5 relieving observations as Alabama takes down Texas A&M before much-needed bye week

It was far from a perfect game, but a banged-up Alabama team did what it had to do to earn a 31-20 win over Texas A&M to improve to 6-2 on the year and get to a much-needed bye week.

This was playoff round one for the Crimson Tide coming off back-to-back losses, and while things were dicey heading into the fourth quarter with Alabama trailing 20-17, the offense engineered a pair of touchdown drives in the final period to earn the 11-point win.

It was a by any means necessary game for the Crimson Tide. They found a way to win, and will now head to the bye week with a chance to get healthy before facing their most difficult remaining regular season game at LSU.

Here's the most important observations:

1. Keelon Russell came up clutch in the second half

With the game tied at 17 at halftime and Alabama's backs fully pressed against the wall, the Tide needed Keelon Russell, who looked less than 100% with a noticeable hobble, to come up clutch down the stretch.

He did exactly that. Trailing 20-17 and facing a critical 3rd-and-8 at the end of the third quarter, Russell delivered a perfect pass to Rico Scott for a 38-yard gain down to the A&M 5-yard-line.

To open the fourth, Russell hit Marshall Pritchett for a touchdown to give Alabama the lead. After the defense forced a three-and-out, Russell led the offense down the field again on a 5-play, 55-yard drive that culminated in a third-down touchdown pass to Kaleb Edwards to give the Tide the separation it needed.

In the second half, Russell completed 9-of-11 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns to lead Alabama to the win.

2. Rico Scott stepped up in a major way without Ryan Coleman-Williams

Alabama has really missed Ryan Coleman-Williams since he was knocked out of the Georgia game. It was a big loss last week against Tennessee, but Rico Scott made sure it wasn't as big a loss against Texas A&M.

The junior WR stepped up in a big way with a career-high 156 yards on six receptions.

He's clearly developed chemistry with Russell, and Alabama needed a WR to step up as the alpha with Coleman-Williams out. That was Scott on Saturday.

3. Alabama's run game issues are a real concern. Again.

Alabama's run game has reverted back to its 2025 form over the last two weeks. There was plenty of optimism early in the season, but against Tennessee and Texas A&M, it has looked as bad as it looked a year ago.

Part of that is injury issues, undoubtedly. Alabama is missing starting center Racin Delgatty, and starting LG Will Sanders was knocked out of this game early. They are also missing the explosiveness of freshman EJ Crowell, who should have a major opportunity coming out of the bye.

Alabama managed just 68 yards on 28 rushing attempts against an Aggies defense that had struggled against the run against the better opponents on their schedule.

4. Fatutoa Henry's relentless motor was massive for Alabama's front seven

Alabama needed someone to step up in the front seven to get some pressure on Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed. Most figured that would come from star EDGE Yhonzae Pierre, but instead it was Fatutoa Henry, who has stepped up in recent weeks with the injury to South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu.

Henry had his coming-out party against A&M, recording two sacks of Reed in the second half in key situations.

He's now tied for the team lead with 3.5 sacks on the season and should be in line for an increased role after the bye, even if Umeozulu is back and able to play.

5. Alabama needs the bye week in the worst way

This week against A&M was about nothing more than survival. Alabama is a battered and beaten team.

Alabama came into this game missing 10 players. That got worse with Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. being suspended, Red Morgan getting ejected for targeting, and Will Sanders getting knocked out with an injury.

The injuries have piled up, and now the Crimson Tide will get a week off to lick their wounds before a pivotal stretch begins with a trip to Baton Rouge.

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