Alabama Football: Takeaways from the Tide victory over Vandy

What can Alabama football fans conclude from the Crimson Tide’s 55-3 victory over Vanderbilt? A good starting point is, immediately after the game Nick Saban was smiling.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Nick Saban made the following observations.

Nick Saban – Alabama Football Post-Game

• Talking about the overall performance “I think the team bought into everyone trying to play to a standard. And I think this is probably the closest we’ve come to it this year.”
• Talking about the Crimson Tide defense “We haven’t given up a lot of explosive plays. This group plays really well together as a group. I’d like to see us get more turnovers.”
• Commenting on the play of Henry To’o To’o, Saban said, “Henry is a perfect fit for the position. I think he makes everyone around him play better.”

The only bad news coming out of the post-game session is that defensive lineman, Byron Young has a sprained ankle. The severity of the sprain is not known, but Young was carted to the locker room during the game and was on crutches after the game.

Alabama Crimson Tide Superlatives

• Bryce Young was outstanding, passing for 385 yards in two quarters and two second-half drives. Young completed 69% of his 36 passes, for four touchdowns.
• Young’s 25 completions went to eight different Crimson Tide receivers. Ja’Corey Brooks had a big game with six receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
• Three Crimson Tide receivers averaged 15 yards per catch or more. They were Traeshon Holden (15 yds.), Ja’Corey Brooks (19.5 yds.) and Jermaine Burton (23.5 yds.).
• Vanderbilt gained a total of 129 yards. The Dores were held to just 47, sack-adjusted rushing yards, an average carry of 2.2 yards.
• Vandy receiver Will Sheppard went into the game as one of the SEC’s top pass catchers. The Alabama football defense held him to three receptions.
• Alabama had eight tackles-for-a-loss, including five sacks. The Crimson Tide defense broke up four passes and added three quarterback hurries.

Even with six penalties and a lost fumble, the Alabama Crimson Tide played a close-to-perfect game.

All of the above appears to be solid evidence the Crimson Tide has moved beyond its offensive weaknesses. Unfortunately, the quality of the Tide’s opposition still leaves some unknown. Vanderbilt is not as good as other SEC teams Alabama will play, except for Auburn.

In college football’s week four, Utah State lost again to UNLV. The Aggies are now 1-3. Texas lost to Texas Tech in overtime to drop to 2-2. Louisiana-Monroe beat Louisiana, to reach 2-2, but the other Warhawks’ win was over Nicholls.

With Georgia being unimpressive against Kent State, in a 39-22 win, Alabama may return to No.1 in the polls. Complaints of ‘Bama hasn’t played anybody’ will be heard. And they will be correct. If Texas was already in the SEC West, the Longhorns would likely be fourth or fifth best in the division.

On Saturday, we’ll find out much more about the Crimson Tide. Arkansas, at home, after a loss, will be a significant challenge.