Texas A&M vs. Alabama: Just the kind of offense Nick Saban hates

When No. 1 Alabama faces No. 15 Texas A&M this Saturday, the Aggies will be featuring an offensive attack that is apparently an affront to coach Nick Saban's old-fashioned sensibilities.

"It's hard to simulate the tempo they play with in practice," Saban said. "That's one of the most difficult things the defense has to adjust to. They make a ton of big plays."

A month ago, Saban seemed to attack the offensive scheme employed by coach Mike Sumlin and offensive coordinator Kliff Klingsbury. He has attempted to clarify those remarks, saying that he questions whether the no-huddle offense is the direction that college football should go and cited his old-fashioned background in coaching.

Led by quarterback Johnny Manziel, the Aggies employ one of the more dangerous offenses in the nation. No. 4 in the NCAA in scoring at 44.7 points per game, the Aggies lead the SEC in total offense (560 yards per game), scoring offense and rushing offense (251 yards per game). This is the first season for the Aggies in the SEC, with Texas A&M 7-2, 4-2 in conference, so far on the season.

The Aggies take on the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama on Saturday, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CT and coverage on CBS.