Alabama Football Running Backs: B+
Jahmyr Gibbs carried the load for the running backs, scoring on two long runs of 70+ yards in the fourth quarter and finishing with over 200 yards rushing. The explosive back averaged over 11 yards per carry and helped the Tide put the game out of reach for good.
Jase McClellan had a quiet day, scoring on a short touchdown run but gaining just 11 yards on six carries. Roydell Williams and Trey Sanders combined for 30 yards on eight carries.
Alabama Football Receivers: B-
The receivers were fairly inconsistent throughout this game. One one hand, Alabama’s top three receivers were quiet all afternoon. Ja’Corey Brooks, who went off against Vanderbilt last week, did not record a catch. Juniors Traeshon Holden and Jermaine Burton combined to make three receptions for 28 yards. Senior tight end Cameron Latu also failed to record a catch. Alabama receivers were plagued by drop problems all game, regardless of who was at quarterback.
On the bright side, Alabama’s young receivers began to find their stride. This group of immensely talented but unproven weapons were able to generate some huge plays in lieu of consistency.
Freshman Kobe Prentice finished with team highs of three catches for 92 yards, including a 41-yarder on the first drive of the game and a 47-yard touchdown to open the scoring. It was the first career touchdown for Prentice, who had previously shown flashes of brilliance.
Another freshman that has shown hints of star potential is Isaiah Bond. Several times this season, Bond has been close to making a big play, and he finally made one against the Hogs. Bond’s 53-yard catch off the arm of Bryce Young was the game’s longest pass play, and was a sure walk-in score if Bond could’ve kept his balance.
Lastly, sophomore receiver Jojo Earle returned from injury and made his first touch of the season a memorable one. Earle’s 22-yard catch-and-run on a screen pass from Jalen Milroe gave him his first career touchdown. As Alabama football still awaits the returns of Tyler Harrell and Aaron Anderson, the continued integration of Prentice, Bond, and Earle into the offense will be critical.