It’s homecoming in Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama Crimson Tide need a homecoming in the worst way.

The last time the Tide were home, they dropped a heartbreaker to the Georgia Bulldogs by the score of 21-17. The following week, it got worse, as Alabama got pummeled by Tennessee in Knoxville.

Now with the season hanging in the balance, there’s no room for error.

If Alabama suffers one more loss, you can likely kiss any playoff hopes goodbye, which is why this game against Texas A&M is so important.

The Aggies have had a disappointing season, but playing spoiler may just be enough to make up for lost time.

Let’s dive in and see what Alabama needs to do in order to avoid disappointment again.

The Tide couldn’t seem to get out of their own way against Tennessee.

The key for Bama is not to get too cute, and just play simple and efficient football. That means running the ball, utilizing play action, quick passes and attempting to keep the Aggies on their heels.

Last week, Alabama only had 4 total passing yards in the first quarter, along with 21 total yards. That is completely inexcusable.

Fortunately for Alabama, Texas A&M hasn't generated the same level of pressure that Tennessee did. That could give Keelon Russell more time to work through his progressions and help the Crimson Tide establish a more balanced offensive attack.

Unlike last week, Alabama will need to take what the defense gives it, giving both QB Keelon Russell and OC Ryan Grubb an ideal opportunity for a reset.

The one consistent with this team has been its defense.

Last week against the Vols, the stat sheet indicated that DeSean Bishop stomped a mudhole into the Tide. However, Alabama seemed to lock him down fairly early in the game. It wasn’t until Bishop got the last laugh and ran for 114 yards in the second half.

Once it was clear that Alabama was losing gas, Tennessee took advantage of it and pulled away.

Texas A&M doesn’t really have major playmakers on the ground, and the passing game has lacked, with quarterback Marcel Reed having himself a disastrous season.

One player that we should keep an eye on is cornerback Zabien Brown. One of the Tide’s captains had to leave the Tennessee game at the half with a lower body injury, and he’s currently listed as questionable.

From the looks of it, it seems like Brown will be a game time decision, unless something is decided by today.

In last week’s keys to the game, one of the keys was that Alabama needed a receiver to step up in the absence of Ryan Coleman-Williams.

The star junior receiver underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee before the Tennessee game, and will have to miss at least another three weeks.

That’s a problem.

With Coleman-Williams out, it forces Lotzeir Brooks to be the WR1, which we’re not fully sure if he’s ready to assume that role. Brooks has been one of the more efficient receivers on the Tide, operating as the team’s second receiver. 

Beyond Brooks and Rico Scott, we have seen tight ends Marshall Pritchett and Kaleb Edwards get some action, but nothing substantial.

Russell struggled getting the ball out last week, that’s no surprise. But this A&M defense will likely allow Russell to have plenty of time to find an open man.

But who can that be? Grubb oddly admitted to the media that he was “bummed” that Noah Rogers didn’t get more snaps, and Derek Meadows was listed as a breakout candidate from his teammates before the season started.

Rogers missed the first few games with an injury, but so far, both players have combined for just nine receptions.

Alabama needs someone new to step up, otherwise this may end up being a long second half of the season.