An article previously published by the Dallas Express on Oct 6 reviewing Texas A&M’s Week 5 loss, its second in succession, concluded on an ominous note in anticipation of the Aggies’ upcoming game. It read:
“Left with considerable scope for improvement, A&M’s immediate challenge offers no relief. Saturday, October 9, brings the arrival of another scheduled visitor to College Station: the defending National Champion and Number 1 ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama.” The Tide did, in fact, roll into College Station as the prohibitive 18 point betting favorites; however, the Aggies arrived determined to give Alabama a fight. Witnessed by a Kyle Field rafter with 106,815 enthusiasts, one of the more thrilling episodes in A&M’s 127-year gridiron history was set to unfold. The highlights of the game consist of the following:
- A&M’s victory ratified a promise delivered this past May by Head Coach Jimbo Fisher to the Houston Touchdown Club, namely that his team would get over Alabama while Nick Saban remained the Tide Head Coach;
- It was ‘Bama’s first setback to an unranked opponent since 2007, Saban’s initial year at the helm as Head Coach;
- The loss snapped the Tide’s 100 consecutive game win streak when facing an unranked opponent;
- It was A&M redshirt Sophomore QB Zach Calzada’s debut. His 31 pass attempts found their way into friendly hands 21 times, producing 285 yards and three touchdowns;
- Although jumping out to a 24-10 halftime lead, the Aggies would, in the end, need Calzada’s confident and poised guidance on a late 4th Quarter downfield drive culminating in Seth Small’s 28-yard game-winning field goal;
- It has been noted that A&M’s recent struggles had dropped their team from Associated Press and Coaches’ Poll rankings. This game reintroduced it to the club, hoisting it to the 18th position;
- ‘Bama, meanwhile, no longer standing with the unbeaten, dropped from First to Fifth.
The Final Score: Texas A&M 41, Alabama 38.
A few statistical comparisons from the game:
- ‘Bama had a total of 522 yards from scrimmage, 8 penalties for 82 yards assessed, 2 turnovers, and 33:29 time of possession.
- A&M had a total of 379 yards from scrimmage, 6 penalties for 50 yards assessed, 1 turnover, and 26:31 time of possession.
It is often repeated that the only numbers that matter are those comprising the final score. While the famous Texas A&M “12th Man” and others presumably still dance in the streets, players and coaches are afforded no time for extended revelry. The Aggies prepare for their next venture North for an Oct 16 evening match against the 3-3 Missouri Tigers, always a force on their home turf.