Alabama Football Running Backs: C
Alabama couldn’t establish anything on the ground in the first half. For the game, the Tide ran for just 23 yards when accounting for sacks. Jase McClellan was finally able to find some traction in the second half, totaling 45 yards on 12 carries (3.8 YPC) for the game.
McClellan also made one of the more clutch plays in the game when his 8-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter converted a 3rd & 7 and ultimately allowed Bama to run out the clock. Jalen Milroe was in full improvisational mode after just barely avoiding a sack when he flipped it to McClellan, who made a juggling catch. McClellan’s knee was on the ground when he initially made the catch, but he was somehow able to get back on his feet before actually securing possession, and then had the wherewithal to get to the sticks.
It was an incredible play to end what had previously been a fairly dormant game for the Alabama running back room.
Alabama Football Receivers: A
This was one of the best games of the season for the Alabama receivers, with senior Jermaine Burton and sophomore Isaiah Bond carrying most of the load. After some concerns about his health last week, Burton enjoyed his best game in a Bama uniform with nine receptions for 197 yards and two touchdowns. He hauled in a 45-yard pass in the first quarter to loosen up the A&M defense, and a 46-yarder in the third.
With Bama facing a 17-10 deficit at the half, Burton absolutely dominated the third quarter. His three catches in the period went for 80 yards and two red-zone touchdowns that flipped the script and gave Alabama the lead for good.
Isaiah Bond also played really well for the Tide. He went deep for Bama’s first touchdown of the afternoon, and then functioned more as a possession receiver for the rest of the game. Bond was very proficient at getting open underneath and making himself available to Milroe for chain-moving completions. For the game, he made seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Malik Benson, Kobe Prentice, and tight end Amari Niblack made one reception each.