Alabama 33 - 14 Texas A & M (Final)

Alabama runs out the clock, and Verne runs a clip of Eli Gold calling Alabama's big defensive touchdown to put them up 26-14.  Good for Verne!  And good for Eli Gold, who I can remember calling Alabama games for at least 26 years.  And hooray for football!

Alabama takes the Big Gold Trophy, and we will now wait two weeks until they defend the title.

Alabama 33 - 14 Texas A & M (1:53 left in 4th Quarter)

The party continues in Tuscaloosa as the Tide defense comes through with some more huge plays to stop another Aggie attack.  The Tide starts from its own 42, and no one has left Bryant-Denny Stadium.

I don't blame them.  No one, not even Alabama fans, get that many 20-game winning streaks.

Alabama 33 - 14 Texas A & M (5:03 left in 4th Quarter)

Alabama uses up several minutes, but their drive stalls and the Aggies take over on downs at their own 41.  The folks at Tuscaloosa don't care -- it's a big party down there as the Tide is closing in on its 20th win in a row.  CBS is showing clips of Verne Lundquist's guest appearance at ESPN Game Day -- and it makes me happy to think of all of us who love college football as being part of the same community, regardless of network.

Alabama 33 - 14 Texas A & M (10:18 left in 4th Quarter)

TAMU, desperately trying to get back into the game, charges to the Alabama 40, but gets no further.  A desperate pass on 4th and 15 doesn't work, and the ball goes over on downs.

Since falling behind 13-14, Alabama has been awesome.

Alabama 33 - 14 Texas A & M (12:27 left in 4th Quarter)

And after only a few plays, Jalen Hurts -- Alabama's freshman quarterback -- dashes 37 yards on a broken play for a touchdown that really gives Alabama a hammerlock on this game.  On that play, for the first time all day, the Aggies looked like a former Big XII team.

Alabama 26 - 14 Texas A & M (13:44 left in 4th Quarter)

Alabama's defense slams the door on TAMU, and the Aggies punt.  Alabama gets a pretty good return, and they will start from the TAMU 47.

Alabama 26 - 14 Texas A & M (end of 3d Quarter)

The third quarter ends with TAMU facing a 2d and 7 from its own 21.

Alabama 26 - 14 Texas A & M (21 seconds left in the 3d Quarter)

Alabama's defense, which is so good at scoring, has struck again.  On 3d and 26 from his own 38, Trevor Knight tries a simple handoff.  But before he can hand off the ball, the Alabama defense is on top of him.  The ball is FUMBLED, and scooped up by Jonathan Allen, a defensive lineman from Stone Bridge H.S. in Leesburg, Va.  Allen then rolls 34 yards for a DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWN.  That is Alabama's 12th touchdown this season not scored by the offense.

Alabama went for two, but Hurts's pass was incomplete.

Alabama 20 - 14 Texas A & M (2:39 left in 3d Quarter)

Great defensive stand by TAMU.  The hold Bama to three and out, and the Tide punts to the Aggie 39.

Alabama 20 - 14 Texas A & M (5:06 left in 3d Quarter)

The Alabama defense holds, and Texas A & M punts to the Tide 17.

Alabama 20 - 14 Texas A & M (6:26 left in 3d Quarter)

Alabama was called for taunting on the touchdown, and the Aggies run the kickoff back to their own 37.

Alabama 20 - 14 Texas A & M (6:33 left in 3d Quarter)

OK!  We're playing some FOOTBALL now!  Alabama takes the kickoff and starts from its own 25.  The A & M defense appeared to have stopped them back in their own territory, but A & M was called for roughing the passer on a big 3d and 10.  After that, Alabama rolled the rest of the way down the field, scoring on a four-yard pass from Hurts to Calvin Ridley of Monarch H.S. in Coconut Creek, Fla.  Huge drive for the Tide.

Alabama 13 - 14 Texas A & M (12:54 left in 3d Quarter)

Alabama completely dominated the first half, but only led 13-7 at the half.  Now the Aggies take the kickoff to start the second half and they go 75 yards in only six plays.  The last play was a 25-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Knight to Christian Kirk of Saguaro H.S. in Scottsdale, Ariz.  And now the Tide is losing by one point.  This game is about to get very exciting.

Alabama 13 - 7 Texas A & M (Halftime)

Alabama took the kickoff and got to the TAMU 35 with 5 seconds left.  The Tide was going to try a 52-yard field goal, but was called for illegal procedure.  Rather than try a 57-yard field goal, the Tide went for a Hail Mary that was intercepted.

The Aggies will have the ball to start the second half.

Alabama 13 - 7 Texas A & M (38 seconds left in 2d Quarter)

Inspired by the missed field goal, the TAMU offense finally comes to life.  On 4th and 2 from the Alabama 36, Trevor Knight (of Ronald Reagan H.S. in San Antonio, Tex.) had a huge 27 yard run.  And then, on first and goal, he hit Josh Reynolds (of John Jay H.S. in San Antonio, Tex.) in the corner of the end zone for a great touchdown pass.  The Aggies tacked on the extra point, and they are suddenly right back in this game.

Alabama leads in total yards, 276 to 150.  But their lead on the scoreboard is only six points.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (2:20 left in 2d Quarter)

Alabama puts together yet another drive that stalls deep in TAMU territory, and sends out Adam Griffith to try his third field goal of the game.  But this time, Griffith misses a 29-yarder.  So we still have a two-possession game.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (5:10 left in 2d Quarter)

Well, that didn't last long.  First, A & M was called for a targeting penalty on the return.  So they were moved back to the Alabama 49.  And then, on first down, Trevor Knight's pass was INTERCEPTED by Marlon Humphrey, a defensive back from Hoover H.S. in Hoover, Ala.  So now the Tide will start from its own 25.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (5:26 left in 2d Quarter)

And suddenly, the Aggies get a huge break.  On 3d and 10 from his own 43, Alabama QB Jalen Hurts throws an INTERCEPTION to linebacker Claude George (of Acadiana H.S. in Lafayette, La.)  George runs the ball back to the Alabama 34, and the Aggies have their best scoring chance so far.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (6:15 left in 2d Quarter)

That didn't take long.  The Aggies go three and out and punt to the Alabama 43.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (7:19 left in 2d Quarter)

The Aggie defense doesn't let Alabama get past its own 13, and the Tide is forced to punt for the first time today.  There's a clipping penalty on the return, and the Aggies will start from their own 22.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (10:18 left in 2d Quarter)

Alabama's defense holds once again, but Shane Tripucka (of Allen H.S. in Allen, Tex.) hits a perfect punt that is caught by the Aggie coverage team at the Alabama 1.  So the Tide will start 99 yards from the A & M goal.

Alabama 13 - 0 Texas A & M (12:59 left in 2d Quarter)

A & M couldn't do much with the ball after Alabama's second field goal, and punted down to the Alabama 12.  This time, it took Alabama nine plays to go 88 yards, and the Tide got its first touchdown of the game.  They scored on a 5-yard pass from Jalen Hurts (of Channelview H.S. in Channelview, Tex.) to O.J. Howard (of Autauga Academy in Prattville, Ala.)

So far, Alabama has 194 total yards, to 25 for the Aggies.

Alabama 6 - 0 Texas A & M (4:43 left in 1st Quarter)

This drive was a parallel to Alabama's last one.  The Tide rolls down the field until it gets to about the TAMU 10, and then it stalls.  This time, Griffith boots a 28-yard field goal, and the Tide lead by six.

Alabama 3 - 0 Texas A & M (9:55 left in 1st Quarter)

Texas A & M takes the kickoff, starts from its own 25, makes one first down -- but no more -- and punts.  Alabama will be starting from its own 28.

Alabama 3 - 0 Texas A & M (11:57 left in 1st Quarter)

Alabama takes the opening kickoff and quickly drives deep into A & M territory.  But their drive stalls at the A & M 15, and so Adam Griffith (of Calhoun H.S. in Calhoun, Ga.) boots a 32-yard field goal to give Alabama the early lead.

Alabama 0 - 0 Texas A & M (15 minutes left in first quarter)

Alabama wins the toss and elects to receive.  Texas A & M kicks off into the end zone.

Uniform watch:  Just kidding.  Both teams are wearing the uniforms they're supposed to wear.

Weather:  It is a glorious day in Alabama -- about 70 degrees, bright and sunny.  They don't get too many days like this in Alabama, and it's nice that they can use one for this very big football game.

Alabama v. Texas A & M

Soon after the 1957 season, Texas A & M Coach Bear Bryant had a big decision to make.  In his four years at College Station, he had turned the Aggies into a powerhouse.  His 1956 team had gone 9-0-1 and finished number 5 in the country.  His 1957 team had been 8-0 and number 1 in the country before losing its last three games by a total of six points.  Bryant was enormously popular in College Station, and could have stayed there for the rest of his career.  But he was an alumnus of the University of Alabama, and Alabama's football program was in big trouble.  The 1957 team, coached by J.B. "Ears" Whitworth, had stumbled to a record of 2-7-1, and had been humiliated by Auburn 40-0 in the last game of the season.  Auburn had won the 1957 National Championship, and in Shug Jordan, the Tigers had a great coach who would likely keep them as a powerhouse for years to come.  Now Alabama had asked Bryant to leave Texas A & M and coach the Tide.

In retrospect, Bryant held the whole future of Southern college football in his big hands at that moment.  Had he remained at Texas A & M, the future of every major college football team in what were then the Southeastern and Southwest Conferences would be different than it turned out to be.  (Given that Bryant played a significant role in Georgia Tech's decision to leave the SEC, his decision had a big impact on the ACC as well.)  But as he explained to the folks at College Station, his mama had called him, and he was going home to straighten things out.  As a result, Alabama entered the 1960's with the best coach in the whole country.  The popularity of football boomed during the 1960's and 1970's, thanks in large part to television, and Bear turned Alabama into a national symbol of football excellence.  He also survived the political turmoil of those years, and became the only coach to win a football championship with both segregated teams and integrated teams.  (No one did this in basketball.)  The Tide have gone up and down since Bryant left, but the magic aura he left behind has never wholly faded, and has recently been burnished to a very high level by Nick Saban.

Meanwhile, Texas A & M was left behind to face the University of Texas (and the genius of Darryl Royal) without a Bear Bryant to save them, and they have never really caught their footing ever since.  A few years ago, they decided to join the SEC to get away from Texas, and now they again stand on the verge of National Powerhouse Status.  Here are the current SEC standings (conference games only):

EAST
(15) Florida:  3-1
(18) Tennessee:  2-2
Kentucky:  2-2
Georgia:  2-3
Vanderbilt:  1-3
S. Carolina:  1-4
Missouri:  0-3

WEST:
(1) Alabama:  4-0
(6) Texas A & M:  4-0
Auburn:  2-1
Louisiana St:  2-1
(17) Arkansas:  1-2
Mississippi:  1-2
Mississippi St:  1-2

Whichever team wins today will probably win the SEC West, and probably represent the SEC in the College Football playoff.

Alabama has an all-time record of 6-2 against the Aggies.  In 2012, the first season Texas A & M was in the SEC, a quarterback named Johnny Manziel led them to a stunning upset of the two-time defending national champions in Tuscaloosa, as the Aggies won 29-24.  The next year, in College Station, the Tide beat Manziel in a 49-42 shootout.  The last two years, Alabama has drilled A & M -- beating the Aggies 59-0 and 41-23.  But those Aggie teams weren't as good as this one.

Nevertheless, the oddsmakers were very impressed by Alabama's blowout win in Knoxville last week.  They have installed Alabama as an 18-point favorite in a game where 60 points are expected.  That would be a 39-21 win for the Tide, which would be very disappointing for an Aggie team looking to show that it belongs on a national stage.  But given how good the Tide has been this year, the oddsmakers may be right.

Alabama

We took a bye week with Texas A & M last week, but the UCFC is back with a vengeance today.  We have an undefeated Texas A & M team bringing the Big Gold Trophy to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Now the last time we saw the Tide, it was January 2, 2014, and they were losing the Sugar Bowl to Oklahoma, 45 to 31.  Oklahoma's victory kept the UCFC in the Big XII for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but Alabama didn't exactly sit still during those years:

1. In 2014, Alabama won the SEC and was ranked number 1 in the country going into the college football playoff -- only to lose to eventual national champions Ohio State by the score of 42 to 35.  Alabama finished the season at number 4 in the AP Poll.

2.  In 2015, Alabama won the SEC and was number 2 going into the college football playoff.  This time, they won it all -- beating Michigan State 38-0 and Clemson 45-40 for Nick Saban's fourth AP national title since he arrived in Tuscaloosa.  The others were in 2009, 2011, and 2012.

3.  So far this year, Alabama is 7-0 and ranked number 1 in the country.  They opened the season with a 52-6 win over Southern Cal in Dallas, and their only close game was a 48-43 win at Ole Miss in the third week of the season.  They have played two teams that we've seen this year, and beat both of them on the road.  Two weeks ago, they went to Fayetteville, Ark. and smashed Arkansas 49-30.  Last week, they went to Knoxville, Tenn. and crushed Tennessee 49-10.  They have scored at least 34 points in every game this year, and the defense and special teams have combined to score more touchdowns (11) than they have allowed (10).

Nick Saban could retire tomorrow and be regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football.  But if he can win one more AP title at Tuscaloosa, he will have five such trophies -- the same as the legendary Bear Bryant.  I can assure you that no Alabama fan of my generation ever thought they would see an Alabama coach who could match the Bear on that score.  But that's where Saban could end up.  He has won four of the last seven national titles, and is favored to win a fifth.  That's extraordinary.

One final note:  This is the first time that the AP's number-one team has played for the UCFC since Auburn met Oregon for the 2010 National Championship.

Texas A & M 45 - 38 Tennessee (bottom of the 2d OT)

OK, here go the Vols:

1/10, TAMU 25:  Dobbs's pass is INTERCEPTED BY ARMANI WATTS!  The game is over!  TEXAS A & M RETAINS THE UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP!  What a game!  What a trophy!

Texas A & M 38 - 38 Tennessee (top of the 2d OT)

Here go the Aggies.  On first down, they jump offside:

1/15, Tenn 30:  Williams runs for 5 yards
2/10, Tenn 25:  Williams to Hurt, who makes a GREAT DIVING CATCH at the 1.
After review, the play stands
1/G, Tenn 1:  Knight scrambles to the left.  He's hit at the one-yard line, but forces his way into the end zone.  TOUCHDOWN.

LaCamera adds the extra point, and the Aggies lead by 7.  Over to UT.

Texas A & M 38 - 38 Tennessee (end of the 1st OT)

The Aggies are stuffed on 3d and 1 at the 16, and Daniel LaCamera -- who just missed a field goal that would have won the game -- nails a field goal to tie the game.  We are going to double overtime.

Texas A & M 35 - 38 Tennessee (middle of the 1st OT)

Tennessee can only get nine yards in three plays, and the Vols settle for a field goal from Aaron Medley.  Now we'll see what the Aggies can do.

Texas A & M 35 - 35 Tennessee (41 seconds left in 4th Quarter)

Tennessee boots the ball into the end zone, and the Aggies will start on their own 25.  They have two timeouts left.

1/10, TAMU 25 (0:41):  Knight's attempted screen pass is incomplete
2/10, TAMU 25 (0:36):  Williams runs for 14 yards
1/10, TAMU 39 (0:31):  Knight to Hurt for 21 yards
1/10, Tenn 40 (0:23):  Knight goes deep to Hurt, incomplete
2/10, Tenn 40 (0:18):  Williams runs for 22 yards (A & M calls time)
1/10, Tenn 18 (0:10):  Knight runs for negative 3 yards to put it in the middle of the field (A & M calls time) (Tennessee calls time) (Tennessee calls time again)
2/13, Tenn 21 (0:08):  Now it is up to Daniel LaCamera, a sophomore from Tarpon Springs, Fla. (an exurb of Tampa).  He hooks the field goal to the left, AND IT IS NO GOOD.  For the second time this year, THE BIG GOLD TROPHY WILL BE DECIDED IN OVERTIME!

Texas A & M 35 - 28 Tennessee (1:12 left in 4th Quarter)

One last time.  The Vols go charging down the field again, and they now have a first and 10 at the TAMU 29.  The Aggies call time.  The sound of "Rocky Top" is heard once again.

1/10, TAMU 29:  Screen pass to Kamara, who runs down to the 18
1/10, TAMU 18:  Dobbs throws it away (49 seconds left)
2/10, TAMU 18:  Screen pass Kamara, who RUNS ALL THE WAY INTO THE END ZONE!  That's a TOUCHDOWN!

Tennessee decides to go for one point with 41 seconds left.  The Aggies jump offside.  The penalty is declined.  Aaron Medley of Lewisburg boots the extra point, and THIS GAME IS TIED.

Texas A & M 35 - 28 Tennessee (2:07 left in 4th Quarter)

On first down, Trayveon Williams runs for two yards, and UT calls time.  They have two timeouts left.

On second, Trayveon Williams breaks through the line -- and he is gone.  This is going to be spectacular -- a back-breaking score to clinch the game.  But Malik Foreman, a defensive back from Dobyns-Bennett H.S. in Kingsport, Tenn., chases Williams all the way.  At the three yard line, he catches up with him, and PUNCHES THE BALL THROUGH THE END ZONE.  That's a TOUCHBACK, and the Vols will take over on their own 20.  Will miracles never cease?

Texas A & M 35 - 28 Tennessee (2:07 left in 4th Quarter)

But hold the phone!  Tennessee takes the kickoff, and charges down the field for another touchdown.  66 yards in 6 plays, mostly through the running of Alvin Kamara, who has been tremendous in this game.  He has 127 rushing yards in this game, and he blasts in from four yards out to bring UT back to within seven points.

What a game!

Tennessee kicks off into the end zone, so TAMU will start from its own 25.

Texas A & M 35 - 21 Tennessee (3:22 left in 4th Quarter)

For roughly four hours, Tennessee and Texas A & M have played one of the most violent and difficult football games you would ever want to see.  And finally, at the key moment, Trevor Knight has taken control of the game.  Facing a 3d and 3 from his own 37, Knight takes the ball on a keeper, breaks into the open field -- and is gone.  He races sixty-three yards for what is almost certainly the game-clinching touchdown.

I was happy to see that bit of quality from TAMU.  The Aggies have been hanging on for most of this quarter, but on that play they really showed what they could do.

If A & M wins this game, there will be no UCFC battle next week, because A & M's next game is on October 22 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Texas A & M 28 - 21 Tennessee (4:31 left in 4th Quarter)

TAMU gets a first down, and now faces second and 7 from its own 33.

Texas A & M 28 - 21 Tennessee (6:04 left in 4th Quarter)

UT faces a 3d and 7 from its own 33, and yet another Vol is injured.  So far three UT players have left the game due to injury, the Vols have suffered six turnovers, and they have been whistled for 11 penalties totaling 79 yards.  And yet -- they still have a great chance to win the game.  The truth is that UT is probably the better team, but they have been unlucky.  Of course, as the old saying goes, it is better to be lucky than good.

On third down, UT's receiver cannot hold Dobbs's pass.  The Vols punt to the Aggie end zone.  If I were a TAMU fan, I would really want some more points.

Texas A & M 28 - 21 Tennessee (6:28 left in 4th)

For the 10th time today, UT forces TAMU to punt.  The Vols will start from their own 30.

Texas A & M 28 - 21 Tennessee (7:06 left in 4th Quarter)

Tennessee's offense has been very good when it can hold onto the ball -- the Vols have over 500 yards in this game.  They storm the length of the field, topping off the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run by John Kelly of Oak Park H.S. in Detroit.  Kelly has lost two fumbles today, but when he doesn't fumble, he's been very effective.  And suddenly the Vols are back in this game -- despite six turnovers.

The kickoff goes through the end zone, and the Aggies will start on their own 25.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (10:48 left in 4th Quarter)

We're back.  The Vols hold again, and TAMU punts down to the Tennessee 8.  UT is running out of time -- they really need a touchdown on this possession.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (11:44 left in 4th Quarter)

TAMU is facing 3d and 6 at their own 34, but we have an injured player for Tennessee -- I have long since lost track of how many Vols have been taken off the field.

Meanwhile, CBS informs us that Aggie quarterback Trevor Knight was the QB for Oklahoma when they beat Tennessee for the UCFC back in 2014.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (13:13 left in 4th Quarter)

But the A & M defense hurls the Vols all the way back to the TAMU 43.  UT is forced to punt, and the Aggies will take over at their own 9.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (14:53 left in 4th Quarter)

On 3d and 19, A & M commits pass interference, so UT has a first down at the TAMU 30.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (End of 3d Quarter)

The third quarter ends with UT facing a 3d and 19 at the TAMU 45.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (2:29 left in 3d Quarter)

Once again, the UT defense holds, and the Aggies punt all the way down to the Tennessee 17.  It will be interesting to see how long the Vols can keep the ball this time.

Meanwhile, Tennessee has suffered another injury.  It should be noted that the Vols have lost several players to injury in this game.  They have been utterly snake-bit.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (3:59 left in 3d Quarter)

Unless you're a Tennessee fan, this is becoming comical.  Dobbs throws a pass over the middle that is juggled by a Tennessee receiver right into the hands of an Aggie defensive back.  That is an INTERCEPTION, and is Tennessee's SIXTH turnover of the game.  A & M will start from its own 39.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (4:41 left in 3d Quarter)

The Tennessee defense holds, and A & M is forced to punt.  The Vols will start from their own 35.

Tennessee now has 406 total yards of offense, to only 307 for TAMU.  But UT has five turnovers, compared to only two for the Aggies.  That's the difference in the game.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (6:33 left in 3d Quarter)

The cry of "Rocky Top" is heard in the land, as a Knight pass is deflected by DB Malik Foreman, and then INTERCEPTED by Colton Jumper of Lookout Mountain, Tenn.  Tennessee will start from the A & M 26.

But only two plays later, TENNESSEE FUMBLES THE BALL BACK.  John Kelly drops the ball, which is bouncing at the A & M 5.  Josh Dobbs tries to pick it up, but of course he can't -- you have to fall on a bouncing football, which is apparently something they don't teach at Tennessee.  It goes to A & M at its own 2.  That's UT's FIFTH turnover of the game, all of which were lost fumbles.

Texas A & M 28 - 14 Tennessee (7:10 left in 3d Quarter)

Well, that didn't take long.  Tennessee takes the kickoff and charges straight down the field, scoring on a run by Alvin Kamara.  It's much easier when you don't commit penalties or turnovers.

Texas A & M 28 - 7 Tennessee (10:40 left in 3d Quarter)

Tennessee's defense, staggered by yet another touchdown, collapses -- allowing TAMU to go 61 yards on 7 plays.  The last play is an easy seven-yard run by Treveon Williams of C.E. King H.S. in Houston.

Now that A & M is up by 21 points, we will invoke the usual 21-point rule on this blog -- the first time it's been invoked in awhile -- and we won't blog again unless the outcome appears to be in doubt.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (13:07 left in 3d Quarter)

Tennessee's drive gets off to a good start, but the Vols FUMBLE at the A & M 39.  That's their fourth turnover of the game, and that's why they are losing.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (15 minutes left in 3d Quarter)

The second-half kickoff goes into the end zone, and the Vols will start from their own 25.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (Halftime)

A scoreless second quarter comes to an end.  As I've said, UT looks to be about as good as TAMU, but they keep making mistakes.  It will be interesting to see what the Vols do with the first possession of the second half.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (3:31 left in 2d Quarter)

After another exchange of punts, Tennessee's Nigel Warrior (a defensive back from Peachtree Ridge H.S. in Norcross, Ga.) is called for a targeting penalty because he whacked an A & M player in the head on a punt return.  Warrior is thrown out of the game, a 43-yard punt return is cancelled, and Tennessee will start from its own 8.

Tennessee has 228 total yards, but only one touchdown.  The Vols are killing themselves with turnovers and penalties.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (7:11 left in 2d Quarter)

The Vols' defense holds again, and now the officials are reviewing the Aggie punt to see whether Tennessee will start from its own 2 or its own 20.

They will start from their own 2.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (9:28 left in 2d Quarter)

After an exchange of punts, TAMU will start from its own 35.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (13:22 left in 2d Quarter)

Tennessee goes for it on 4th and 2 at the Aggie 35, but the Vols get nothing.  TAMU will take over downs, and the Aggies can now drive UT into a very deep hole.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (end of 1st Quarter)

Tennessee is on the move again -- the Vols are at their own 45 as the first quarter comes to an end.  The game has been petty even, except for the fact that UT had three devastating turnovers, two of which led to Aggie touchdowns, and the other of which prevented Tennessee from scoring.  If they can stop making those mistakes, they could once again charge back into the game.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (1:41 left in 1st Quarter)

Tennessee commits a penalty on the kickoff return, and the Vols will start from their own 8.  As you can imagine, the folks at Kyle Field are transported with joy.

Texas A & M 21 - 7 Tennessee (1:45 left in 1st Quarter)

It's all coming up maroon-and-white now.  The Aggies get a pass interference call and a 7-yard touchdown run from QB Knight, and they suddenly have a 14-point lead.

Texas A & M 14 - 7 Tennessee (2:04 left in 1st Quarter)

Well, that didn't take long.  Trevor Knight supervises a rapid 75-yard drive that concludes with a short pass from Knight to Josh Reynolds of John Jay H.S. in San Antonio, Tex.

AND NOW TENNESSEE HAS FUMBLED THE KICKOFF!  That's their THIRD TURNOVER if this quarter, and the Aggies start from the Tennessee 22.

Texas A & M 7 - 7 Tennessee (3:37 left in 1st Quarter)

The kickoff goes into the end zone, and the Aggies will start from their own 25.

Texas A & M 7 - 7 Tennessee (3:37 left in 1st Quarter)

So far, Tennessee has met every challenge this year, and they do so again.  The Vols drive down the field for a touchdown, which comes on a 4-yard double-reverse pass from wide receiver Jauan Jennings (of Blackman H.S. in Murfreesboro, Tenn.) to quarterback Joshua Dobbs (of Alpharetta H.S. in Alpharetta, Ga.)  Aaron Medley (of Marshall Co. H.S. in Lewisburg, Tenn.) boots the extra point, and we are all tied.

Texas A & M 7 - 0 Tennessee (5:29 left in 1st Quarter)

Tennessee's defense forces a punt, and the Vols will start from their own 29.  The Aggies wanted a roughing-the-kicker penalty, but they didn't get it.

Texas A & M 7 - 0 Tennessee (7:51 left in 1st Quarter)

A huge play.  Alvin Kamara (of Norcross H.S. in Norcross, Ga.) broke a spectacular, 56-yard run for the Vols that took him deep into Aggie territory.  But as he battled to get into the end zone, the ball was STRIPPED by Aggie DB Armani Watts (of North Forney H.S. in Forney, Tex.), and the Aggies RECOVERED THE FUMBLE.  That's Tennessee's second turnover of the game, the Aggies will start from their own 7.

Texas A & M 7 - 0 Tennessee (8:30 left in 1st Quarter)

A & M takes advantage of the turnover, scoring on a five-play drive.  The last play was a 13-yard pass from Trevor Knight (of Ronald Reagan H.S. in San Antonio, Tex.) to Christian Kirk (of Saguaro H.S. in Scottsdale, Ariz.)  Daniel LaCamera (of East Lake H.S. in Tarpon Springs, Fla.) boots the extra point, and the Aggies are in the lead.

Tennessee has been coming from behind all year, and now they will have to do so again.

Texas A & M 0 - 0 Tennessee (9:49 left in 1st Quarter)

After holding A & M, Tennessee started from its on 15.  The Vols made it to their 26, before quarterback Josh Dobbs was hammered by All-American defensive lineman Myles Garrett (of Martin H.S. Arlington, Tex.)  Dobbs FUMBLED, and the fumble was recovered by Aggie lineman Zaycoven Henderson (of Longview H.S. in Longview, Tex.)  The Aggies are in business at the UT 26.

Texas A & M 0 - 0 Tennessee (12:58 left in 1st Quarter)

The A & M defense forces a three and out after the interception, and Tennessee punts to the Aggie 12.

Texas A & M 0 - 0 Tennessee (14:20 left in 1st Quarter)

On the second play of the game, A & M's Trevor Knight hurls a weak pass downfield, where it is INTERCEPTED by Todd Kelly, Jr. of the Webb School in Knoxville, Tenn.  The Vols will start from their own 48.

Texas A & M 0 - 0 Tennessee (15 minutes left in 1st Quarter)

Tennessee wins the coin toss and defers.  They boot the kickoff through the end zone, so A & M will start on its own 25.

Uniform watch:  neither team is messing around today -- both are wearing their traditional uniforms, which are two of the best in sports.

Texas A & M v. Tennessee

When we started this blog, I thought there would be a lot more games like this one -- a dramatic top-10 showdown with national implications.  Here are the current standings in the SEC:

EAST:
(9) Tennessee:  2-0, 5-0
(18) Florida:  2-1, 4-1
Georgia:  1-2, 3-2
Kentucky:  1-2, 2-3
S. Carolina:  1-3, 2-3
Missouri:  0-2, 2-3
Vanderbilt:  0-2, 2-3

WEST:
(8) Texas A & M:  3-0, 5-0
(1) Alabama:  2-0, 5-0
Louisiana St:  2-1, 3-2
Auburn:  1-1, 3-2
(14) Mississippi:  1-1, 3-2
Mississippi St:  1-1, 2-2
(16) Arkansas:  0-1, 4-1

So this is an enormous game for both teams -- and in fact, the ESPN Gameday is in College Station for this game.  It is also CBS's SEC Game of the Week, so it gets the prime position of 2:30 Central Time.

Texas A & M has a long history of playing a team known as "UT" with orange and white as its colors; but the Aggies have only played the University of Tennessee twice, both in bowl games.  In 1957, Bear Bryant's Aggies appeared to be loaded -- they roared out to an 8-0 start and were ranked number-one in the country, before losing their last two games in heartbreaking fashion.  They were edged 7-6 at Rice, and beaten 9-7 by Texas.  Their 8-2 record sent them to the Gator Bowl, where they lost 3-0 to Tennessee.  That was the last game Bear Bryant ever coached for Texas A & M -- and one of the last he lost to Tennessee.  The next year he went to Alabama, and four years later Alabama had the National Championship.  A & M fell to 4-6 in 1958, and their program hasn't been ranked number one since.

The two teams also met on January 1, 2005, in the Cotton Bowl, where Tennessee drilled A & M 38 to 7.  That's the last meeting between these two squads.

Today,  however, A & M is expected to win.  They are a 7-point favorite in a game where 60 points are expected.  That would work out to something like a 33-27 Aggie win.

Personally, I think this is a very difficult game to call.  Both of these teams have played to the level of their opposition all year, which means that they should play very well today.

Tennessee

The last time we saw Tennessee play for the UCFC was on September 13, 2014, when they went to Oklahoma and were drilled 34-10 by the Sooners, who held the title back then.  2014 was only the second season for Tennessee coach Butch Jones.  Here's what his record looks like since he came to Knoxville:

2013:  5-7 (2-6 in SEC)
2014:  7-6 (3-5 in SEC)
2015:  9-4 (5-3 in SEC)

So far this year, the Vols are 5-0, with a come-from-behind win over Florida (their first against the Gators in 12 tries) and a miraculous Hail Mary victory at Georgia.  As you can imagine, spirits in Knoxville are riding high these days.

S. Carolina 13 - 24 Texas A & M (Final)

The Aggies did close out South Carolina, escaping with their second SEC road win of the year.  Their record in UCFC play is now 17-16-1, and they are returning home to defend the crown against the Tennessee Volunteers.

South Carolina's UCFC record falls to 7-14, and they will have to hope that the title stays in the SEC, and that they get another chance soon.

S. Carolina 13 - 24 Texas A & M (1:15 left in 4th Quarter)

Meanwhile, over in Athens, Georgia, the University of Tennessee Volunteers hit a "Hail Mary" pass on the last play of the game, and they stun the University of Georgia Bulldogs, 34 to 31.  That means that if TAMU can hang on, we will see two undefeated teams battling for the UCFC next week, as the Vols will roll into College Station.

S. Carolina 13 - 24 Texas A & M (1:41 left in 4th Quarter)

The Gamecock defense, which has been great all day, holds again, but Daniel LaCamera of East Lake H.S. in Tarpon Springs, Fla. boots a 35-yard field goal to give TAMU a two-possession lead.

S. Carolina 13 - 21 Texas A & M (3:31 left in 4th Quarter)

A & M faces a 3d and 7 from its own 34.  Carolina calls time.

OK, here's the play.  Knight throws to Josh Reynolds, but the pass is incomplete.

A & M punts.  Carolina goes for a fair catch, but the catch is FUMBLED!  Cullen Gullaspia, an Aggie linebacker from Taylor H.S. in Katy, Tex., falls on the ball, and the AGGIES KEEP POSSESSION.  They will start from the Carolina 30.

S. Carolina 13 - 21 Texas A & M (4:23 left in 4th Quarter)

Orth quickly moves the Gamecocks back down the field, and this time Elliott Fry makes a 43-yard field goal -- his second of the half.  Carolina has once again turned this battle into a one-possession game.

S. Carolina 10 - 21 Texas A & M (6:48 left in 4th Quarter)

The Carolina defense, showing great heart, forces a three and out, and the Aggies are forced to punt.  Carolina will start from its own 18.

S. Carolina 10 - 21 Texas A & M (8:40 left in 4th Quarter)

The Aggies defense holds on 3d and 22, and then Elliot Fry misses a 43-yard field goal -- his second miss of the second half.  So the Aggies maintain their two possession lead.  They will be starting from their own 25.

S. Carolina 10 - 21 Texas A & M (9:13 left in 4th Quarter)

Trying desperately to get back into the game, the Gamecocks go to their back-up quarterback -- Perry Orth, a redshirt senior from Ponte Vedra, Fla.  Orth starts hurling the ball all over the place, and soon the Gamecocks are deep in Aggie territory.  They face 3d and 22 from the TAMU 25, and the Gamecocks call time.

S. Carolina 10 - 21 Texas A & M (11:40 left in 4th Quarter)

That was a useful timeout.  On 3d and 1 from the 2, fullback James White (of Dawson H.S. in Pearland, Tex.) blasts into the end zone for a huge touchdown.  That will give the Aggies a two-possession advantage, which is enormous given Carolina's struggles on offense.

South Carolina has fought very hard in this game, but A & M is really good.  Just ask Arkansas.

S. Carolina 10 - 14 Texas A & M (11:44 left in 4th Quarter)

TAMU's defense forces another three and out, and the Gamecocks punt to the Aggie 40.  This time, the Aggies aren't taking any chances -- they are using a series of quick runs and short passes, hoping to use their sheer athleticism to overwhelm the Gamecock defense.  This works very well, and suddenly the Aggies are deep in Carolina territory.  Now they face a 3d and 1 at the Carolina 2, and the Aggies have called time.

S. Carolina 10 - 14 Texas A & M (1:10 left in 3d Quarter)

TAMU takes the kickoff, and begins moving steadily down the field toward a score that could put Carolina in a very deep hole.  From the Carolina 40, Trevor Knight throws it deep -- but the ball is INTERCEPTED by Chris Lammons, a defensive back from Plantation H.S. in Lauderhill, Fla.  Great play by Lammons, and that's back to back turnovers for the Aggies.  The Gamecocks will start from their own 11.

S. Carolina 10 - 14 Texas A & M (3:04 left in 3d Quarter)

The A & M defense holds -- not even allowing a first down -- but this time Elliott Fry makes the 43-yard field goal, and the cry of the rooster is heard at Williams-Brice Stadium.

If A & M could get a two-possession lead, I think they would be in really good shape.  But if it stays this close, anything could happen.

S. Carolina 7 - 14 Texas A & M (5:06 left in 3d Quarter)

Trying to run for a first down near midfield, Aggie QB Trevor Knight FUMBLES.  The fumble is scooped up by Chris Moody, a linebacker from Henry County H.S. in McDonough, Ga.  He scampers all the way to the A & M 28, and suddenly the Gamecocks are right back in business!

S. Carolina 7 - 14 Texas A & M (6:55 left in 3d Quarter)

Fighting desperately, the Gamecocks got another first down to the TAMU 25.  But the Aggie defense stiffened, and Elliot Fry (of Prince of Peace Christian H.S. in Frisco, Tex.) missed a 44-yard field goal try.  So the Aggies survive the fake punt, and they will start from their own 26 with a chance to grow their lead.

S. Carolina 7 - 14 Texas A & M (10:04 left in 3d Quarter)

Facing 4th and 7 from its own 28, South Carolina ran a FAKE PUNT -- a long pass by the punter.  It goes all the way down to the A & M 36.  That was a big play -- it felt like A & M was about to blow the game open.

S. Carolina 7 - 14 Texas A & M (11:37 left in 3d Quarter)

Like last week, A & M starts the second half with a bang -- they go 70 yards in 8 plays, the last of which was a 49-yard run by Trayveon Williams of C.E. King H.S. in Houston.

By the way, every time there's a big play coming up in this game -- like a third down for the Carolina defense -- you can hear this loud rooster crow that echoes throughout the stadium.  It's really annoying, but maybe that's the point.

S. Carolina 7 - 7 Texas A & M (14:52 left in 3d Quarter)

A & M takes the kickoff, and the Aggies will begin from their own 30.

S. Carolina 7 - 7 Texas A & M (Halftime)

Muschamp's career has been built on defensive prowess, and his Carolina defense has done a good job today.  Carolina has also kept the ball on the ground as much as possible, using up more time.  So the Gamecocks -- who were 20-point underdogs -- are still tied at the half.  Last week, TAMU played much better in the second half.  We'll see if they can do that again.

S. Carolina 7 - 7 Texas A & M (37 seconds left in 2d Quarter)

TAMU doesn't get very far, and they punt to the Carolina 18.

S. Carolina 7 - 7 Texas A & M (1:21 left in 2d Quarter)

South Carolina punts once again, and the Aggies will start from their own 13.

S. Carolina 7 - 7 Texas A & M (5:40 left in 2d Quarter)

On the first play of the game, South Carolina's A.J. Turner (from Centreville H.S. in Clifton, Va.) dashed 75 yards for a touchdown to give the Gamecocks an early lead.

The Aggies then responded with a 75-yard drive in 7 plays, the last of which was a 4-yard run by quarterback Trevor Knight of Ronald Reagan H.S. in San Antonio, Tex.

So we were all tied at 7 before three full minutes had been played.  Since then, however, almost nothing has happened, and we are still tied at 7.

Uniform watch:  The Aggies are going with a 1956 throwback look, so they are wearing white jerseys, maroon numerals, white pants, and white helmets with a maroon stripe and no logo.  South Carolina is in black helmets with the usual Carolina logo, black jersey with white numerals, and white pants with garnet and black piping down the side.

S. Carolina v. Texas A & M

For most of college football history, these teams had nothing to do with each other.  South Carolina played schools in the East, Texas A & M played schools in the Southwest, and there was no reason for them to meet on the playing field.  But now they are both in the SEC, and this will be the third year in row that they have played.  Two years ago, the Aggies game to Columbia and pounded South Carolina 52 to 28.  Last year, A & M won 35 to 28 in College Station.  That's all of the history between these two schools.

The big story here, of course, is that Texas A & M is 2-0 in the SEC, 4-0 overall, and ranked 9th in the country.  South Carolina is 1-2 in the SEC, 2-2 overall, and unranked.  A & M is favored by 20 points in a game where 51 points are expected.  That would be something like a 36-16 Aggie victory, which seems high to me.  But I underestimated TAMU last week, so I wouldn't be surprised by another easy win.

S. Carolina

The last time we saw the Gamecocks, it was December 4, 2010, and they were getting crushed by Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship game.  Auburn won that game 56 to 17, taking the SEC title and the UCFC in the same game.  Despite that defeat, the 2010 season was a great one for South Carolina -- to this day it remains the only time that the Gamecocks have won the SEC East.  2010 was Steve Spurrier's sixth year in Columbia, and he had the program in very good shape.  Here's what they've been up to while we've been watching other teams:

1.  In 2011, the Gamecocks went 11-2, beating Nebraska 30 to 13 in the Capital One Bowl.  They were ranked 9th in the final AP Poll.

2.  In 2012, the Gamecocks went 11-2, beating Michigan 33 to 28 in the Outback Bowl.  They were ranked 8th in the final AP Poll.

3.  In 2013, the Gamecocks went 11-2, beating Wisconsin 34 to 24 in the Capital One Bowl.  They were ranked 4th in the final AP Poll.

The 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons are the only seasons in history where South Carolina ended the year ranked in the top 10.

4.  The next year, 2014, South Carolina suffered a drop-off -- going 7-6 and beating Miami (Fla.) 24-21 in the Independence Bowl.

5.  And then, in 2015, Spurrier retired after South Carolina got off to a 2-4 start.  Shawn Elliott took over the rest of the way, and the Gamecocks staggered to a 3-9 record.

Having had so much success with Spurrier -- a former Florida coach -- the Gamecocks decided to hire another former Florida coach.  Will Muschamp went 28-21 in Gainesville from 2011 to 2014.  To me, that would be an argument against hiring him -- but Carolina decided to hire him anyway.  So far, he's beaten Vandy and East Carolina, while he's lost to Mississippi State and Kentucky.  This game against Texas A & M will be only his second home game in charge.