NCAA Preview: Texas A&M vs Alabama
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No. 6 Texas A&M (6-0, 4-0 SEC) at No. 1 Alabama (7-0, 4-0), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Alabama by 18.
Series Record: Alabama leads 6-2
WHAT'S AT STAKE
It's a battle of the Southeastern Conference's two remaining unbeaten teams. The winner will have the inside track to a berth in the SEC championship game, presumably with a playoff shot on the line.
KEY MATCHUP
Texas A&M's ground game against Alabama's run defense. Strength against strength, with the Aggies leading the SEC and ranking seventh nationally in rushing offense behind freshman RB Trayveon Williams and QB Trevor Knight. The Crimson Tide has the nation's stingiest run defense and is allowing just 63.9 yards per game on the ground.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Texas A&M: QB Trevor Knight has both rushed and passed for nine touchdowns and will need to make plays both ways against one of the nation's top defenses. He had a huge game for Oklahoma against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl as a freshman, earning MVP honors with 348 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Alabama: LB Reuben Foster is the Tide's leading tackler and could play a big role in trying to corral Knight and Williams. He's a hard-hitting, athletic and explosive 236-pounder.
FACTS & FIGURES
Alabama has won the last three meetings since falling to Johnny Manziel and the Aggies in their initial 2012 SEC showdown. The Tide's 59-0 victory on the Aggies' last visit to Bryant-Denny Stadium two years ago represents the program's largest margin against a ranked opponent. ... Coach Kevin Sumlin already has a Texas A&M-record three road wins over Top 10 opponents. Alabama is 23-6 against Top 10 teams since the start of the 2008 season. ... Texas A&M hasn't started a season 7-0 since 1994 or won its first five conference games since 1998. ... The Tide has scored touchdowns on special teams and/or defense in nine straight games, including 11 TDs already this season. ... The Aggies are 2-11 against No. 1 teams, but one of those wins came against `Bama.
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