No, the “Hurricane Bowl” isn’t the name of a now-defunct postseason college football game.
That was the nickname given to the Dec. 1, 1988, game between Alabama and Texas A&M. Originally scheduled for that Sept. 17, the game was postponed after Crimson Tide coach Bill Curry refused to have his team travel to College Station, TX, due to the threat of Hurricane Gilbert.
Curry’s move was widely mocked, giving rise to his derisive nickname of “Chicken Curry.” When the game was finally played, he was vindicated in a 30–10 thanks to linebacker Derrick Thomas. The Aggies had no answer for the senior pass-rushing demon from Miami, who racked up a school-record five sacks along with a fumble recovery.
It was a preview of what NFL offenses had waiting for them. After the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him fourth overall, Thomas racked up 126.5 sacks and nine Pro Bowl appearances (1989–1997) in a career tragically cut short by his death in February 2000 as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
Alabama hosts Texas A&M this Saturday. For the first time, it’s as conference rivals. Derrick Thomas profile
