Texas A&M at No. 13 Alabama preview: Can the Aggies stun the Tide?

For the first time since 2022, Texas A&M football will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for a showdown against the No. 13 Crimson Tide in Week 8.

The Aggies are coming off a 41-0 win over The Citadel, marking the first time since 1993 that the program has obtained two shutout victories in a single season. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide suffered a 26-10 loss at No. 11 Tennessee, marking back-to-back SEC losses for Kalen DeBoer and company.

However, Texas A&M has not scored a touchdown against a ranked opponent in 327 days. The last time the Aggies defeated Alabama on the road was the historic 2012 season, featuring Heisman winner Johnny Manziel. Mike Elko's squad boasts a 4-3 overall record and is 1-3 in conference play, but things could quickly be turned around if they knock off the 13th-ranked team in college football.

Here is a full preview of the Crimson Tide and what the Aggies will be matched up against in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday:

Alabama's offense

Three players to watch: Keelon Russell (QB), Lotzeir Brooks (WR) and Daniel Hill (RB)

Tale of the tape: Tennessee's defense wreaked havoc on the Alabama offense in Week 7, recording five sacks and two interceptions en route to an upset win at Neyland Stadium. The Vols punished the Tide's offensive line, forcing the pocket to collapse around sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell. If Texas A&M wants to pull off the upset, Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill must draw up pressure and keep Alabama's sophomore gunslinger off-balance.

Mississippi State and South Carolina are examples of what can happen if Russell is allowed time to find his talented targets like Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks, who have combined for 830 yards and five touchdowns this season. The Tide averaged 486.0 yards of total offense in the back-to-back dominant wins over the Bulldogs and Gamecocks.

Alabama's defense

Three players to watch: Caleb Woodson (LB), Luke Metz (LB) and Bray Hubbard (DB)

Tale of the tape: While Alabama's pass defense has ranked No. 11, allowing 230.9 passing yards per game entering Week 8, the unit is No. 2 in the SEC with 10 total interceptions. The Tide have also been efficient stopping the run, ranking No. 6 in the conference with just 107.0 yards allowed on the ground per contest.

Outside of their lackluster performance against the Volunteers, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has his unit playing outstanding football in 2026, which will provide Texas A&M with its most difficult challenge of the season. Marcel Reed must be consistent, accurate and use his feet to create explosive plays, something the junior quarterback and the Aggies have struggled to accomplish thus far.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M at No. 13 Alabama preview: Can the Aggies stun the Tide?