How Keelon Russell and Alabama Rallied Past Texas A&M
- Number 13 Alabama overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Texas A&M 31-20 on October 24, 2026, keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive after a late-game surge at...
- Texas A&M entered the second half holding a 20-17 lead following a third-quarter field goal.
- Saturday Down South noted that Alabama outgained Texas A&M 102 to 15 in total yards during the fourth quarter.
Number 13 Alabama overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Texas A&M 31-20 on October 24, 2026, keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive after a late-game surge at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Trailing 20-17 late in the third quarter, the Crimson Tide capitalized on an Aggies turnover and rattled off 14 unanswered points in the final period.
Fourth-Quarter Comeback Seals Crimson Tide Victory
Texas A&M entered the second half holding a 20-17 lead following a third-quarter field goal. The momentum shifted when the Aggies fumbled an exchange on a fourth-and-one play at their own 45-yard line, allowing Reese to recover the loose ball. Keelon Russell then orchestrated the offense, hitting Rico Scott for a 38-yard strike to set up a five-yard touchdown pass to Marshall Pritchett on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Alabama QB Keelon Russell shares moment with former Alabama and current Texas A&M WR Isaiah Horton pic.twitter.com/XZt32zOP7i
Saturday Down South noted that Alabama outgained Texas A&M 102 to 15 in total yards during the fourth quarter. The Aggies went zero for three on third down in the final period, while the Crimson Tide converted three of four attempts. Insurance points arrived four minutes after the go-ahead score when Russell connected with Kaleb Edwards for an eight-yard touchdown pass.
Keelon Russell and Rico Scott Lead Offensive Production
Keelon Russell finished the game completing 19 of 30 passes for 311 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, connecting with three different pass-catchers for scores. Rico Scott served as his primary target, hauling in six receptions for 156 yards, which included 58 after the catch. Daniel Hill added a touchdown catch late in the first half and led the team on the ground with 36 rushing yards on nine attempts.
Saturday Down South reported that Marcel Reed completed 14 of 21 passes for 163 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Reed threw two picks on the Aggies’ first two drives, including a pick-six to Dijon Lee Jr. Despite the turnovers, Texas A&M out-rushed Alabama 115 yards to 68 yards.
Defensive Turnovers and Upcoming Matchup Against LSU
The Alabama defense forced three turnovers, featuring Dijon Lee Jr.’s pick-six, an interception by Chuck McDonald III, and Reese’s fumble recovery. Caleb Woodson led the tackle chart with 10 stops, including 1.5 for a loss, while Fatutoa Henry contributed two sacks in the fourth quarter for a loss of 17 yards.
The victory arrived on Kalen DeBoer’s 52nd birthday, improving Alabama to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in SEC play, while Texas A&M dropped to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in the conference. Both teams have a bye week before returning to action, with Alabama scheduled to face 18th-ranked LSU on November 7, 2026, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.