Texas A&M Aggies Up 17-10 vs. Alabama Crimson Tide at Half: Another Kyle Field Upset Brewing?

A strong start from the Texas A&M Aggies has them up by one score through two quarters on Nick Saban's Crimson Tide — setting up the SEC West to have a down-to-the-wire showdown in the second half.

Entering their Week 6 matchup against Alabama, the Texas A&M Aggies knew that the stakes were high. 

A win against Nick Saban would mean another setback for the Tide during their apparent "down year." A dynasty ending victory isn't really in the question here, but the Aggies' legacy with Jimbo Fisher is certainly up in the air. 

Fisher beat Saban in 2021. That year, it took a Seth Small miracle to knock off the then-No. 1 ranked team in the country. This year, that may not be the case. 

But nothing is for sure yet. After the first 30 minutes of game time, Texas A&M holds a narrow 7-point lead over Alabama, putting it in strong position for a potential upset.

Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Chris Russell Jr. (24) In action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M's defense shined in the first two quarters, recording four sacks and five tackles for loss — three of which directly resulted in a Crimson Tide punt. 

That's where the Aggies' offense has also come into play. Forcing a punt is one thing, but turning the resulting possession into points is another — and Fisher's squad did both. After Alabama's three punts in the first half, the Aggies responded with two touchdowns and a field goal for 17 combined points. 

With Conner Weigman done for the season, Max Johnson has had to step up in a bigger role, though facing the Tide tends to fall in its own level of difficulty. Despite the added pressure, Johnson found a groove. The senior threw 8-14 for 151 yards and a score, finding his brother, Jake, for a second-quarter score to make up for a missed fourth-down connection on the Aggies' first drive of the game. 

So, with Johnson firing and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin's squad holding their own, the Aggies are in a favorable spot: up by a touchdown on a Saban-led squad.

The only question that remains is whether or not they'll keep their foot on the pedal.