The SEC features a pair of games this week that are sure to be show stoppers. One is an old rivalry, the Iron Bowl played between Alabama and Auburn that has national title implications. And a game for the SEC newcomers pitting Texas A&M at Mizzou.
Alabama at Auburn:
Its almost insane to think that prior to this season starting most fans would have dismissed the Iron Bowl as just another chance for Alabama to pad a national title resume. BUt these Tigers under Gus Malzahn are dangerous on offense, gaining 7 yards per play and scoring 39 points a game. They've averaged 38.1 yards per drive, despite going three and out on 16.9% of those drives. Theyve done it on the ground, most of the action going to Tre Mason and QB Nick Marshall. Mason has been stellar all seaosn, rushing for over the century mark in six games so far while converting 15 of his 19 third and short attempts. Marshall has been a fine runner, but his passing will need to shine if Auburn wants to pull the upset because a 58.4% completion rate with just 9 Tds to 4 Ints wont get it done. The Crimson Tide have looked more vulnerable at times this season, but still have held every opponent except Texas A&M to under 20 points, including three shut outs. They dont make as many explosive negative plays (just 9% tackle for loss rate), but theyve defended 16.2% of opponents passes and have kept the yards per attempt to just 6.4 yards per attempt. CJ Mosley leads the team with 88 stops so far, 37 more than the next player on the list. The game being at Auburn will certainly make this game more interesting, but 'Bama should still hold an edge with their ability to shut down run games and Auburn struggling to consistently throw the ball.
Texas A&M at Mizzou
The Aggies have been one of the most unbalanced teams in the nation this season, playing terrific offense and just horrible defense. Texas A&M reaches the red zone on 48.5% of their drives, picking up 51.1% of their third down conversions and going three and out on just 17.2% of their drives. Both units though were bad last week against LSU, gaining just five yards per play and posting just their second sub 100 yard rushing game, and the second game this season where they've gained fewer than 500 total yards. It was a derailment of Johnny Manziel's Heisman campaign, who for a second year in a row ran into a buzz saw against the Tigers. He completed just 39% of his passes for 5.5 yards per attempt, with a pair of interceptions. His numbers were worse than last year, but if he can rebound like he did (73.4% completion rate, 12TD:3Int, 9.3 yards per attempt) Mizzou could be in some real trouble. Mizzou though has played some stellar defense this season, shutting down run games to just 3.4 yards per rush and allowing just 19 points per game. The offense will be interesting to watch though, with James Franklin returning last week to help guide the Tigers to a win by completing 63% of his passes for 7.5 yards per attempt. Henry Josey continues to be the best and most consistent offensive threat, averaging 6.1 yards per rush, and converting half of his third and short attempts. If A&M has any chance of winning this game on the road and potentially ruining Mizzou's SEC East hopes, they're going to need to make more plays in the backfield (better than their current 7.3% rate).
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