As Alabama Crimson Tide safety Ivan Taylor said earlier this week, the Tide is already in playoff mode after last week’s loss to the Tennessee Vols. The margin for error is gone, and if Alabama wants any shot at the College Football Playoff, the Tide will likely need to win out.

That starts Saturday with homecoming in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is taking on an Aggies squad that hasn’t lived up to preseason expectations, but still presents a challenge for Alabama. So who wins? Myself and 4 other analysts at A to Z Sports make their picks.

Alabama 45, Texas A&M 15

Alabama is pissed off. You watch the tone and tenor of Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb, you listen to the sentiments of Kane Wommack and some of his defenders after they got punched in the mouth, and this is a team that is feeling the pressure. A team that knows it’s one more loss away from a massive disappointing label being slapped on the 2026 season.

Parlay that with an A&M squad struggling to move the ball on offense, and this should be the get-right game that this team needs heading into the bye week. I believe Alabama has the answers in the building to right the ship, but it’s time to put it together on the field and make a run if this team is serious.

Alabama 34, Texas A&M 20

“Alabama gets back on track with a 34-20 win over Texas A&M, taking advantage of a home matchup to snap its two-game losing streak. Keelon Russell is the key to the Crimson Tide getting their offense rolling again after consecutive disappointing performances against Georgia and Tennessee. The young quarterback has shown he can be one of the most dangerous playmakers in the SEC, and his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs should give the Aggies problems. Ryan Coleman-Williams could be a major factor if he’s available, giving Russell a dynamic weapon downfield, while Alabama needs to find more consistency in its running game to take pressure off the quarterback. Texas A&M’s defense has been solid, but I expect Alabama to generate enough explosive plays to take control early.”

“The Aggies have the talent to make this competitive, particularly with quarterback Marcel Reed’s dual-threat ability and running back KJ Edwards providing a physical presence in the backfield. However, Texas A&M’s offense has struggled against quality SEC opponents, and that’s a major concern against an Alabama defense that should be able to limit the ground game and force Reed to win through the air. Edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre will be an important player for the Crimson Tide, especially if Alabama can pressure Reed into uncomfortable situations. The Aggies might hit a few big plays and keep things close into the second half, but Russell and the Alabama offense eventually create some separation. Alabama closes out a much-needed 34-20 victory and gets its season back in the right direction.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Alabama 38, A&M 20

“I know the Crimson Tide are reeling with two-consecutive losses, but this team is still very good. Keelon Russell had a rough day against the Tennessee Volunteers, but one thing remains evident about him: Russell has the goods.”

“Then when you look at the Aggies, they are reeling in a bad way. Mike Elko’s squad is 1-3 in the SEC and he’s calling out TexAgs in press conferences. Marcel Reed is not good enough at quarterback, and it’s going to continue being a hindrance to them getting a win on Saturday.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

Alabama 31, Texas A&M 20

“Before the season, this matchup looked like a good one; now it looks more like a bounce-back game for Alabama. After back-to-back losses, the Tide can’t afford another, and I think they’ll get the job done against the Aggies. Texas A&M is a mess offensively under QB Marcel Reed, and it’s a bad matchup for an Alabama defense that can force turnovers with the best of them.

“Texas A&M hasn’t won a road game yet this season and their first isn’t coming at Bryant-Denny. Alabama QB Keelon Russell badly needs a bounce-back game and he does just that in Week 8. Alabama can get the job done without Ryan Coleman-Williams with bigger matchups ahead.” – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Alabama 33, Texas A&M 24

“Alabama comes into this matchup absolutely stumbling, with the Crimson Tide being exposed to some degree by a physical Tennessee offensive line and active front seven in the Vols’ 26-10 win last week. Fortunately, Alabama returns home, and they get a Texas A&M team that’s rested coming off a bye, but one with plenty of holes on both sides of the ball.”

“A&M has struggled against top competition, including a 35-6 loss at LSU, 27-6 loss at Missouri, and 31-21 home loss to Kentucky. The Aggies clearly aren’t the same this year without KC Concepcion and a host of offensive linemen also now in the NFL. But I think Marcel Reed turns in one of his best games of the year to keep this game competitive going into the fourth quarter for once. It just won’t be enough, as Keelon Russell gets back on track after a tough pair of games the last two weeks.” – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami Hurricanes