How Alabama Almost Gave the Aggies Another Upset

TUSCALOOSA, AL — With three seconds to go on Alabama’s 2-yard line, the Texas A&M Aggies had one final chance to get into the end zone and beat the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide. QB Haynes King winged the ball to the front pylon, but the pass fell incomplete. As a result, Alabama escaped the upset at home that would have been the second upset two years in a row. Instead, the Aggies dropped their third game of the season, 24-20.

How did it happen?

Alabama’s starting quarterback, and last year's Heisman winner, Bryce Young, sat out tonight due to an injury suffered last week, so Freshman quarterback Jalen Milroe took control of the Crimson Tide offense. The freshman struggled throughout the first half, turning the ball over twice. A fumble after a sack led to a game-tying touchdown drive for the Aggie's midway through the second quarter. He also threw an interception later in the quarter, but Alabama’s defense saved his mistake with an interception of their own on the ensuing possession. Texas A&M headed to the locker room down only 17-14 at the half.

The second half was a messy affair for both teams as Alabama turned the ball over again and missed two field goals. Texas A&M struggled against the daunting Alabama defense, failing to punch the ball into the end zone. However, they kept pace with the Crimson Tide and made two field goals. The Aggies played excellent defense throughout the second half and trailed 24-20 with just over two minutes to go in the 4th quarter. With the ball at the Aggies’ 29-yard line, King led a 10-play, 69-yard drive to Alabama’s 2-yard line with just three seconds to go in the contest. However, King’s pass went wide on the final play, and the Crimson Tide survived a scare at home, 24-20.

Analysis

Alabama — With Bryce Young sidelined, the Crimson Tide were one-dimensional on offense. With that being said, Alabama accumulated 288 yards on the ground. If Young has to miss more games in the future, Nick Saban’s squad will be just fine. Saban needs to address the troubles in the kicking game sooner rather than later. Texas A&M was one play away from dethroning Alabama, and the Crimson Tide still have to face a scary Georgia Bulldogs squad this year.

Texas A&M — The Aggies cleaned up the turnovers that plagued them in their loss to Mississippi State last week. This is what allowed them to be in the position to win the game deep in the 4th quarter. Their defense also performed exceptionally well, forcing three turnovers that led to 17 points. Texas A&M is still struggling to find its identity as a football team, but with tonight’s performance, they are closer than they have been this entire season.

Texas A&M (3-3)(1-2) is off next week but travels to Columbia, SC, on Oct. 22 to play the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-2)(1-2) at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is TBD.

The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)(3-0) travel to Knoxville, TN, next week, Oct. 15, to play the unbeaten No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers (5-0)(2-0) at Neyland Stadium at 2:30 p.m.