Three Takeaways from Alabama vs Texas A&M

It wasn't the prettiest win of the season, but a win is a win especially in a tough road game environment.

The Alabama Crimson Tide escaped a tough game in College Station defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 27-19. The Crimson Tide lead the game at halftime 17-3, but the Aggies fought back in the second half but couldn't finish off the Tide.

Here are three takeaways from the Crimson Tide's win over the Aggies:

1. So much talent on defense, despite injuries they don't miss a step

Injuries has played a huge part in the Alabama secondary this season. Losing linebackers Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis earlier on during the season, Rashaan Evans missing a few games and now Da'Shawn hand missing games due to a sprain MCL, it hasn't been good on the defensive side of the ball as far as health. 27-19 may not be a 66-3 or 59-0, but considering all the injuries this secondary is suffering and all the pieces that has stepped up to replace these players it has shown that this Crimson Tide team has depth even on the defensive side of the ball. Isaiah Buggs got the start in place of Hand and he was one of the biggest difference makers against this tough Aggies run game, finishing with 10 tackles in the game. Also freshman LaBryan Ray saw some action in this game and solid performance for Keith Holcombe and Quinnen Williams, each had a sack and tackle for loss in the game. There is no drop off on this Alabama defense when a player goes out.

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick is the most important player on this team

This takeaway isn't telling you what many already know, but not only is Minkah Fitzpatrick the most important player on a secondary, but outside of running back Damien Harris, he's been the most important player on this team. Fitzpatrick was all over the field and made the play that changed the momentum of the game with that interception in the end zone where the Aggies could have made it a one score game, but also recovering the onside kick and almost taking it to the house. He added 5 total tackles with two being tackles for losses. Minkah is all over the field and there is no question anymore who the alpha dog on this team is.

3. A game that Alabama needed, and they got

Heading into this game Alabama had outscored its last two opponents 125-3. Fans has grown accustomed to blowout victories this season, so a close game on the road is just what this team needed. College Station was the toughest environment Alabama will face all season outside of traveling to Jordan-Hare later on in the season. This was a team not only fighting for a position at the top of the SEC West, but also playing for head coach Kevin Sumlin's job. If Sumlin would have lost this game by a larger margin, there is no telling what his job security would be when this season ends. This game should have been an eye opener for the players on the field and the fans in the stands, regardless of the talent and what happened in the previous games, these teams on the remainder of the schedule should never be taking lightly. Because if we subtract three turnovers on the Aggies side of the football, the win margin could have been less than it was.