Alabama Football routed the Miami Hurricanes 44-13, but other numbers tell a more complete story. The final score is one set of numbers that is somewhat misleading. As Nick Saban said, the Alabama Crimson Tide got a bit sloppy after the big, first-half lead. Along with sloppiness holding the Tide score down, the second-half play-calling was constrained. Bill O’Brien chose an almost equal balance of run-pass plays in the game. Had O’Brien used more of his aerial weapons, it appeared the Crimson Tide could have easily scored more than 50 points.
The running game never exploded but the offensive line needed the 35 rushing attempts to build communication and cohesion. Overall the rushing output was not nearly championship level, with the team averaging 3.9 yards-per-carry. More respectable were the numbers from Trey Sanders (5.1-yard average) and Brian Robinson Jr. (5-yard average).
Nick Saban did not have much to displease him, but eight penalties for a total of 81 yards was not satisfactory. Another negative number was the punting average of 31 yards. In fairness to the new Tide punter, James Burnip, he only punted twice and one punt, though poorly hit, was designed more for placement than distance.
The Alabama Football staff will find other areas needing improvement, but the team numbers from almost everything else were impressive.
Alabama Football Superlatives
- The Crimson Tide scored on its first five possessions; three touchdowns and two field goals. The five possessions generated 289 yards of offense.
- The Miami Hurricanes produced two first downs and 52 yards on their first five possessions – and zero points.
- With around five minutes left in the second quarter, the Tide led 27-0 and the game was over.
- Bryce Young set Alabama Crimson Tide records for a new QB starter with 344 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.
- Young was 27-for-38 for a 71.1 completion percentage. He completed passes to 10 different Crimson Tide players.
- The Crimson Tide defense was strong against the run with the Hurricanes averaging only 2.8 yards-per-carry.
- The Canes threw 31 passes in their 62 plays but produced only 179 yards.
- Total yardage gained was 501 yards for the Crimson Tide to 266 yards for Miami.
- Alabama Football had a big advantage in time of possession – 37:02 for the Crimson Tide to 22:58 for the Canes.
- Mr. Perfect, Will Reichard was a perfect 5-for-5 on extra points and 3-for-3 on field goals.
- The Tide defense had seven tackles for a loss, including four sacks.
Stats provided by rolltide.com
There is no doubting, Alabama Football played well – very well. It remains to be seen how good Miami will be this season. The Canes did not show much in Atlanta.
Game numbers will be distorted after the Alabama Football home opener. While beating Mercer, deep use of the Crimson Tide roster will create stats not comparable to most games.