'No. 1 In the SEC!' Alabama coach Nick Saban Praises Texas A&M Aggies Defense

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban sees a major challenge in the Texas A&M Aggies' defense, deeming it a conference best ahead of the two schools' Week 6 matchup.

For the Texas A&M Aggies, all sights are set on taking care of business at home against the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

The last time Nick Saban and company visited Kyle Field, Seth Small ruined their chances at a perfect season on a last-second field goal make, which set the Aggies up for a strong finish to the season, which they did not take advantage of. 

This time around, Texas A&M is already up against the wall with a non-conference loss. SEC play has gone well for it, however, as the Aggies will enter Saturday's matchup with a 2-0 streak looking to make it three after finding early success. 

And according to Saban, that's a lot to do with their defense.

"Defensively, [Texas A&M] is really, really good up front," Saban said. "[The Aggies] create a lot of issues and problems with some of the pressures and stunts that they run with very good players doing it. They’re good in the back end. 

"That’s why they’re the No. 1 defensive team in the SEC."

Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Chris Russell Jr. (24) and defensive lineman Malick Sylla (92) celebrate a sack of Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) during the second half at AT&T Stadium / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Saban went on to also compliment the Aggies' special teams unit, which has also held its own through its first two conference matchups, before talking about the defensive coaching of Texas A&M/ 

"They’re very well coached on defense," Saban said. "Their front seven is really, really good. They’ve got some individual players who are really good pass rushers. This is going to be the biggest challenge we’ve had up front, no doubt, all season long."

For a team that's experienced more hardships at quarterback than perhaps its past three starters combined — which says more about the Tide's elite starters than it does about Milroe's "woes" — facing what Saban deemed the No. 1 SEC team on defense certainly won't be easy.

It's been a while since the Aggies entered any matchup with Alabama feeling like they truly could win without a miracle, as well, so Saban's comments check out on that front. They'll just have to come out with intensity on both ends of the ball.

And if the defense ends up playing the way it has been against Auburn and Arkansas, it could certainly work out in their favor. That won't be easy, either, though. 

Texas A&M will take the field against Alabama Saturday for its third straight "A" matchup after Auburn and Arkansas, with a chance to remain undefeated in conference play. Kickoff from Kyle Field is set for 2:30 p.m.