Alabama’s last two trips to Texas haven’t been for the faint of heart. The Crimson Tide barely made it out of Austin with a victory last year and wasn’t as lucky during a last-second loss in College Station two years ago.

The forecast this week isn’t any easier as No. 11 Alabama (4-1, 2-0 in the SEC) is a narrow 2-point favorite for today’s game against Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0) at 2:30 p.m. CT inside Kyle Field.

Here’s how TideIlustrated’s staff thinks today’s game plays out.

This should be an interesting game for Alabama and the offense. Texas A&M is a little less electric on offense with Max Johnson at the helm instead of the injured Conner Weigman and has been relying more on the ground game. Alabama has been solid in run defense and pass defense, which will likely be what swings this game. The Tide needs another strong outing from the improving defense.

Jalen Milroe injury news swirled this week, but the offense has changed and they are grinding out the ball now so if it is Milroe or Ty Simpson, Bama will try to minimize turnovers and take a few shots downfield while holding onto the ball. The Arkansas game swung Texas A&M's run defense stats thanks to 7 sacks in that game. You can run the ball on them.

I like Alabama, but this will be a lower-scoring game than people expect.

— Kelly Quinlan, publisher

This will end up as the make-or-break game in Alabama’s season. A win would put the Crimson Tide alone at the top of the SEC West standings and could serve as the boost it needs heading into a slew of difficult matchups over the next few weeks. On the other hand, a loss would all but end Alabama’s national title hopes by the midway point of the regular season.

While Alabama underwent some early growing pains, things seem to be moving in the right direction. Jalen Milroe and the offense have gained confidence over the last six quarters, and Alabama’s defense is clicking on all cylinders.

The 12th Man will make life tough on the Crimson Tide. However, after managing the cowbells last week, I expect Alabama to brave through the noise and silence the Aggie faithful for good with a vital takeaway late in the fourth quarter.

— Tony Tsoukalas, managing editor

Alabama’s offense continues to take steps in the positive direction, as Jalen Milroe’s ability as a passer- not a runner, is the difference-maker against a raucous crowd in College Station. Defensively, Alabama is able to contain A&M, aided by the continued absence of QB Connor Weigman. Max Johnson makes enough plays to keep it close, but makes a critical mistake that turns momentum to the Tide late.

— Russell Johnson, recruiting editor

Alabama seems to be headed in the direction most Crimson Tide fans wanted to see things go since the start of the season.

The offense has picked thing up to support a defense that has been fairly stout thus far.

Although, the game is on the road and in some aspects is considered a “rivalry” but at the end of the day, Alabama may have too much on both sides of the ball collectively.

I expect it to be a tough, physical game. That said, the Crimson Tide come out on top.

— Brandon Howard, recruiting writer

This might be one of Alabama’s toughest tests for the rest of the season, but I think the Crimson Tide can perform just well enough to leave College Station with a win.

Coming off a very well-played game against Mississippi State last weekend, Alabama will likely keep some of its momentum going into this matchup against the Aggies. I think defensively, it’s a toss-up between who has the upper hand.

Both defenses are very high-powered and will be able to limit each offense from scoring too much as well. However, due to Texas A&M’s backup quarterback situation, I believe that the Crimson Tide have an edge on offense that will allow them to barely squeak out a win on the road.

— Dean Harrell, staff writer

A&M has an excellent pass rush and Alabama’s pass pro is definitely a weakness for them. The best way to negate a pass rush is run the ball, and while I think Alabama should be able to do that, Jalen Milroe has to play mistake-free football. With the environment he’s going to endure, I believe he will not be able to do so.

Alabama’s defense should definitely hold their own and likely will need to make 2-3 big plays to help the offense out.

A&M has just as much talent as any team in the SEC. Pair that with being at home and facing a QB that struggles throwing the ball, I have A&M in a close one.

— Jordan Harper, head basketball analyst