Nick Saban shares respect, praise for Max Johnson ahead of matchup vs. Texas A&M

When Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson was at LSU, he threw for two touchdowns in a 20-16 loss to the Alabama in 2021 — something Nick Saban hasn’t forgotten.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, the Crimson Tide head coach revealed the respect he has for him and what type of threat Johnson poses for his defense.

“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,” Saban said of Johnson on Wednesday. “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.

“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.”

Since taking over the starting quarterback role during the Week 4 win at Auburn, Johnson has completed 24 of 39 passes (62%) for 333 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Texas A&M in 2-0 in SEC play behind the arm of Johnson.

On top of Johnson’s strong play, the rest of the offense is firing on all cylinders as well. Two running backs — Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels — have combined for 546 of the Aggies’ 802 rushing yards on the season to go with four touchdowns. Out wide, Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith are in their own world combining for 700 receiving yards through five games while Noah Thomas has been a touchdown machine with four scores on 11 receptions. 

Of course, beating Alabama isn’t as easy as just having a hot offense. After defeating Mississippi State 40-17 on the road, the Tide might be on a roll just in time for their road trip to Texas A&M.

A victory for Texas A&M would not only squander Alabama’s hopes at a potential College Football Playoff berth — as no two-loss team has ever made the field of four — but would also move the Aggies to the front of the SEC West standing over the Crimson Tide.

A lot is riding on this game for both programs, and a loss would be devastating either way you slice it, as the Aggies’ schedule doesn’t let up anytime soon.

Saturday’s opening kickoff in College Station between the Aggies and Crimson Tide is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on CBS. Alabama is a 1.5-point betting favorite, per Vegas Insider, despite being the road team.