Alabama’s Jalen Hurts and Eddie Jackson were both catalysts behind a 48-43 win over Ole Miss. The Southeastern Conference named both players for weekly honors Monday morning, following their performances against the Rebels.
Hurts, a true freshman, accounted for 304 total yards. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 158 yards, while becoming the first quarterback to rush for 100-plus yards under Nick Saban (18 carries, 146 yards).
Hurts guided Alabama to a 21-point comeback, after trailing 24-3 with 2:47 remaining in the first half. He engineered a three-play, 50-yard scoring drive that ended on a six-yard touchdown run from wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Seven of Hurts’ runs resulted in first downs, and he had five completions that exceeded 17 yards.
That's what 5-Stars Do @CalvinRidley1 #BamavsMiss pic.twitter.com/QFnUycCLjl
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) September 19, 2016
Jackson, a senior, recorded a critical 85-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter, cutting Ole Miss’ lead to 24-17. He had two returns for 95 yards, netting an average of 47.5 yards per return. Defensively, Jackson collected two tackles and limited Mississippi’s run game to 106 yards on 32 carries (3.3 average).
TD! 85-yard punt Return @EJackson_4 #BamavsMiss pic.twitter.com/qjAbXMY7Ly
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 17, 2016
Hurts, Jackson and the Crimson Tide will host Kent State on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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.
