Texas A&M's 41-0 shutout win over the Citadel won't move the needle for most of the Aggie fan base, given the opponent and the fact that redshirt quarterback Marcel Reed will continue as the starter, which does not provide much hope for an offense that has struggled. However, the ground game worked, with 264 rushing yards and three touchdowns from sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow.

This was the Aggies' final non-conference game, meaning SEC play resumes Saturday when Texas A&M heads to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 13 Alabama, facing the Crimson Tide for the first time since the 2023 season, during former coach Jimbo Fisher's final season at the helm.

On paper, Texas A&M is a 15.5-point underdog, which isn't shocking given both programs' trajectories, while the Crimson Tide have lost two in a row after falling to Georgia at home 20-17, and Tennessee on the road 26-10. In both games, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell threw for under 200 yards, including an interception and 147 yards against the Volunteers.

Still, Texas A&M's above-average to good defense hasn't gotten enough help from the offense, especially Marcel Reed, but if the run game keeps producing and gets close to Saturday's output, controlling the line of scrimmage will be key to keeping the ball out of Russell's hands.

ESPN analyst Bill Connelly doesn't believe Alabama will cover the spread, but secure an 11-point 32-21 win over the Aggies, and based on how Texas A&M's offense has looked in losses to Missouri and LSU, 21 points is pretty generous.

WEEK 8 SP+ PICKS
Indiana 26, Michigan 18
Utah 33, Houston 25
BYU 32, UCF 17
Horns 31, Rebs 24 (🤨🤔)
LSU 30, Auburn 19
Miami 35, Pitt 17
Hawkeyes 27, Gophers 19
USC 28, Wisconsin 23
Bama 32, A&M 21
REALLY low point totals this week. Odd.
All games: https://t.co/73kYGhmtmGpic.twitter.com/wMbYt0YPzI

— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) October 18, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN analyst predicts Texas A&M vs. Alabama in Week 8

Source: Yahoo Sports