Keelon Russell throws 3 TD passes and No. 13 Alabama ends skid with 31-20 win over Texas A&M
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s quarterback Keelon Russell connected for 311 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter, as the No. 13 Crimson Tide ended their two-game losing streak with a 31-20 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday. The Tide (6-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) entered the match following defeats to Georgia and Tennessee.
Alabama trailed by 20-17 in the second half before asserting control with a crucial fourth-down stop and two scoring drives. Russell completed 19 of 30 passes, with an interception, and found Daniel Hill, Marshall Pritchett and Kalen Edwards for touchdowns. Rico Scott, Alabama’s No. 1 target, recorded six receptions for 156 yards as the team played consecutively without Ryan Coleman-Williams (knee).
Alabama’s defense was pivotal, with Dijon Lee Jr. returning an interception 39 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and no play more significant than Lee’s interception return. Marcel Reed had a bumpy start for Texas A&M, committing multiple turnovers and finishing with 163 passing yards, a touchdown, and a fumble. Reed rebounded with a touchdown pass to Mario Craver and a run to put Texas A&M ahead 14-10.
Texas A&M (4-4, 1-4) took a 20-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter but Alabama seized control, forcing a fumble by Reed on fourth-and-1 to gain possession near midfield. Three plays later, Russell connected with Pritchett for a significant 38-yard gain, putting Alabama ahead for good. After an Alabama three-and-out, Russell connected once more with Edwards for a crucial touchdown.
Alabama’s secondary, facing the suspension of Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. and the ejection of Red Morgan, struggled at times but managed to secure the win despite playing without top cornerback Zabien Brown and coach Nick Saban’s first season with the team. Texas A&M will play at South Carolina on November 7, while Alabama, currently without Zabien Brown due to a leg injury, takes a week off before facing No. 18 LSU on November 7.
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