For the second week in a row, Alabama started slow and dug itself a hole. Against Kentucky, it was relatively small as the Crimson Tide trailed just 17-13 at halftime before a 32-0 second half allowed them to cruise to a 45-17 win.
With three minutes to go in the first half against Florida State, Alabama was stunningly behind 21-6. From there, the Crimson Tide scored three touchdowns in three minutes to take the 26-21 lead at the half, and ultimately outscored the Seminoles 44-15 the rest of the way to earn a 50-36 win in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It's the type of game that isn't always easy to feel great about. Alabama has to get a lot better, but the season is too short to be too upset when you win. Let's hand out some game balls in Alabama's two-touchdown win:
1. Keelon Russell
The first has to go to Keelon Russell, who grew up right in front of our eyes against Florida State. After struggling early against Kentucky last week, Russell played a strong second half. This week, he played a strong game overall.
Trailing 21-6, Russell led seven consecutive scoring drives for the Crimson Tide. He hit three touchdown passes in three minutes to turn a 15-point deficit into a five-point halftime lead. Russell hit Cederian Morgan, Ryan Coleman-Williams, and Kaleb Edwards for touchdowns to completely flip the game on its head.
In the second half, Russell scrambled for a 56-yard touchdown that finally gave the Crimson Tide some breathing room. He finished 23-of-30 for 320 yards and four total touchdowns and looked every bit like the superstar QB he was billed to be.
The game is slowing down for him already, and that's a terrifying thought for everyone in Alabama's path.
2. Lotzeir Brooks
While Ryan Coleman-Williams has typically grabbed the headlines, there aren't many receivers in the country who are steadier than sophomore Lotzeir Brooks. The former 3-star recruit burst onto the scene as a freshman last year, and he's leveled up as a sophomore.
He had his biggest game to date against FSU, turning eight receptions into 101 yards. He was a friendly target for Russell, making difficult catches and making things happen with the ball in his hands.
With Coleman-Williams producing an explosive play in the passing game on a swing pass from Russell, we are starting to see the dynamic duo that those two can be for Alabama.
3. Alabama's offensive line
The MVP of the season so far for Alabama might be offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, who has the Crimson Tide much improved up front from where they were a year ago. Russell was only sacked one time, and Alabama mustered 249 rushing yards against the Noles. 220 of them came in the second half as the Tide just asserted its will up front.
Alabama's trio of running backs were all outstanding:
- Trae'shawn Brown: 12 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD (7.2 ypc)
- Daniel Hill: 11 carries, 59 yards, 0 TD (5.4 ypc)
- EJ Crowell: 7 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD (7.2 ypc)
That's a pretty strong three-headed monster in the backfield, and that's with AK Dear missing his third straight game. What has been a weakness the last couple of seasons has flipped into a strength through three weeks for Alabama. Give the offensive line its flowers.
4. Justin Hill
There weren't many bright spots for Kane Wommack and his defense on Saturday afternoon/evening. It looked like the game plan Alabama had to stop Ashton Daniels was incredulous to the fact that he could complete passes down the field. Daniels burned Alabama repeatedly, particularly with star WR Duce Robinson, who was a mismatch for the Tide's secondary.
But one of the few bright spots was sophomore Wolf LB Justin Hill. He was all over the field, did a good job setting the edge, and chased down Daniels on a couple of occasions when it looked like the FSU QB might get the edge for a big play.
Hill had three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in Alabama's win. Wommack won't be happy with many of his defenders when he watches the tape tonight/tomorrow, but Hill should grade out fairly well.
5. Conor Talty
Hats off to Conor Talty, who has clearly put in the work this offseason to improve. After a 3-of-3 day against Florida State, Talty is now a perfect 8-of-8 on field goal attempts this year. He was the only offense for Alabama early, connecting on field goals of 32 and 43 yards. Those were the only points Alabama put on the board in the first half until Russell hit Morgan for a touchdown with 2:36 to go in the half.
Talty hit a 45-yarder in the second half to push Alabama's lead to 15 in the fourth quarter. He's been rock solid all year. Alabama's kicking game and special teams in general were a major weakness last year. It's been a strength through three weeks in 2026.
Talty looks like a real weapon for the Tide.
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