The Season Ahead: The SEC's best game in Week Seven

SEC Game of the Week series

Week One: Texas A&M vs. Arizona State
Week Two: Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
Week Three: Ole Miss vs. Alabama
Week Four: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas
Week Five: Georgia vs. Alabama
Week Six: Georgia vs. Tennessee

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Most Texas A&M fans would circle Alabama 2012 as the greatest moment in the SEC thus far.

On the flip side, perhaps the most traumatizing day happened against the same Crimson Tide two years later: 59-0.

In between, you saw Johnny Manziel at the peak of his powers during 2013's “Game of the Year."

The point being, every time these two teams meet up, something memorable will occur. The question then becomes, will it be a moment Aggie fans rejoice in — or one they curse?

It’s week seven. It’s Alabama and Texas A&M.

SEC Game of the Week: Week Seven

Who: Alabama vs. Texas A&M
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas
When: Oct. 17th

There are two types of powerful people in the world: those who thrive in the status quo and are just fine keeping it that way, and those who are driven by the desire to change it. When it comes to Alabama and Texas A&M, it doesn't take much to decipher who’s who.

With national titles and a hit-you-in-the-mouth-before-running-you-over attitude, Bama is happily set in its ways. A&M, on the other hand, has a different way of doing things. It’s a flashier, faster and, some would say, cooler way of playing the same game. But, the Aggie way hasn't led to any titles.

Yet.

There could be conference and national title implications involved in this game, no doubt. But the thing that makes this contest so compelling is the undertone of two clashing styles.

Over and over, teams try to beat Alabama at its own game. Has it worked? Rarely. Yet teams do it, because there is a sense that any other style will lead to embarrassment. That was true for a long time, and still is. But Kevin Sumlin knows that in order to get on top, you have to take some risks.

That’s what a fast-paced offense is, essentially: a calculated risk. You might race down the field, or you could be handing the ball over almost immediately. So, what does Sumlin do to minimize that risk?

He calls for backup. John Chavis answers.

If the Aggies have put together at least a decent defense by mid October, they'll have an opportunity to go for the throat. They will have the freedom to do what they do best, without the worry of an easy score the other way.

What a refreshing thought that must be.

While strong defensive leadership is part of the puzzle, A&M is starting to assemble the other pieces as well. Through years of recruiting, the Aggies are finally acquiring the talent and depth necessary to compete.

It is not an easy task, but the Aggies have taken a big step in the right direction. They now have more depth on the defensive line, more athletes in the secondary, and more options at wide receiver.

Add up all of those things and you start to see a different picture forming on the field.

Coming off a bye week, with all its new parts firmly in place, A&M will have a chance to give fans a game they’ll never forget.

So, what kind of memory will this one be?