Aggies Can't Find Answer To Alabama WR Jermaine Burton In Loss

Jermaine Burton totaled eight catches for over 150 yards in a win over the Aggies.

COLLEGE STATION -- Coaches sometimes simply won't have the answer to what went wrong in a close loss. And while Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher could point to a cluster of plays that changed the course of Saturday's outcome at Kyle Field, it came down to three. 

Actually, it was No. 3 that is for Alabama. 

Receiver Jermaine Burton became the nightmare in man coverage for the Aggies' secondary as Alabama secured the 26-20 win to take sole possession of first place in the SEC West. The Crimson Tide protected Jalen Milroe from A&M's pass rush long enough for the quarterback to build a rapport with Burton downfield. 

Burton, who hauled in nine catches for 197 yards, was the difference-maker for No. 11 Alabama (5-1, 3-0 SEC) Saturday and his two touchdowns were the proof. 

“We knew coming into the game that basically their only shot was going to be either run the ball, get the run established or take shots deep,” A&M defensive back Bryce Anderson said, “And obviously, [Burton] had a pretty decent day going deep on us, and getting open on us on a couple of routes.”

Fisher mentioned throughout the week that A&M would have to prepare for Milroe's vertical passing attack despite Nick Saban's belief in establishing the run. Four Alabama players entered Kyle Field, averaging over 19.2 yards per catch, including Burton with a team-high 23.3 yards per catch. 

Alabama eventually steered away from the run and began trusting Milore's arm. He didn't disappoint, completing 21-of-33 passes for a career-best 321 yards and two touchdowns. 

“They were taking shots and getting the ball downfield,” Fisher said. “We still got some pressure on [Milroe], but he was doing a good job of getting in a rhythm and he got it out a little bit quicker and they changed up what they were doing a little bit.”

Texas A&M tight end Jake Johnson (No. 19) hauls in a touchdown pass from Max Johnson (No. 14)  against Alabama / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Fisher's not wrong. A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) corraled Milroe for six sacks. The Aggies totaled 6.5 tackles for loss and held the running backs to a combined 54 yards on 18 carries. 

But the Tide saw a weak point in the Aggies' secondary and attack. Josh DeBerry became a target practice for Burton when playing in man coverage. Deuce Harmon rotated in when A&M tried to play a more preventive defense. 

It didn't matter to Burton, who averaged 21.9 yards per catch. Six of his receptions came on plays 20-plus yards downfield. His first touchdown, a 15-yard catch in the third quarter, was simply a bully route against the DeBerry. 

His second score from 19 yards out was more so due to inept tackling in space. 

"I’m really competitive," Burton told reporters postgame. "Texas A&M’s secondary, they’re competitive as well, so they had a lot to say as well, but at the end of the day we were just trying to work and I felt like they couldn’t guard us.”

Milroe's career performance should be a concern when discussing the Aggies' slim chances of winning the SEC West title. Alabama ranked 98th in passing enteri

Kickoff from Neyland Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST.