Texas A&M Week 6 Opponent Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide
Enter Alabama, enter the high stakes. Good, Jimbo Fisher likes it that way.
Texas A&M put itself on the map as the SEC newcomer with a 29-24 victory over the top-ranked Crimson Tide in 2012 behind a Heisman-proving performance from Johnny Manziel. In an instant, the Aggies proved they could handle life in the conference that "just means more" and perhaps become a foreseeable threat to win titles in the future.
That remains the end goal for the Aggies entering Week 6. The program has yet to culminate a 10-win season since Manziel was running the show at Kyle Field, but at least games against Nick Saban's squad have ended with better results.
Fisher, a disciple of the Saban coaching tree, became the first former assistant to best the master in 2021 behind a spell-bounding performance from quarterback Zach Calzada in front of a packed Kyle Field in a 41-38 victory. Seth Small's game-winning kick took down college football's biggest titan and brought euphoric enlightenment to College Station for a night fans soon won't forget.
Alabama vs. Texas A&M in 2021
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, the Aggies pushed Alabama to its limits at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Plagued by turnovers, A&M tied the game at 14 with two minutes left in the first half thanks to a pair of touchdown passes from Haynes King to Moose Muhammad III and Donovan Green.
With future No. 1 overall Bryce Young watching from the sidelines, Jalen Milroe connected to Ja'Corey Brooks on a 29-yard touchdown to begin the third quarter. Randy Bond drilled two 40-plus yard field goals to put the Aggies down by four with just over three minutes to play.
King found Evan Stewart for a gain of 23, and Muhammad for a 12-yard pickup to push the Aggies into Alabama's red zone. A pass interference call later, and A&M found itself at the 2-yard line with one play remaining.
A better call and the Aggies likely would have extended their winning streak to two games over Saban and the Tide. Instead, they've let the 24-20 loss fester for over a year, ready for a chance for a rematch and a reminder of their uprising on Saturday.
Follow along with AllAggies.com as we preview every aspect of A&M's matchup with the Crimson Tide throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at Kyle Field.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2023 Record: 4-1, 2-0 SEC
Head coach: Nick Saban
Saban is 193-28 with the Crimson Tide
Returning Offensive Leaders:
Passing: QB Jalen Milroe
2023 stats: 53-for-78, 838 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions
Rushing: RB Jase McClellan
2023 stats: 67 carries, 326 yards, three touchdowns
Receiving: WR Jermaine Burton
2023 stats: eight receptions, 189 yards, 23.6 yards per catch, two touchdowns
Returning Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: DB Caleb Downs, 40
Interceptions: DB Terrion Arnold, five others, 1
Sacks: LB Dallas Turner, 5.5
