It’s been a struggle for Jalen Hurts in the passing game, however, running back Joshua Jacobs continues to grow. He ended the first half with 86 rushing yards on 13 carries (career-high), including a one-yard touchdown run to give Alabama a 10-3 lead in the second quarter. Hurts completed 10 of 20 passes for 89 yards, while totaling 23 yards rushing. Calvin Ridley leads the Crimson Tide in receiving, accounting for 41 yards on four catches (long of 20 yards).
Defensively, Shaun Dion Hamilton leads the team in tackles with seven.
Defensive end Jonathan Allen falls second with six, including one for loss and a sack. Safety Ronnie Harrison chimed in with four tackles, and returned a fumble 55 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Eddie Jackson and Ryan Anderson each have three tackles, and Reuben Foster has two solo stops.
Alabama limited Kentucky to 74 total yards, while forcing three sacks and two fumbles.
Offensively, the Tide has struggled to move the ball through the air. It takes a 17-3 into halftime, but head coach Nick Saban intends to see more consistency in both play calling and execution.
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.
