Alabama football’s report card vs. New Mexico State
Running Backs: A
Last week, the run game was nonexistent. Alabama seemed intent on proving that to be an exception against New Mexico State. Despite having many new faces on the offensive line throughout the day, Alabama committed to running the football. Thankfully, it worked this week.
Brian Robinson bounced back with another solid day. He has been Alabama’s bell cow, and the Tide need him to win if they want to run the ball. He broke a couple of runs for big gains and repeatedly churned for positive yardage.
Roydell Williams went down with an injury, which is devastating to Alabama football’s depth. The Tide are now without four of the top six running backs from last spring. Alabama played a few people out of position at the end of this game, but Sanders and Robinson had solid days.
Wide Receivers: A-
Jameson Williams had another elite day for the Tide. At this point, he is becoming one of the best transfer players in Alabama football history. He would have scored four touchdowns if he had not stepped out of bounds on a final deep play, and he ended the day with over 150 receiving yards without playing the majority of the second half.
John Metchie had a solid day as well, and other depth players made a few nice catches. The only reason I’m grading the receivers below the running backs is that the blocking outside was poor. Williams had a tough time blocking on the perimeter, and Slade Bolden missed a few blocks on screen plays.
JoJo Earle went down with an injury, and he is a key piece for special teams. If he is out for an extended period of time, Traeshon Holden will need to step up as an option.