Crimson Tide Is Easy 30-10 Winner Over Texas A

David Smith threw touchdown passes of 10 and 8 yards, and Philip Doyle kicked 3 field goals for an Alabama season record as the 20th-ranked Crimson Tide beat Texas A&M;, 30-10, Thursday night in Jackie Sherrill’s 81st, and perhaps last, game as Aggie coach.

Alabama improved its record to 8-3 while A&M; dropped to 7-5.

Sherrill’s future at Texas A&M; remains under a cloud because of a Texas A&M; investigation of “hush-money” payoff charges by former player George Smith, who later recanted his statement.

The National Collegiate Athletic Assn. said it won’t take any action against Sherrill until A&M;’s investigation is complete.

The game was originally scheduled for Sept. 17, but Alabama stayed home because of the threat posed by Hurricane Gilbert.

Alabama Coach Bill Curry, whose team is headed to the Sun Bowl against Army, was told before the game that his contract would be honored through 1992. Alabama officials said the pact was “not for sale” to dissident alumni.

Alabama linebacker Derrick Thomas, the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, had 4 sacks and recovered a fumble.

Texas A&M;’s Darren Lewis gained 128 yards in 24 carries, topping 100 for the 10th straight game to tie a Southwest Conference record set by Texas’ Earl Campbell in 1977. Lewis finished with 1,692 yards in 306 carries. Campbell had 1,744 yards in ’77.