Aggies end Tide’s streak with upset

Alabama loses for first time since 2019; Fisher is first former assistant to beat Saban.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Seth Small made a 28-yard field goal as time expired and Texas A&M stunned top-ranked Alabama 41-38 on Saturday night to end the Crimson Tide’s winning streak at 19 games.

Defending national champion Alabama (5-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) had scored 21 straight points — capped by a touchdown reception and two-point conversion grab by Jameson Williams — to take a 38-31 lead with five minutes to go.

Texas A&M (4-2, 1-2) tied it at 38 when Zach Calzada connected with Ainias Smith for a 25-yard touchdown strike with three minutes left. Calzada was hit as he threw the strike and had to be helped off the field but returned for the next drive after a visit to the medical tent.

Calzada returned after the Aggies forced a punt to orchestrate the winning drive, highlighted by a 17yard pass to Isaiah Spiller before Small finished it off to send fans streaming onto the field to celebrate.

Calzada threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, as the former backup played like a star to take down the reigning champions.

Devon Achane returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter and A&M’s defense got after Bryce Young all night.

Alabama hadn’t lost since a 48-45 win by Auburn on Nov. 30, 2019.

It’s the first time Alabama coach Nick Saban has lost to one of his assistants after entering the game a perfect 24-0 in those games. He’d beaten Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher four times, the most of any of his former staffers.

Texas A&M also ended Alabama’s streak of 100 straight wins over unranked teams, dating to a win over Colorado in the 2007 Independence Bowl to cap Saban’s first season.

The Aggies entered the season ranked sixth and gunning for Alabama after the Crimson Tide handed them their only loss last season.

It’s Texas A&M’s first win in the series since Johnny Manziel’s spectacular performance led the Aggies to a 29-24 win in 2012 on the road when the Crimson Tide was also ranked first.

Sam Craft Associated Press ALABAMA’S Bryce Young is sacked by Texas A&M defensive back Leon O’Neal during the first half. The Aggies defense was able to get to Young all night.