Southern California’s defense fueled his effort this week.
After being held to just two catches against USC, Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley recorded his first 100-yard performance of the season at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky.
The 6-foot, 188-pound sophomore led all receivers with 129 yards on nine catches, including a four-yard touchdown reception from Jalen Hurts as time expired in the first quarter.
Ridley averaged 14.3 yards per catch, with one of his grabs coming on a 51-yard completion.
He was target multiple times on third down, converting on three occasions and picking up a fourth down conversion in the third quarter. Ridley set the school’s single season receiving mark for freshmen in 2015, accounting for 1,045 yards on 89 catches with six touchdowns.
Despite him being disappointed with the effort and execution this week, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban did shine a light on Ridley’s outing in his post-game presser.
“Last week, we got a lot man-to-man coverage,” Saban said.
“I think Calvin is pretty good going one-on-one with a lot of people. He had a really good game and did a really good job today. I was pleased with what he was able to do.”
Ridley has four 100-yard games in his career, but still felt like the team could have done more.
“I felt a little sluggish,” Ridley said in player interviews.
“We just have to come out and play a little faster, get started a little faster.”
Alabama picked up a 38-10 win over the Hilltoppers, but next week’s meeting against Ole Miss at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will tell a lot about this group.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
