In 1988, the Alabama vs Texas A&M game scheduled for Sept. 17 was cancelled due to Hurricane Gilbert which decided not to show up in College Station anyway. The matchup was rescheduled for the end of the season on Dec. 1 and promptly dubbed "The Hurricane Bowl."

Second-year Alabama coach Bill Curry was already on the hot seat. Midway through the season, he claimed a fan had chucked a brick through his window after a loss to Ole Miss (it was the first time the Tide was bested by the Rebels in-state). Then the Tide lost the Iron Bowl and folks were really displeased.

The Aggies had endured an up-and-down season under former Alabama assistant Jackie Sherrill but were considered a formidable foe. When Alabama arrived in Texas, the Crimson Tide were not in much of a mood to be trifled with.

What ensued was a 30-10 beatdown marked by one of CFB Hall-of-Famer Derrick Thomas' most dominant performances. He went after the Aggie quarterback like the dude had stolen his car and his girl on Valentine's Day. Thomas finished the game with five sacks and one recovered fumble.