Alabama lost to an unranked team for the first time since 2007 last week in a heartbreaking loss to the Texas A&M Aggies.
Many wondered how the Tide would bounce back after such a setback. Would the mighty Crimson Tide get back on track, or lay down and feel bad for themselves?
The Nick Saban-coached Bama team bounced back in a big way in Starkville, defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 49-9.
Saban lit a fire under his squad this week in practice like most expected he would, and it paid off.
Run. Run. Run.
Alabama was able to get the ground game going again as they did against Ole Miss and Florida to an extent.
The rushing attack was one of Yellowhammer News’ keys heading into the game, and Alabama did an amazing job running the ball. Brian Robinson, Jr. is about to start getting his name thrown into the Heisman Trophy conversation after going for 73 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
The offensive line was opening up holes all over the line of scrimmage, and Robinson had no problem filling them. He also managed to snag a touchdown in the passing game on a 51-yard catch from quarterback Bryce Young.
Bryce Young’s efficiency
All of that successful ground game opened up the passing game to perfection. Harmony is really the key in any good offense, and that is why balance is always discussed in a really good offense.
Young had the game of his career tonight. Maybe statistically he has thrown for more yards, or even had a better completion percentage, but just watching the poise he had in the pocket and the way he led this team proved that he is on par with Alabama’s previous quarterbacks.
That is a very, very good thing at Alabama considering the last three quarterbacks for the Tide are all starting in the NFL right now — good company to be in, no doubt.
Secondary improvement
The Tide defense struggled in all phases last week for sure, but their pass defense really struggled against the Aggie air attack.
That was a big concern for the Tide defense considering Mike Leach’s air-raid style offense which basically predicates on only throwing the football. However, the Tide was ready, and the defense played lights out.
Alabama’s secondary was actually able to steal three interceptions off of Mississippi State, also winning the turnover battle 3-0.
Secondary play for Alabama, as well as the defense as a whole, was exceptional and played the best they have all season long so far. State still threw for 300 yards but never seemed to hit it when it mattered.
The Crimson Tide will host the Tennessee Volunteers next weekend on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. CT. in a matchup of bitter rivals that the Tide have dominated for years.
Hayden Crigler is a contributing college football and college basketball writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him through email: Hayden@yellowhammernews.com or on Twitter: @hayden_crigler.
