For today’s younger generation, it would be hard to imagine @AlabamaFTBL having a stretch of five years without beating a ranked opponent, but that’s how far the program had fallen before Paul “Bear” Bryant returned to restore the honor of his alma mater. Led by Gary O’Steen’s kicking and running, Alabama upset No. 19-ranked Mississippi State, 9-7, and ruined the homecoming festivities in Starkville 68 years ago today on Oct. 25, 1958. The Bulldogs entered the game favored by two touchdowns, but O’Steen rushed for 66 yards and his five quick-kicks kept Mississippi State off balance. Alabama scored its nine points on a 21-yard field goal by Fred Sington and a 21-yard pass from Bobby Jackson to Norbie Ronsonet. The Crimson Tide finished the 1958 season with a 5-4-1 record, but Bryant had poured the foundation for a championship program. Alabama also stunned No. 20 Georgia Tech, 17-8, later in the season. Prior to Bryant’s arrival, the last time Alabama had beaten a ranked opponent occurred when the Crimson Tide beat No. 16 Auburn, 10-7, in 1953.

INSTANT REACTION: @AlabamaFTBL 31, @AggieFootball 20 It wasn’t pretty, but with all the injuries today’s homecoming victory was all about surviving.

Homecoming usually brings warm memories to Tuscaloosa, but today it brings uncomfortable questions. No. 13 @AlabamaFTBL hosts @AggieFootball at 2:30 p.m. with Kalen DeBoer facing an upset fan base whose goodwill took a beating in Tennessee’s 26–10 victory last week. Can the coaching staff give returning alumni something to believe in again? A convincing performance would be a start in soothing the current emotional wounds. Re-establishing the dominance the Crimson Tide displayed in wins over South Carolina and Mississippi State may not erase all questions, but it most certainly wouldn’t add more. Injuries complicate today’s task. Ryan Coleman-Williams and Terrance Green remain out, while center Racin Delgatty, cornerback Zabien Brown and running back EJ Crowell are doubtful. Texas A&M enters with its own disgruntled fanbase, a disappointing 4-3 record and shattered preseason playoff expectations. The Aggies have failed to score a touchdown in their two previous road games, and a Crimson Tide defense extending their offensive woes would be a nice homecoming surprise. And if Alabama loses a third consecutive game for the first time in 19 years would it be the worst homecoming loss since 1988? A loss engrained in Crimson Tide lore for involving a brick tossed through the window of Bill Curry’s office over the weekend.