Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Tua much for Auburn Tigers

Alabama football eased into its victory over the Auburn Tigers but won big going away after halftime, finishing the game on top 52-21.

Alabama football fans were perplexed by the flat start by the Alabama Crimson Tide. In the first half, Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers provided some run-thumping defense. The Crimson Tide offensive line struggled to get any push against the interior of the stubborn, Auburn defensive line.

As flat as the Crimson Tide was early it was energized in the second-half. The difference was big plays and way more Tua than the Tigers could handle. Before it was over the 83rd Iron Bowl had 500 yards of offense by the Crimson Tide.

Tua was sensational. He connected on 25-of-32 passes for 324 yards and five touchdowns. He scored a sixth TD on a signature power sweep, run. Tua had plenty of help. Eight Crimson Tide players caught passes, led by Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III who had five catches each.

Except for the slow start, and the blocked punt leading to an Auburn TD, Alabama football fans could not have asked for much more fun in enjoying a victory. Gus Malzahn did burn the Crimson Tide with one bit of trickeration – a double-pass for the touchdown after the blocked punt. All of Gus’ other, often overhyped, high school-like foolishness, was much-ado about nothing.

The mainstay of Gus’ Auburn offenses has always been a powerful running game. Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers rushed 43 times for an anemic three yards-per-carry average. Even with one 53-yard reception, the Tigers passing game could only amass 152 yards. The Crimson Tide secondary kept the Tigers in check for almost the entire game. Tide linebacker, Dylan Moses had a big game for the Crimson Tide defense. He finished with seven unassisted tackles.

Auburn QB, Jarrett Stidham probably received the best pass protection of the entire Auburn season. Still, he never seemed settled, given the tight coverage by Crimson Tide defenders. He was intercepted once by Anfernee Jennings.

It was another dominating performance by Alabama football. The Crimson Tide was even perfect in placekicking with a made field goal and seven-for-seven on extra points.

Unfortunately the Crimson Tide did lose defensive back, Jared Mayden to a targeting call. Mayden will have to sit out the first half of the SEC Championship game.

How good was Tua? If he was not a Heisman lock before the game, he should be now.