Following upset over Alabama, A&M tasked with focusing on Missouri

In retrospect, perhaps Texas A&M’s 41-38 football victory over Alabama should have been seen coming.

Until a rash of injuries contributed to a couple of early losses, there were indicators the Aggies could beat Alabama appearing like Burma Shave signs along the highway.

A great coach
Recruiting
Size and speed
Determined and gritty
Makes the Tide recede
Bama shave!

Since Jimbo Fisher arrived at A&M, he has been steadily building toward a championship-caliber football program.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Shemar Turner, Texas A&M’s most recent recruiting win over Alabama, has the makings of being a future superstar.

He has signed three consecutive top-ten recruiting classes. He has won several recruiting jousts over Alabama, including McKinnley Jackson, Tunmise Adeleye, DeMarvin Leal, Antonio Johnson and Shemar Turner.

He has developed talent. As many as five Aggies — DeMarvin Leal, Kenyon Green, Isaiah Spiller, Jalen Wydermyer and Ainias Smith — have been projected as possible first-round selections in next year’s NFL Draft.

The Aggies were 9-1 last season. Several of those games were won in the fourth quarter. Fisher’s teams improve as the season goes on. They’re mentally and physically tough.

That was apparent from the outset in the Alabama victory.

Though coming off consecutive losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State, the Aggies scored on their first three series against Alabama.

When Alabama wrested the lead away late in the fourth quarter, the Aggies responded with a game-tying touchdown drive. A three-and-out defensive series followed. Afterward, quarterback Zach Calzada limped off the bench to take the Aggies on a drive for a game-winning field goal.

None of that occurs without tremendous mental toughness.

“I think this is a testament to our leadership. Coach Jimbo not giving up on us. Us not giving up on this team,” Spiller said. “I feel like even though we went through some struggles, adversity can teach you something. You can learn from it, or you can just stay where you’re at. I think we definitely learned from it, and I can’t wait to keep moving forward.”

That toughness will be tested again on Saturday at Missouri. The Aggies proved they could successfully move against Alabama. Now, they must prove they can successfully move on from Alabama.

That’s not necessarily easy.

Remember in 2002, the Aggies knocked off No. 1 Oklahoma at Kyle Field. They lost to next week … to Missouri.

An epic victory can provide an infusion of confidence and be a springboard to a great season. Or it can merely be an oasis in a desert of disappointment if the Aggies overlook Missouri (3-3, 0-2).

For now, the Aggies insist they’re intent on proving the Alabama upset wasn’t a mirage.

“I feel like (Missouri) in the same boat as us,” Johnson said. “They have a point to prove. They have basically a chip on their shoulder, so we’ve got to go just as focused as we were last week.”

Green echoed those thoughts.

“Intensity in practice every day … That’s the main focus,” he said. “Keeping the intensity and the mindset we had all (last) week for this week. Keeping it throughout the season and making sure we keep everybody accountable to do what we have to do to keep winning.”

Grandiose prizes are there to be won if the Aggies keep winning. If they finish 10-2, a New Year’s Six bowl game could beckon. Possibly more.

If A&M runs the table and Alabama loses again, the Aggies could win the SEC West. If they then upset Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, they would have a reasonable chance of getting into the College Football Playoff.

Ten wins, including victories over two No. 1 ranked opponents, might trump injury-plagued early losses.

Looking that far ahead is counterproductive, though. Missouri isn’t a powerful football team by any means, but no win can be assumed regardless of an opponent’s struggles.

Ask Alabama.

So how do the Aggies guard against an Alabama hangover or overlooking Missouri?

“I think it just takes ultra-focus,” Spiller said. “It takes leadership … bringing the guys back to reality.

“Just realizing that we have to start all over again. The season ain’t over yet. Basically, we ain’t done yet, so we’ve got to keep going.”

And just heed the signs:

A big victory
Quickly
Put to rest
Could propel A&M
to win the West
Bama shave!