The one area in which Alabama football was not completely dominant against Utah State was special teams. The Tide’s special teams units looked rather pedestrian in the blowout victory.
The reliable Will Reichard did not waver and was the bright spot of the game on special teams. Reichard made both of his field goal attempts, including a 45-yarder, and all seven of his extra point tries to score 13 points for the Tide.
The kick return units were far from dynamic. Kool-Aid McKinstry assumed punt return duties, a job that likely belonged to Jojo Earle before his preseason foot injury. McKinstry is an explosive athlete, but didn’t make much happen in his week one opportunities. He returned three punts for a total of 20 yards, an average of 6.7 yards per return, with a long return of nine yards.
These numbers are unimpressive, but, in McKinstry’s defense, Utah State was making an effort to keep the ball away from him and limit his return opportunities. In a game like this, Kool-Aid did well just to consistently field the ball without risking a turnover.
Ja’Corey Brooks returned kickoffs for Alabama football against the Aggies. This was an interesting decision, as Alabama seemingly has so many options at this position. There are several players on the roster that are faster and more electric than Brooks. Still, perhaps it is better that he is back there, as opposed to somebody like starting running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Because the Alabama defense shut out Utah State, Brooks fielded only one kickoff, which he returned for 18 yards.
The Alabama kick coverage units had an uneventful day, as none of Will Reichard’s kickoffs were returned. Utah State was able to return one punt and yielded 10 yards on the run back.
Punter James Burnip has a big leg and booted his only successful punt 51 yards, but he also had a punt blocked in the fourth quarter. Alabama allowed penetration right up the middle, and a free-running Aggie got to Burnip. Perhaps the punter wasn’t free of fault, as Burnip didn’t seem to have much of a sense of urgency in getting the kick off.
Alabama football is fortunate that something like this happened towards the tail-end of a week one lopsided win. I am sure that Coach Nick Saban will have the punt team watching the mishap on loop in the film room to ensure that it doesn’t reoccur in a more critical game later this season.
While the Alabama special teams weren’t necessarily impressive against Utah State, I don’t think it is an area of concern just yet. Reichard is one of the nation’s most dependable kickers, and I believe the Tide will improve in the return game as the season progresses.
The team as a whole just has to increase its focus to avoid errors such as turnovers and blocked kicks.