Alabama Football: Studs and Duds for Bama Win over Mizzou

Alabama Football Duds

Second half D

At halftime, the Alabama football defense had allowed 113 yards and 3 points. In the second half, the team gave up 209 yards and 16 points. The two touchdowns were heartbreaking—the first was a bust in coverage, leaving the running back on a wheel route. The next score came on the last play of the game when quarterback Connor Bazelak scooted nine yards for the touchdown.

Saban spoke on the defensive letdown in the second half,

"But I was really encouraged by the way we played defensively in the first half, not the way we need to play in the second half. And the biggest issue was third down. I mean, we played well on third, got off the field on third down and when you play teams like this and they can convert on third down — they extend drives, they’re going fast, they’re fast-balling you — the most important thing is to get off the field on third and we did that not very well in the second half and that extended drives for them. And that’s what was a problem for us on defense.”"

The defense will need to maintain their intensity throughout the fourth quarter and not let up. Getting off the field on third downs will need to improve after eight first downs on 16 tries.

Freshman Debuts for Young and Sanders

Unfortunately, the pair did not get off to a great start.

The five-star quarterback Young was 5/8 for 54 yards and had the team’s only turnover, a fumble.

Saban spoke on Young’s anticipated debut,

"“We thought he needed to get some experience, and I think it will be helpful in terms of his learning curve. He’s the backup quarterback, so we’ve gotta get him ready to play, as well.”"

Redshirt freshman Trey Sanders carried the ball nine times for one yard.

As the season progresses, expect the two studs to play better moving forward.

Alabama football squares off against Texas A&M Saturday in Bryant Denny Stadium. Check with Bama Hammer throughout the week on updates.