Texas A&M Falls to 4-4 After Alabama Loss

Texas A&M fell to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in SEC play after a 31-20 loss at Alabama, extending its road struggles and intensifying scrutiny of third-year coach Mike Elko. The Aggies have lost four consecutive road games and are 0-3 away from home this season, with their offense, defense, discipline and team identity under criticism after a season that has missed expectations. Quarterback Marcel Reed threw two early interceptions and nearly gave way to backup Brady Hart, but rallied to put A&M ahead before a botched fourth-and-one snap late in the third quarter helped swing the game to Alabama. Elko accepted responsibility for the confusion, while Reed’s regression and offseason coaching changes have added to concerns about the program’s direction. A road matchup with South Carolina gives the Aggies an immediate chance to respond amid a challenging schedule and mounting pressure.