Texas A&M wins the upset of Alabama thanks to a 28-yard field goal by Seth Small. (0:29).
Alabama was stunned by Texas A&M's victory over Alabama Saturday night. The Crimson Tide won 41-38 due to Seth Small's walk-off field goal.
Alabama's 100-year streak against unranked opponents was broken by the Aggies' victory. This streak is the longest in the AP poll era. Saturday's game was the Crimson Tide's 19th straight win.
Nick Saban, Alabama coach, said that although the loss was disappointing, it does not mean that the team is no longer able to achieve its goals.
He said, "Hopefully we'll be learning a lot from it." We can still accomplish all we want, but we need to play better. There are many things that we have to fix.
Most Consecutive wins vs. unranked teams Alabama has not lost to an unranked opponent for 14 years. This is the longest streak since 1936 in the Poll Era. 2007-2021 Alabama 100 1990-2000 Florida 73 1985-1995 Miami 72
Saban referred to a lack in execution throughout his postgame news conference.
Although the offense was able to move the ball well, they struggled to complete drives within the red zone. This included a Bryce Young interception at the 2-yard line. Saban stated that there were too many penalties and drops.
The defense allowed less than 100 yards of rushing but it was unable to cover the field and gave up four third down conversions. Saban stated that they need to make more turnovers than they did in the first half.
Although Alabama was unable to block a punt from special teams, it allowed a touchdown of 96 yards on Devon Achane's kickoff return. Saban called it a momentum swing during the game.
Saban stated, "I am responsible for everything." "We must do a better job working with our coaches. Our players need to be treated better.
Both Jordan Battle, a defensive back, and Young both claimed that a lack focus was a contributing factor to the loss.
Battle stated, "We didn’t practice as we normally would, and that bit our tonight."
Alabama also credited Texas A&M with its game plan execution. Saban stated that the Aggies were a great team and should not have been overlooked going into the weekend, despite two losses.
Alabama was 19-point favorites entering the game. According to ESPN Stats and Information, it was the second-largest upset in Saban's coaching career.
Saban stated, "I thought that we would have a very difficult game here." "So, when you say that this was unpredictable, it's because many people assume that things will happen. It's really about how you play the game.
Saban stated that he will ask coaches and players to reflect on what it's like to lose as well as what they contributed to the outcome.
Battle stated that it was up to him to add more intensity to defense so things like this don’t happen again.
Saban warned that "if we don't play well, we'll struggle to defeat anyone we play against."
Saban lost to Texas A&M in a head-to-head loss. Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M's offensive coordinator at LSU was able to complete the job on the 25th attempt.
Fisher stated that the ending of the streak of former assistants was not meaningful to him. "Our football team is learning how to play against great football teams and having success. That's what matters.
Fisher achieved the feat with Zach Calzada, his second-string quarterback. Calzada was forced to start duties after Haynes King was hurt against Colorado on September 11.
Calzada was struggling in the Aggies last two games, back-to-back defeats to Mississippi State and Arkansas. He was sharp against Alabama though, completing 21 out of 31 passes for 285 yard, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Saban stated, "We knew he had talent and he was going be better and better."
Alabama must now regroup before it travels on Saturday to face Mississippi State. Texas A&M will play Missouri.
