In the first half the Crimson Tide the offensive line looked impressive run blocking to begin the game, but as the game progressed pass blocking became a problem for the Tide. Cam Robinson looked impressive blocking but has a few penalties called against him.
Quarterback Jake Coker had an impressive first start going 15-21 for 213 yards and touchdown pass to Robert Foster. Cooper Batemen was the only other quarterback to see significant playing time, he went 7-8 for 51 yards.
Derrick Henry was the star of this game with 13 rushes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, he averaged 11.3 yards per carry. Kenyan Drake also impressed and had 77 rushing yards including a 43 yard touchdown run. In total Alabama rushed for 238 yards against the Badgers.
The receiving core looked impressive as well with nine different receivers catching a pass. Robert Foster lead all recievers with four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line was just as dominant as many suspected they would be. Reggie Ragland led all defensive players with 12 tackles. Johnathan Allen was dominant, he racked up two sacks and four tackles total.
In the defensive backfield, there were some mistakes made but most were expected with new faces on defense and with this being the first game. Minkah Fitzpatrick was the most impressive as he finished the game with one sack and four tackles. Shaun Dion Hamilton and Eddie Jackson both finished with six tackles each and Jackson had a late game interception to wrap up the victory for the Crimson Tide.
The main need for improvement is in special teams. The kicking game was off as Adam Griffith missed two field goals from 39 and 44 yards. JK Scott only averaged 36.8 yards on four punts tonight and also shanked a punt that only went 20 yards.
This was an impressive first victory for Alabama and they will look to take the momentum into next week as they face Middle Tennessee in the home opener inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Ivan L. White is a staff writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Facebook, via @ilwhite1
