Week 8 College Football Power Rankings

Did anyone really expect the Aggies to knock off Alabama at home? I don’t think many would answer yes to that question. Texas A&M found themselves down 20-14 and right in the thick of things in the closing minutes of the third quarter before giving up a fumble returned for a touchdown to open Alabama’s lead to 27-14. Any kind of momentum quickly left the A&M sideline.

Honestly, a five minute span changed the game for the Aggies. After the fumble returned for a touchdown, Alabama scored on their next possession thanks to some costly penalties by A&M. On a third down they held Jalen Hurts and the Alabama offense short, only to be erased by a roughing the passer penalty. Later in the drive the A&M defense extended the drive once again, this time with an offsides penalty. If you want to beat the best team in the country, those mistakes can’t be made.

The Aggies led deeper into the game than any Alabama opponent this year, leading at the 6:33 mark of the third quarter. Quarterback Trevor Knight made some plays with his arm and legs, passing for 164 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 24, but he completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw a crucial interception on the first play after the Aggie defense intercepted Hurts in Alabama territory.

It was crucial for A&M to keep this game close. If the Aggies kept the game in single digits it would’ve had implications on their College Football Playoff hopes, especially with Ohio State losing, but they just couldn’t hold at the end.

Texas A&M has a generous schedule left, with both Ole Miss and LSU at home, but they can’t afford to drop another game if they want any chance to reach the playoff.

Next Matchup: New Mexico State