Alabama Football: The Crimson Tide and the Aggies go way back
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football and the Aggies have a history short in games but long in human bonds. It is a relationship defined best by respect.
Alabama football and the Texas A&M Aggies (TAMU) have only played each other nine times. Five of those games took place in the last five seasons. But the connections are much deeper and like the first game, go back to the 1940’s.
Many fans of both programs know most of the names linking the two schools: Paul Bryant; John David Crow; Gene Stallings; Dee Powell; Smokey Harper; Jackie Sherrill and Dennis Franchione. Other than The Weasel (Franchione) the men are revered by fans of one or sometimes both schools.
Alabama football and TAMU games always carry a background of nostalgia. When Paul Bryant’s ‘Junction Boys’ were honored at Bryant-Denny a few seasons ago they received an enthusiastic standing ovation. From someone who was there, I can testify it was a special moment.
When news of Gene Stallings’ heart attack came out this week, fans of both schools were reminded life is bigger and more important than football. Gene Stallings loves both programs and he is a legend at both schools. His love for the schools where he played and coached runs deep despite being fired by TAMU and being run off at Alabama.
Stallings’ 1967 SWC champion team is being honored this weekend in College Station. Due to his health problems, Bebes probably cannot attend.
First coat of paint is on, as Kyle Field honors the great Gene Stallings and his ‘67 SWC Champions--who are reuniting this weekend #12thman pic.twitter.com/EHVvC2RJI4
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 3, 2017