The 2023 SEC Media Days have come and gone. After Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher’s concealed day at the podium triggered the same ole’ “who will call plays in 2023” discussion, Fisher’s lack of brusque bravado provided more opportunities for all thirteen other SEC representatives to make their “talkin’ season” mark ahead of the 2023 college football season.
One underreported story concerning the Alabama Crimson Tide came in the form of a simple Q&A with three-star players, including offensive lineman JC Latham, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, and defensive end Dallas Turner, who was asked to shed some light on their experience facing Texas A&M during the first two years in the conference.
The Crimson Tide, who are coming off of their 11-2 (6-2 SEC) season, was once again selected to finish 1st in the SEC West, topping LSU and Texas A&M as the two and three spots. All three players hold a 1-1 record against the Aggies going into year three, and let me say that their views of the program completely contrast with rival fanbases, unsurprisingly.
Dallas Turner, who may be the face of the 2023 Crimson Tide squad, started the conversation off by looking back at both close matchups that came down to the final seconds, which of course, includes Aggies kicker Seth Small’s memorable game-winning field goal in 2021.
“It is always a battle when we play them, of course. Jimbo is doing a very good job over there, leading the guys in the right direction. There is a lot of talent over there. A lot of good things they are doing over there.”
Kool-Aid-Mckinstry, whose cool name takes a backseat to his elite ability on the gridiron, is looking forward to facing Texas A&M in Kyle Field this season.
“I know College Station is a very tough place to play. The SEC is going to (have) hard-fought games. That is why you play here at ‘Bama, and that is why you play in the SEC.”
Lastly, JC Latham noted the “unique” situations that occurred in both matchups, including former star quarterback Bryce Young’s absence in the last season’s game which undoubtedly gave the Aggies a fighting chance.
“As I was telling somebody earlier, experience is life’s greatest teacher. I think both years were not just the regular, we show up to play. My freshman year, we previously lost two games. So I think as a group, we did not think they would be ready to play us.
“Last year, we lost (2022 starting quarterback) Bryce (Young). I do not think we were mentally prepared for him not to play. I think we have to do a better job at understanding that anything can happen, anybody can go down at any given moment, they may not play the next game or however it may go. I think that comes from experience. Both games I played in had a unique situation to them.”
Alabama will travel to face Texas A&M inside Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 7, as both teams hope to be undefeated beforehand.
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