Preparations for Alabama’s matchup against Vanderbilt continued Tuesday at the Thomas-Drew Practice fields. Meanwhile, Nick Saban mentioned the players of the week from the game against Colorado State.
Alabama practiced in full pads Tuesday afternoon for two hours in preparation for the SEC opener in Nashville, TN. There were several pieces news and notes from the practice fields today.
In the ever-watched linebacker position, Anfernee Jennings, Rashaan Evans and Dylan Moses all came in and practiced. Evans was very active during the viewing period and he could be looking at playing time this week. Jennings also looked okay and looked to be on the up and up, but his status is unclear. Either way, having these guys back is going to be a boost for this team.
The offensive line has not changed from its set. The front five appear to be Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton, Ross Pierschbacher, Matt Womack and Bradley Bozeman. That’s hopefully good news as Alabama will look to settle down that line.
As the Colorado State game gets further in the rear-view mirror, Nick Saban and his staff announced the Players of the Week from last Saturday’s game.
Offense-Bradley Bozeman, Damien Harris, Jalen Hurts, Bo Scarbrough
We might as well highlight the rushing game all through this section because we got some runners in this group (Besides Bozeman, who’s a 6’5″ 314 lb monster).
Harris and Scarbrough combined to put up 121 yards on 23 attempts and two touchdowns. Damien and Bo both are going to be vital to helping this offense keep it fresh and not one-dimensional. Speaking of, Jalen had a day of his own. With just under 250 yards passing and a little over 100 yards rushing, he’s proving to be a threat. That’s going to make some defensive coordinators frustrated this year.
Defense-Keith Holcombe, Da’Ron Payne, Levi Wallace
Holcombe is turning out to be quite the linebacker. With nine tackles Saturday, he’s proving that even when Alabama is stretched thin, there is still depth in the linebackers.
As for Payne and Wallace, both did an excellent job as well. They combined for 11 tackles. Wallace is the real story, however. He broke up four passes against the Rams, making him an island and making it hard for wide receivers to get open.
Special Teams-Andy Pappanastos, JK Scott, Mack Wilson
How about some actual love for the special teams! Andy Pappanastos hit both of his field goals from mid-range (43, 46). That’s something to applaud at Alabama, where that kick is usually 50/50.
JK Scott is JK Scott. Even though he missed his field goal, he knocked two punts a half football field length average (100 yards total, 50.0 average).
Wednesday, the Crimson Tide continues prep work on the practice field. The SEC Coaches Teleconference is at 10:40 am and Saban will have one more presser later that night at 6:00 pm.
Next: Unhappiness Abounds in the SEC
Nashville will be unusually abuzz about college football on Saturday. The Dores seem to believe they can make a game of it. We will cover the lead up all through the week.