Alabama’s defense was lights out last week against Louisiana-Monore, securing a 34-0 shutout victory. The Crimson Tide front seven allowed 92 yards of total offense (nine rushing yards) and recorded six sacks. Its defensive backfield created two turnovers and allowed 83 passing yards on a 46.5 percent completion mark. Alabama head coach Nick Saban and his staff recognized 11 individuals as honorees for player of the week, seven were on defense.
UA’s offensive players of the week
- RB Kenyan Drake
- WR Calvin Ridley
Summary: Kenyan Drake led Alabama in rushing last week with 65 yards on 10 carries. Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. His score came in the second quarter on a 15-yard reception from Jacob Coker.
UA’s special teams players of the week
- PK Adam Griffith
- CB Cyrus Jones
Summary: Adam Griffith made both of his field goal attempts against Louisiana-Monroe.
He nailed a 40-yard try in the third quarter and a 35-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. Griffith recorded four touchbacks on seven kickoffs. Cyrus Jones returned five punts for 43 yards, with a long of 22 yards.
UA’s defensive players of the week
- LB Reggie Ragland
- LB Denzel Devall
- DL Jarran Reed
- DL Dalvin Tomlinson
- DL Da’Shawn Hand
- LB Tim Williams
- CB Minkah Fitzpatrick
Summary: Jarran Reed, Da’Shawn Hand and Dalvin Tomlinson all had five total tackles. Reed put in two tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a sack. Reggie Ragland totaled four tackles, while Tim Williams chimed in with two tackles, one tackle for loss, a quarterback hurry and half a sack. Minkah Fitzpatrick led the defense with seven total tackles.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
