State, and the Aggies are the 97th-ranked run defense this season.
Offensive Struggles Continue For Aggies
The Aggies face criticism weekly for their stale and outdated offense. Head Coach Jimbo Fisher said in his post-game press conference he believes the offensive playbook is good, it’s just about executing. Six weeks in and two quarterbacks later, that is not reality.
Jimbo Fisher on the state of his Texas A&M program, now in Year 5:
“We are not where we want to be, no doubt. Gotta get better.”
Do you have faith in Jimbo to turn this program into an SEC champion? pic.twitter.com/FAL2a6ks1b
— that SEC podcast (@thatSECpodcast) October 2, 2022
As mentioned, the run defense is not good, and neither is the pass defense. With the Bama receivers getting better and the raw talent they already possess, we could see them get smoked multiple times, even without Young in this game.
Texas A&M vs. Alabama Predictions
Realistically, A&M should be 1-4. The offense is awful and needs a complete overall. If scoring just 14 against an App State defense that gave up 64 against North Carolina the week prior is in the cards, they could be in trouble.
If you could believe it, Alabama is getting better. The receiving core played their best game of the year, and the secondary is improving. Everywhere the Aggies are weak, the Tide can exploit. Whether or not Young plays, this could be an ugly scene in Tuscaloosa.
Saban and Fisher had a war of words at the beginning of the year, so don’t think that isn’t on Saban’s bulletin board.
Pick: Alabama -24 | -110 at Betway