Texas A&M had an opportunity to rescue its season Saturday afternoon against Alabama. Instead, the Aggies walked out of Bryant-Denny Stadium with another SEC loss and even more uncomfortable questions about quarterback Marcel Reed.

No. 13 Alabama rallied for a 31-20 victory after Texas A&M carried a 20-17 lead into the fourth quarter. The Aggies fell to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in SEC play, continuing a disappointing stretch that has turned preseason optimism into frustration.

Reed’s afternoon began disastrously.

On A&M’s opening possession, Alabama cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. intercepted a pass and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown. Reed threw another interception to Chuck McDonald III on the next possession, giving the Crimson Tide two early takeaways.

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But Reed deserves credit for his response.

He connected with Mario Craver for a nine-yard touchdown and later scored on a four-yard run, helping the Aggies erase their early deficit.

David Olano added a 32-yard field goal before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied at 17.

Another Olano field goal gave Texas A&M a three-point advantage in the third quarter, putting the Aggies in position for a potentially season-changing victory.

Unfortunately, the offense disappeared when it mattered most.

Reed mishandled a fourth-down snap late in the third quarter, and Alabama’s defense dominated the final period. The Aggies failed to score again, allowing the Crimson Tide to regain control.

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell finished with 311 passing yards and three touchdowns, including fourth-quarter scoring strikes to Marshall Pritchett and Kaleb Edwards.

Rico Scott added six receptions for 156 yards.

Reed finished 14-of-21 passing for 163 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His rushing touchdown provided another reminder of his athletic ability, but his mistakes proved expensive.

That brings Texas A&M back to a question Mike Elko must seriously evaluate.

Should Reed remain the starting quarterback?

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His ability to create plays is undeniable. But his inconsistency and turnover problems are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook, particularly against SEC opponents.

The defense shares responsibility for surrendering two fourth-quarter touchdowns, while offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins must answer for another scoring drought.

Still, quarterback play remains central to the conversation.

Texas A&M has enough talent to compete with quality teams. Saturday proved that.

What the Aggies haven’t demonstrated is the discipline and consistency required to finish those games.

And with the season slipping away, Elko can no longer afford to ignore any possible solution.