Alabama Football: It was almost all good in T-Town Saturday

Alabama football did as expected Saturday and had its way with the Ragin’ Cajuns. It was nearly but not quite all good for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama football and the Crimson Tide nation had plenty to celebrate Saturday during the Louisiana game. The Tide dominated. Tua was perfect; 8-8 for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle was (being redundant) magical. Six Alabama football running backs rushed for 248 yards with a 6.2 yards-per-carry average.

Best of all Jalen Hurts played in his fifth Alabama football game of the season. Hats off to Jalen who earned every bit of the standing ovation given him by Crimson Tide fans when he entered the game. On the television broadcast, it was stated Josh Jacobs described Jalen as the “ultimate teammate.”

Louisiana was so outmatched against Alabama football, it more resembled FCS competition. Any success for the Ragin’ Cajuns came also exclusively from Alabama football miscues. Reserve defensive back Jared Mayden missed a tackle that led to Louisiana’s first touchdown. In fairness to Mayden, he was one of several Crimson Tide players who missed tackles, including starters. Mayden was also beaten later for a touchdown catch.

The biggest negative for Alabama football on Saturday was two missed field goals by Joseph Bulovas. And the two kicks were in no way difficult, both less than 30 yards.

Of additional concern to Crimson Tide fans, both first team tackles left the game in the first half and did not return. Jonah Williams injured an ankle. Jedrick Wills had a less serious injury. Chris Owens replaced Williams at left tackle. Recently recovered Matt Womack filled in at right tackle. Later in the game, Owens also worked at center.

Perhaps the most amazing performance of the day was Nick Saban smiling in the post-game interview. He could not have been happy about the second half play of the backups on defense.

In the post-game media review, Saban said he was pleased. He also said,

• “A little disappointed with the second defense … too many guys on that group that need to figure out how to compete”
• “Jalen handled  (potential redshirt) everything extremely well. … I think he has made a lot of improvement.” … Nick reiterated he is not a fan of the new redshirt rule because it turned into something less than what we all thought it to be.
• “Jonah Williams has a twisted ankle but could have gone back in. There were no significant injuries.”
• On Joseph Bulovas, “We have confidence in him.”

The few negatives should not diminish how well Alabama football played in the first half. The Crimson Tide was absolutely sensational.

The 5-0 Alabama Crimson Tide returns to action next Saturday on the road against Arkansas. It will be another early game and hopefully the last one of the season.