Alabama Football: Studs and Duds in Alabama Victory over Bulldogs
By Ronald Moody
Alabama Football Studs
Eli Ricks
Following the horrendous defensive performance last week, distraught fans wondered if Eli Ricks would ever make an impact at Alabama. As a result, Saban finally decided to replace Terrion Arnold by placing the junior in the starting lineup. Knocking down a pass on the game’s first play, Ricks allowed fans to exhale. Completing the game with four pass breakups, he was precisely what the defense needed.
Locking down his side of the field all night, the former LSU All-American’s unyielding, consistent play is key for the defense to return to its dominant self.
Will Anderson and DeMarcco Hellams
Inciting chaos and making quarterbacks uncomfortable remains Anderson’s forte. His iconic, relentless pursuit of State quarterback Will Rogers is legendary, as the terrifying linebacker accumulated seven QB pressures and one sack.
Facing abysmal scrutiny for his performance against Tennessee, a motivated Hellams rebounded significantly as he finished second on the team in tackles with 12, including several key stops.
Penalties
Succeeding a week of 17 penalties, the Crimson Tide showed the discipline needed to bounce back from the last weekend’s abysmal performance with only three penalties for 20 yards.