Texas A&M didn’t need another reminder that its season has gone sideways. Sunday’s updated US LBM Coaches Poll supplied one anyway.

The Aggies received no votes in the Oct. 25 rankings following their 31-20 loss at Alabama. At 4-4 overall and 1-4 in SEC play, Mike Elko’s team heads into its bye week without a foothold in the national rankings conversation.

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This wasn’t a case of narrowly missing the Top 25. Eighteen teams outside the rankings received votes, including South Carolina, Auburn and Oklahoma. Texas A&M wasn’t among them.

Meanwhile, Alabama climbed three spots to No. 10 after beating the Aggies. Texas jumped seven places to No. 11, and Tennessee landed at No. 17. Two of those ranked teams - Tennessee and Texas - still have trips to Kyle Field ahead.

The contrast stings. Other programs are debating their postseason positioning. Texas A&M needs two wins in its final four games to reach six victories and conventional bowl eligibility.

Saturday offered enough promise to make the outcome more frustrating.

The Aggies carried a 20-17 advantage into the fourth quarter, then watched Alabama score 14 unanswered points. A competitive road performance became another missed opportunity, with A&M failing to score in the final period.

Marcel Reed finished with 163 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, adding a rushing score. Texas A&M produced 278 total yards, leaving little room to overcome its mistakes.

“We have to get a lot better as a football team,” Elko said afterward.

The poll reflects that unfinished work. Playing a ranked opponent competitively for stretches can show progress. Voters still need a reason to put Texas A&M on their ballots, and another conference loss didn’t provide one.

There’s no soft landing after the break, either.

The Aggies return Nov. 7 at South Carolina, which received 12 Coaches Poll points after upsetting Tennessee. Home games against the Volunteers and Longhorns surround a trip to Oklahoma, another team receiving votes.

That gives A&M opportunities to change the conversation. It also creates a real threat of finishing below .500 if the same problems follow it into November.

MORE: Marcel Reed's Turnovers Doom Texas A&M In 31-20 Loss To Alabama

For now, chasing a ranking is secondary to fixing the football. The Aggies must protect possession, sustain offense and finish games they’ve put themselves in position to win.

Sunday’s verdict was blunt: No ranking. No votes. Plenty left to prove.

Source: Yahoo Sports