Even in the midst of subpar individual performances, Alabama football superstars Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. played hero ball against Texas. When it came down to winning time, the two All-Americans stepped up and made the necessary huge plays to get the job done. We’ve seen the pair make plays throughout their college careers, but the clutch gene sets them apart from other superstar players.
Alabama Football: Bryce Young
Bryce Young could not find a rhythm for much of the Texas game. He entered the fourth quarter with a shockingly low total of 77 passing yards. Just like he did on occasion last season, Bryce Young suddenly decided to kick it in gear. On just three fourth quarter possessions, Young threw for 136 yards, nearly doubling his passing yardage output from the previous three quarters.
Young also gained 41 yards rushing in the fourth quarter to improve his afternoon total from -3 to 38. In total, he began the fourth quarter with 74 yards of offense and finished the game with 251. On those three drives, Young consistently hit receivers in rhythm, and took off for first downs when nobody was open. In other words, he took the easy play. He repeatedly took what the defense gave him and, as a result, he quickly returned to form as the reigning Heisman winner.
Alabama Football: Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr. was a clear focal point of Texas’ offensive scheme. The Longhorns regularly committed extra blockers to slow down Anderson Jr., and also resorted to quick throws and misdirection to take him out of plays.
Anderson Jr.’s frustration began to mount as he was whistled for offsides on three separate occasions, and culminated in him committing a costly personal foul penalty for hitting a Texas ball carrier after the play. On what had to be a tough day for the Terminator, he still managed to quietly make huge plays that directly contributed to Alabama football winning the game.
When multiple penalties placed Texas on the Alabama 2-yard line towards the end of the second quarter, it looked like a halftime lead had been all but giftwrapped for the Horns. Points seemed inevitable, and Alabama football fans just hoped the defense would keep Texas out of the end zone.
The defense did its job, and Texas lined up for a chip-shot 20-yard field goal. Will Anderson Jr. made an incredible play to get penetration and get a hand on the football, erasing three points in a game that Alabama would ultimately win by a margin of one.
Later in the game, Anderson Jr. once again made his presence felt at a critical time. As Texas drove to take the lead with less than two minutes to go in the game, the Horns faced a third down well within field goal range.
On what would be Texas’ penultimate offensive snap of the game, Anderson Jr. picked a great time to record his first sack of the season. The big defensive play ended the drive and nearly pushed Texas out of field goal range. Had Bert Auburn missed the 49-yard attempt, Alabama would’ve kneeled out a 17-16 win, and Anderson Jr. would’ve been lauded as the hero in place of Bryce Young.
Alabama Football: Will Reichard
Will Reichard was another hero for Alabama football in its week two victory. One of the best kickers in Alabama history, Reichard moved even closer to cementing his legacy. The senior hit a 52-yard field goal to put the Tide on the scoreboard on its first drive. Reichard then sent the Longhorns packing with a 33-yard game winner that split the uprights in spite of Texas doing everything in its power to distract him.
Alabama football has the ability to overcome underwhelming performances. It can beat good teams even on an off-day, because it has superstars that make winning plays in crunch time.