TV/radio:
2:30 p.m. Saturday; WBBM-Ch.2,
The line:
Alabama by 131/2.
Records:
Texas A&M; 7-2, 4-2 SEC; Alabama 9-0, 6-0.
Last meeting:
Alabama won 30-10 on Dec. 1, 1988, in College Station.
ON THE OFFENSIVE:
Alabama’s AJ McCarron is the nation’s third most efficient QB, but he doesn’t thrill fans like A&M;’s Johnny Manziel, who totaled 440 rushing/passing yards Saturday at Mississippi State.
GETTING DEFENSIVE:
Since giving up 57 points to Louisiana Tech — in a victory (!) — the Aggies have looked sharp on “D.” They will have to be against running back T.J. Yeldon, who scored the game-winner at LSU on a screen pass.
THE NUMBER:
1. Alabama is the clear-cut No. 1 in the BCS rankings, so fellow undefeateds Notre Dame, Kansas State and Oregon will root for a loss.
THE TALK:
Alabama coach Nick Saban appeared to criticize A&M;’s fast-tempo, no-huddle offense in October by saying, “Is this what we want football to be?” Saban claimed that was misinterpreted.
TEDDY GREENSTEIN’S PICK:
After surviving Death Valley, the Crimson Tide will get another major challenge.
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Alabama 36-29