Alabama vs. Texas A&M: Grading The Crimson Tide’s Performance

Alabama's offensive performance was one for the record books, literally. They scored 35 points in the 2nd quarter alone, which is the most points scored in one quarter in school history. The 59-point win was the largest victory by a ranked SEC team versus another ranked SEC team.  By the time the clock hit zero, the Crimson Tide had amassed 602 total yards of offense.

Blake Sims and Amari Cooper got back to their normal routine, one that had taken a step back the past two weeks. Sims connected with Cooper eight times for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper is now just one game shy of tying DJ Hall's record for most 100-yard receiving games.

If there is anything negative to take away from this, it's that Sims can still improve at seeing the entire field and not locking in on one player. Cooper has over 41 percent of Alabama's targets this season, which is more than any other Power Five player.

Overall, Sims had a highlight reel day with his 43-yard touchdown on a designed run being the highlight of that performance.

The Sims/Cooper combination is one that we have seen before and knew about. However, it appears Alabama's offensive line might be coming together. The Crimson Tide rushed for a season-high 298 yards thanks to the "new" offensive line we saw on Saturday. T.J. Yedon led the way with 114 yards on 13 carries and he added two touchdowns. Alabama finished with zero penalties, a breath of fresh air fo a Tide team that has had seemingly endless penalties in previous games.

If Lane Kiffin can continue keeping this offense two-dimensional, while also adding his West Coast style to the equation, this team has the potential to be one of the best offenses of the Saban era.

The offense had a great day, but the defense was equally impressive on Saturday. Just to sum up just how incredible their performance was, just look at the numbers (or lack of numbers). This was the first time a team coached by Kevin Sumlin was shutout in a game, and Texas A&M had not been shutout since a 77-0 loss to Oklahoma in 2003. The Aggies were held to 172 total yards, which is 343 yards less than their previous season average.

Going into the game, the Aggies were considered a threat to Alabama because of the hurry-up offense that plays into the Tide's weaknesses. After the game, A&M had nothing to show for it on offense except season lows in every major category (rushing, passing, and total yards).

Kenny Hill never seemed comfortable in the pocket, and the Aggies paid for it. In the previous two matchups, A&M had passed for a combined 717 yards on Alabama's secondary. Hill was fortunate to finish with 141 yards. The secondary has to be given a lot of credit. It stay disciplined, which resulted in the best performance of the season.

Credit is also due to the defensive line and linebacking corps. They smothered Texas A&M all day long. Even when the game was out of reach, this defense gave its best effort on every play. And when Hill had his offense in position to score, Reggie Ragland came up with an interception to end the drive and seal the shutout.

The defense we saw on Saturday is the one we are capable of seeing every weekend. It is hard to be flawless week in and week out, but this defense is getting better and better as the season progresses.

It feels like forever since the special teams last had a complete outing, but the unit did this weekend. The Tide played mistake free football on special teams, and in return, receive an A.

Adam Griffith made his only field goal attempt of the day from 21 yards out and was perfect on extra points. He also added a couple of touchbacks early in the game. JK Scott continued his hot streak by averaging 50 yards per punt.

The return game was minimal, but once again being mistake free was the key. Christion Jones did have a 47 yard punt return in the 2nd quarter, which set up a Blake Sims pass to Amari Cooper for a touchdown.

The lone mistake on special teams came in the 4th quarter when Texas A&M returner Trey Williams returned the ball 75 yards to the Alabama 23 yard line. Luckily, the Aggies did not capitalize, but the Crimson Tide has to tighten up its kickoff coverage.