The 3 Biggest X-Factors for Texas A&M vs. Alabama

The No. 21 Texas A&M football team will take on the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. There are a number of players in this game who could have a major impact on its outcome. 

The Aggies are 5-2 on the season with a 2-2 record in the conference. The Crimson Tide are 5-1 with a 2-1 record in the conference. This game will help determine the outcome of the race for the SEC West title. 

It is a must-win game for the Aggies. Three conference losses in the division will effectively eliminate their chance at qualifying for the SEC title game. 

This is a look at the players who could be X-factors in this matchup. 

Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett

Bob Levey/Associated Press

Texas A&M freshman defensive end Myles Garrett has been a pass-rushing nightmare for opposing offenses. The 6'5", 255-pound defensive end has registered 7.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss during his first seven career games.

He leads the Aggies and ranks second in the SEC in sacks. Garrett will be matched up on Saturday against Alabama's true freshman offensive tackle Cameron Robinson.

Garrett has had some success against Robinson in the past. If Alabama does not double-team Garrett, he could take over the game from his defensive end spot.

He is the type of player who can be disruptive on every snap. Garrett can apply the type of pressure to Alabama quarterback Blake Sims to force turnovers and impact the outcome of the game.  

Alabama RB Derrick Henry

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The Aggie defense does not have an answer for Derrick Henry. The 6'3", 240-pound sophomore running back is bigger than any of the linebackers on the Aggies' roster. 

If Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin decided to hand the ball to Henry 40 times during the game, there is nothing the Aggie defense would be able to do to stop him. He is a physical mismatch for every team the Tide face.

Henry has rushed for 382 yards and two touchdowns in Alabama's first six games. He is only averaging 12.8 carries per game. If the Alabama offensive coaches decided to give Henry 25 carries per game, he would be among the national leaders in rushing yardage.

Henry has the size, speed and power to take over a football game at any point. Aggie fans have to hope the Tide coaches do not decide to give Henry 20-plus carries against Texas A&M.  

Texas A&M WR Speedy Noil

Jim Lytle/Associated Press

Texas A&M freshman wide receiver Speedy Noil can impact the game against the Tide on offense and on special teams. Noil is leading the Aggies with 121.2 all-purpose yards per game. 

He is averaging 16.3 yards per punt return and is a threat to return it for a touchdown on every punt. As a receiver, Noil has caught 27 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns. 

He is a dynamic playmaker who needs to see more touches in the Aggies offense. Noil had his first 100-yard receiving game against Ole Miss when he caught 11 passes for 105 yards.

As he grows in confidence on the field and the Aggie coaches find more ways to utilize his talents, the Texas A&M offense will become even more dangerous for opponents.