Nick Saban reveals why Texas A&M will be a big test for Alabama OL

Alabama head coach Nick Saban knows that the Crimson Tide are in for a test when they play Texas A&M this weekend. In particular, the Alabama offensive line is going to get tested throughout the game.

While on the Pat McAfee Show, Saban emphasized how tough Texas A&M’s defense will be on the entire offense, particularly the Crimson Tide’s offensive line.

“Well, I certainly think this will be a great test for them because they do have really great down guys,” Nick Saban said. “They’ve got lots of depth, they play a lot of guys, they’ve got some really significant rushers, but these guys are really good at striking blocks up front and getting off people.”

Last week, Texas A&M held Arkansas to 22 points. The Razorbacks only had 174 yards on the day with just 42 yards coming on the ground. KJ Jefferson was also sacked seven times during the game.

“They have a really good scheme on defense. So, they do a lot of stunt and moving, pressuring you, creating negative plays. A good third down package where they’re gonna put six guys up there in the box and play man-to-man and put pressure on the quarterback,” Saban said.

“So, this’ll be a challenge for our entire offensive team but especially our offensive line because think about if you can control the line of scrimmage, at least you can stay balanced and try to stay ahead of the sticks. When I grade a game it’s always, ‘It’s first and 10, did we make to second and 6 or less? Did we get it to third and four or less?’ So, that you don’t have negative plays. negative plays create drive stoppers and that’s what they’ve been really, really good at.”

Nick Saban praised Max Johnson

Texas A&M will be forced to play backup quarterback Max Johnson against Alabama. Despite being the backup, Nick Saban sees a lot to like in Johnson’s game.

He’s a good player. He’s got a lot of experience, he’s smart, he makes good decisions, he’s been in the system with Jimbo for a long time. He’s a veteran player. The quarterback [Conner Weigman] that got hurt was a very good player, but [Johnson is a] very, very good player. He’s played well against us in the past,” Saban said.

“We have a lot of respect for him. I don’t really see a lot of a difference in their ability to be productive and use their weapons that they have to run the ball effectively as well as do a good job of passing it.”