The Alabama Crimson Tide handed the USC Trojans a dominating blow Saturday night. Here is a quarter-by-quarter recap of all the action.
ICYMI: Crimson Conclusions and Final Stats Against USC
It is safe to say that a new era has begun – that era is Jalen Hurts.
After the game last night, no one would be surprised to see the true freshman start against Western Kentucky. The standout quarterback played an incredible game last night, racking up four touchdowns – two rushing, two passing.
Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has the perfect dual-threat offense, able to attack both passing and rushing. Adding Hurts to the offense only welcomes more of a threat to other teams. A true freshman starting and staying for three years… Alabama is about to make an even bigger statement in college football.
The hype going into the season opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas was more than intense. There is not a way to describe the atmosphere other than electric, with two powerhouse football teams meeting head to head. Here is a breakdown of the game, quarter by quarter.
First Quarter:
This was the only time USC saw a promising drive against the Crimson Tide. The Trojans were able to put a field goal up, and take an early lead. Alabama was unable to make any drives in the quarter, struggling to capitalize on third down. There was no attack in the air other than one jet sweep to ArDarius Stewart, the Crimson Tide was unable to rush for any yards. It was a tight game, with neither team taking advantage of the ball.
Second Quarter:
With the changing of the quarters, a change in momentum for the Crimson Tide came as well. Alabama began to adjust to the Trojan offense and eliminate the receivers for USC to make any plays. The Alabama secondary in the second quarter was a spitting image of the 2015 Crimson Tide defense. Which begs the question, can Alabama produce another No. 1 defense in 2016? After this football game, the answer is a resounding “yes”.
It was Hurts to put Alabama on the board with a bomb thrown perfectly in the end zone to Stewart. But the highlight of the half was when sophomore Marlon Humphrey scored on a pic. That alone was enough shift in momentum for the Tide to take over. USC was neither having success on offense or defense, and Alabama had begun to get on a roll with things.
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Third Quarter:
Kiffin must have gone back at halftime and decided upon a new game plan, and the complete opposite for offensive coordinator, Tee Martin, for the Trojans. Alabama began to strike on the ground with its rushing yards.
The only name that needs to be mentioned as far as ground attacks is Damien Harris. He racked up 138 yards on just nine carries. Harris started to find the holes in the USC defense and did what Alabama running backs do best, run right through them.
Despite Harris not finding the end zone, Hurts managed two small runs to score twice for the Tide, advancing their lead. USC saw its final score of the game with a field goal late in the third quarter, but would not come close enough to attempt another for the remainder of the game.
Fourth Quarter:
Blake Barnett made his second debut in the game during the fourth quarter. After not having the best start in the first half, he was given a second chance and I think he made up for it. With a perfectly executed pass to tight end O.J. Howard, Barnett read the Trojan safeties perfectly and set up the offense for a quick touchdown.
Bo Scarborough, local Tuscaloosa native, had his first touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter. However, the play of the second half was the flawless execution of a pass from Barnett to Dieter for a 45-yard touchdown. Alabama raised their score to 52-6, which handed USC their first loss of the season and their first loss with no touchdown since 1997. Needless to say, Alabama was back to prove yet again that they are the kings of college football.
Alabama faces Western Kentucky next Saturday. The Hilltoppers posted the most passing yards of any team in CFB this weekend, and the Tide must not look too far ahead to the matchup against Ole Miss in two weeks.
Next: This Is Saban's World And We're All Just Living In It
Heading to Oxford to take on the Rebels, Alabama has a big statement to make and a miserable losing streak to end. Hopefully the beating USC took is a sign of great things to come. Roll Tide!