Alabama Football: Tide drops CSU as Jalen shines and defense struggles

Alabama football defeated Colorado State behind a stellar performance by Jalen Hurts. The defense was a different story. Check out what Saban had to say.

Alabama football did some things very well Saturday night while defeating the Colorado State (CSU) Rams, 41-23. The offense was explosive led by a superlative performance from Jalen Hurts. Jalen threw for 248 yards, completing 12 of 17 passes. He also rushed for another 103 yards and an average of 9.4 yards-per-carry.

Jalen had plenty of help as the Alabama football offense amassed 487 yards. Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris rushed for a combined 121 yards, averaging over five-yards-per-carry. Andy Pappanastos made field goals from 46 and 43 yards.

The Crimson Tide offensive explosion was enough to impress the most critical Tide fan. If only the defense had played in a similar fashion. While the outcome of the game was never in doubt, the Alabama football defense surrendered 391 yards to CSU. The Tide’s defensive highlights were interceptions by Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones, plus nine tackles by Keith Holcombe.

Nick Saban’s Post-Game Comments on the Offense

• Saban was pleased with the Tide’s fast start that created 17 first-quarter points, “But we didn’t finish and let them back in the game.”
• Coach Saban complimented the offensive line “for doing a better job.” Nick was also complimentary of Hurts, Bo, Damien and the receivers.
• Nick reported that Miller Forristall injured his knee and the preliminary assessment was an ACL injury that could be season-ending.

Nick Saban’s Post-Game Comments on the Defense

• “We didn’t execute, that’s what happened. We could not get off the field on third-and-long.”
• “We made a lot of mental errors … a lot of missed assignments … we have a lot of work to do.”
• “We tried to play a lot of players, maybe we tried it too soon.”

Saban also reminded the assembled media that Alabama football was missing five linebackers in the CSU game. He explained the loss of Rashaan Evans, Anfernee Jennings, Terrell Lewis, Christian Miller and Dylan Moses diminished the Tide defense in multiple ways.

• “It hurts us in nickel and it hurts us stopping the run.”

Was Nick making an excuse? We say not. What he was doing was explaining the current realities of the 2017 Alabama football defense. In mid-September, Alabama football has a defense that is a work in progress. While fans agonize, Nick Saban, his staff and his players will keep working.

The offense may have to carry the Tide for a few games. Rashann Evans and Anfernee Jennings should return in the next couple of games. A championship defense can yet be achieved.

Next: 2018 Alabama Football Commits

Check back with us soon. We will review all the big game action in week three from key SEC and other big games.