The Post-Game: BCS Looks Ahead After Bama Win

Article By: Sophie Villarreal, Staff Writer | BCS Chronicle

What You Need To Know:

• Texas A&M beat the former #1 Alabama Crimson Tide this past Saturday, October 9, 2021.

• Aggie Spirit is at an all-time high heading into this week’s away game vs Missouri in Columbia.

When Alabama’s Bryce Yo Wow! Wow is the only appropriate way to begin this piece. Who knew BIG things came in “Small” packages. The Fightin’ Texas Aggies took down the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in an absolute nail-biter last weekend. Coming off of a two-game losing streak behind a nervous young quarterback, many Aggie fans were worried that last Saturday’s match wouldn’t be pleasant. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Calzada seemed more comfortable in the pocket than ever before. When the game ended, he put up over 380 yards (double his performance at the Mississippi State game) and 3 touchdowns in a win over the top team in the nation.

However, at one point, neither the fans in maroon nor crimson knew what was going to happen next. 14 seconds changed all that. 14 seconds between the defensive touchdown committed by Alabama and the kickoff return by Devon Achane. Within these 14 seconds, so many different emotions were felt. Whether you were in the stadium, at a tailgate, watching from home, or even listening in from your car, there was an indescribable moment in time where tension and uncertainty were the only feelings looming in the air in College Station (cross out). 

Heisman Frontrunner, Bryce Young, seemed unsettled and under siege for the duration of the night. The Crimson Tide kept up, but just barely with the scrappy and hungry Aggies during both halves. The top play that will remain in everyone’s heads is undoubtably the performance by kicker Seth Small. Currently 11-12 on field goals for the year, with one second left on the clock, the Aggies put all of their faith into this young kicker and he produced likely the most legacy-defining kick of his collegiate career. 

From the offensive line led by true freshman, Bryce Foster, to the heroic comeback of Isaiah Spiller after a bruised tailbone injury, to the determination of Jalen Wydermeyer after a dropped pass that could have changed the game, to the high-voltage speed and skill displayed by Devon Achane, to the defensive stand that stymied the intense rushing attack of Alabama’s offense, the Aggies were firing on all cylinders. Nothing was going to limit them from bringing home a win for a very hungry 12th Man.

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“That atmosphere and that environment tonight if you don’t wanna play in something like that, there’s something wrong with you,” described Jimbo Fisher following the game. “Bar none, that’s the best fan base in college football.”

This game was extremely crucial for Aggie recruits as well. Now that some of these up-and-coming stars on the gridiron have seen what the determination of this team looks like, this brings an even more intriguing look to the #4 ranked 2023 recruiting class. 

The energy in the BCS area once Smalls’ final kick went through the uprights can only be described as truly electric. The stands emptied out as fans flooded the field, players rejoiced, and champions celebrated. And by champions, I mean special guests Bobby Portis Jr. and Khris Middleton, the reigning 2021 NBA Champions along with the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks. Also in attendance was another Alabama-annihilator, the Aggies’ once most-feared QB in the SEC, Johnny Manziel. 

To be in Kyle Field on Saturday was truly an experience of a lifetime. The BCS community will never be the same, and regardless of what happens the rest of the season, the Spirit of the 12th Man was more alive than ever.

It’s been a great week to be an Aggie everyone. Let’s see how far the Aggies can take this electric energy for the rest of the season. I, for one, can’t wait to see more of Zach Calzada and this team perform this Saturday against Missouri. #BTHOMizzou