Alabama Football: Highs and lows of the Louisville game

There were higher highs than lower lows for Alabama football Saturday night in the 51-14 victory over the Louisville Cardinals. Let’s check out both.

For Alabama football in the season opener the highs were higher than the lows were low – but there was a mixture of both. The Crimson Tide were clearly the dominant team. As always for the Tide, dominating an opponent is not enough. In most contests, the measure for the Tide is how it compares against its own standard.

Alabama football played very well against Louisville. It also fell well short of meeting its own standard. Nick Saban said frequently in fall camp the 2018 Crimson Tide would be a work-in-progress. How could it not be? Nick Saban started seven sophomores on offense and defense. Ten true freshmen played in the game, along with six redshirt freshmen.

The Tide head coach was not satisfied with his team at halftime or after the game. Let’s review the highs and the lows for the Tide against Louisville.

Alabama Football Highs

• The highs must begin with Tua Tagovailoa. In his first start, the super sophomore was sensational. In the Tide’s first four possessions with Tua at the controls, the results were three touchdowns and another impressive drive ended by a Devonta Smith fumble. Simply stated, Tua seized the day. Alabama football no longer has a starting QB dilemma.
• Young Mr. Waddle fulfilled all his buildup and more. Still think Javier was the Tide’s most instinctive punt returner, but Waddle is quicker and faster. The over-used electric word is the perfect descriptor.
• Quinnen Willaims was a force in the middle. Three solo tackles, three assisted, three tackles for a loss, a QB hurry and a tipped ball, pass breakup – what a great start to Q’s season.
• Deionte Thompson played with authority. He has vision, speed and knows how to get the secondary set. He is a big-time player. Against the Cardinals, he had an interception and three pass breakups to go along with four tackles.
• Linebacker Dylan Moses chased down a wide receiver from behind.
• Mike Locksley called a great game as offensive coordinator.
• The Tide made a field goal. Austin Jones connected on his first attempt from 39 yards.

Alabama Football Lows

• The Crimson Tide made far too many mental errors. There were multiple blown coverages in the middle of the field indicating linebackers not making correct reads.
• There were too many penalties (10 for 111 yards) and more than a few were unforced penalties.
• In the first half, the offensive line did not get much push and had difficulty in pass protection. Fortunately, they were much better in the second half.
• Austin Jones not only missed a 29-yard field goal, he missed an extra point.
• Skyler DeLong only punted three times. His average was poor at 36.3 yards.
• Perhaps a bit nitpicky, but it took until the second half to get an effective pass rush.

Like Nick Saban said, this team is a work-in-progress. When all the pieces come together later in the season – oh my! This could be another very special season.

One more very good thing happened Saturday night. Alabama football had no significant injuries.