TUSCALOOSA—It was only a matter of time before the light bulb finally came on for Bo Scarbrough.
Alabama coach Nick Saban singled him out during last week’s presser, stating that “he’s gained more confidence” and that “Scarbrough will be a factor before the season’s over.” Both statements proved accurate for the sophomore running back against Tennessee, as he recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game.
Scarbrough picked his way on a few runs netting four, five and three yards, until Jalen Hurts, Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs took over. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound specimen would return in the fourth quarter, to show fans a mixture of size and speed that it’s seen from one other running back, Derrick Henry (6-foot-3, 247 pounds).
After getting a couple of blocks in the middle, Scarbrough bounced to the left side.
He then displays impressive top-end speed, generating enough separation between him and Volunteers’ defensive back Micah Abernathy—who has the best angle to tackle him. The end result was an 85-yard touchdown run, marking a career-high for Scarbrough. He finished the game with 109 rushing yards.
His fifth touchdown of the season capped off a 49-10 dominating victory for Alabama over the 9th-ranked Tennessee Vols at Neyland Stadium. Scarbrough and the Tide will face No. 6-ranked Texas A&M next week.
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.
