Alabama and Texas A&M: 3 Quick Thoughts

Saturday afternoon the Alabama Crimson Tide suffered their first loss of the season, the first loss in over a year (November 5th 2011 to LSU) to the Texas A&M Aggies. After taking the night to think about Saturday’s game between the Crimson Tide and Aggies there were three things quick things that jumped to mind in looking back

1.Alabama needs to get back to running the ball
The last five national championship football teams have all finished no lower than 17th in the nation when rushing the ball; right now Alabama sits at 30th. Last night Eddie Lacy had a hot hand in the backfield and would have liked for him to get a few more touches (16 carries for the game), especially on the final drive.

2. Johnny Manziel is the real deal
I know he is a freshman, but I think he needs to be in the discussion for the Heisman trophy. His performance Saturday afternoon against Alabama reminded me a bit of Tim Tebow in the 2008 SEC Title Game; every time you thought he was contained, he would extend plays in the pocket with his feet or take off running. The scary thing is-he is just a freshman. Hats off to the young man.

3.Tuscaloosa is a great host
First off that was probably the loudest I have heard Bryant Denny Stadium in years. I commend Alabama fans for providing such a great home field advantage-regardless of outcome. Second, I was stopped by a handful of Texas A&M fans after the game who wanted nothing more than to say thank you for how they were treated in Tuscaloosa. That is how a Saturday in the SEC should be.