Alabama Is Banged Up, But Texas A&M Has Bigger Problems To Solve

Texas A&M football received some encouraging injury news Friday, but the Aggies still face a difficult assignment Saturday against No. 13 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Four Texas A&M players were upgraded to probable on the latest SEC availability report, including wide receiver Mario Craver, defensive tackle DJ Hicks, linebacker Daymion Sanford and offensive lineman Trovon Baugh.

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Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

For head coach Mike Elko, the possibility of getting those players back comes at an important time.

Texas A&M (4-3, 1-3 SEC) desperately needs an offensive breakthrough after struggling against its toughest conference opponents.

The Aggies scored just six points against LSU and another six against Missouri, failing to reach the end zone in either road game.

Quarterback Marcel Reed and the offense managed only four field goals across those two contests while converting eight of 35 third-down opportunities.

That's not going to be enough against Alabama.

The Aggies scored 41 points in last week's shutout victory over The Citadel, but repeating that production against the Crimson Tide's defense presents an entirely different challenge.

Craver's expected return could help. The receiver has 24 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns this season, giving Reed another experienced option in a passing game searching for consistency.

Still, A&M won't have Terry Bussey, Kelshaun Johnson or offensive lineman Blake Ivy. Defensive end Anto Saka remains questionable.

Alabama (5-2, 3-2 SEC) has significant injury concerns of its own.

Cornerback Zabien Brown, running back EJ Crowell and offensive lineman Racin Delgatty were all downgraded to doubtful Friday.

The Crimson Tide will also be without wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who has 415 receiving yards, along with defensive lineman Terrance Green and several defensive reserves.

Those absences could create opportunities for Texas A&M, particularly if the Aggies can establish their running game and protect Reed.

But Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell remains a major concern.

The sophomore has thrown 12 touchdown passes this season while averaging nearly 250 passing yards per game. His mobility adds another dimension to an Alabama offense capable of creating explosive plays.

Texas A&M's defense must generate pressure without allowing Russell to escape containment.

Both teams enter Saturday trying to recover from disappointing SEC results.

Alabama has dropped consecutive games against Georgia and Tennessee, while Texas A&M is attempting to avoid another conference defeat that would further damage its postseason hopes.

History favors the Crimson Tide, who lead the series 13-3 and have won the last two meetings.

Texas A&M hasn't won in Tuscaloosa since Johnny Manziel's memorable 29-24 upset in 2012.

Alabama enters as approximately a two-touchdown favorite, but the injury situation gives the Aggies an opening.

The question isn't whether Texas A&M has enough talent to compete.

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It's whether Reed and the offense can finally put touchdowns on the scoreboard against a quality SEC opponent.

If they can't, another frustrating road trip could be waiting.