Texas A&M (4-3, 1-3 SEC) was desperate for a win after falling 27-6 vs. Missouri in Week 6, and delivered its second shutout, 41-0, win over The Citadel, leaving Kyle Field for the final time this month, and will now head to Tuscaloosa for the first time since the 2022 season to face No. 13 Alabama on Saturday afternoon.
Aggie fans aren't expecting much given Texas A&M's immense struggles on the road in SEC play, failing to score a touchdown in losses to LSU and Missouri, while starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who has thrown for 1,227 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions, is now considered the worst signal caller in the SEC.
Third-year coach Mike Elko made the smart decision to hand over the defensive play-calling duties to first-year DC Lyle Hemphill in order to shift his complete focus to the entire team, as the Aggies' pass defense ranks 10th nationally, while A&M's anemic pass rush will now face Alabama's 129th offensive line, which allows an average of three sacks per game.
If Texas A&M has any legitimate shot at pulling off the upset, focusing on running the ball, which resulted in 264 yards against The Citadel, led by sophomore RB Jamarion Morrow's three touchdowns and freshman back KJ Edwards' career-high 116 rushing yards, must be the primary strategy for OC Holmon Wiggins, especially if Marcel Reed continues to struggle in the pocket.
On Friday, Texas A&M's media team released its weekly pre-game hype video, this time narrated by assistant head coach and running backs coach Trooper Taylor, titled "Freight Train." Texas A&M vs. Alabama kicks off on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and airs on ABC.
Game 8 Trailer | Freight Train
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 23, 2026
🎙️: @CoachTroop_#GigEm | #BTHOalabamapic.twitter.com/1LQgP7Eg6h
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Watch Texas A&M's pre-game hype video before facing Alabama in Week 8