Russell’s Three Touchdowns Lift No. 13 Alabama Past A&M 31-20

Decisive Passing Performance

No. 13 Alabama secured a 31-20 victory over visiting Texas A&M on Saturday, October 24, 2026, driven by a dominant aerial attack from quarterback Keelon Russell. The Crimson Tide (6-2) utilized a balanced offensive effort and timely defensive stops to overcome an aggressive Aggies squad (4-4). Russell completed 19 of 30 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns, though he also threw one interception.

His connection with wide receiver Rico Scott was particularly impactful; Scott hauled in six catches for 156 yards, providing the primary vertical threat that stretched the A&M defense.

First Half Back and Forth

The game began with a defensive surge from Alabama. Dijon Lee Jr. returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide an early 7-0 lead, punctuated by Conor Talty’s kick. Texas A&M responded quickly in the first quarter, with Marcel Reed finding Mario Craver on a 9-yard pass to tie the game at 7-7.

Alabama regained the lead before halftime when Talty nailed a 47-yard field goal, making it 10-7 at the end of the first period.

The second quarter saw increased scoring from both sides. Texas A&M took its first lead of the game when Reed connected with Daniel Hill on a 3-yard pass, followed by a successful kick from Talty, putting the Aggies up 14-10. However, Alabama answered immediately as Reed rushed for a 4-yard touchdown to tie the contest at 14-14.

The teams traded field goals in the second half; David Olano kicked a 32-yarder for Texas A&M to make it 17-17 before halftime, and later added a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter to give the Aggies a 20-17 advantage heading into the final period.

Fourth Quarter Dominance

Alabama’s offense broke open the game in the fourth quarter. With the score tied or close throughout the first three periods, Russell orchestrated two critical scoring drives. He threw his second touchdown pass of the day to Marshall Pritchett on a 5-yard strike, giving Alabama a 24-20 lead.

The Crimson Tide sealed the victory later in the period when Russell found Kaleb Edwards for an 8-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 31-20. Texas A&M was unable to respond, with Reed finishing his day 14-of-21 for 163 yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions.

Running back KJ Edwards contributed 43 rushing yards on eight carries for the Aggies, but it was not enough to overcome Alabama's fourth-quarter surge. The game was played at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL, with an attendance of 100,077.

Sources

ESPN