COLLEGE STATION, Texas — After putting the finishing touches on Alabama’s third pick-six of the day and celebrating in the end zone with fewer than six minutes to play, true freshman defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick ran back to the Crimson Tide sideline to claim the prize that awaited him.
As teammates congratulated him, a staff member draped a wrestling-style championship belt on his shoulder. Fitzpatrick, who had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in Alabama’s 41-23 win over Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field, found a seat on the bench for a well-deserved rest while fellow defensive backs Eddie Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, Maurice Smith and defensive lineman Jarran Reed arrived to offer their kudos.