When the smoke cleared at Tiger Stadium, Alabama stood with a 10-0 win.
Despite strong words from LSU’s defensive back Dwayne Thomas, the Tigers couldn’t muster up enough offense last week. After holding Leonard Fournette to 35 yards on 17 carries, the Crimson Tide returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium for its final three games. As it prepares for Mississippi State, we look at four things that were learned from the Tide’s victory over LSU.
Four things taken from Alabama’s win over LSU
1. Nothing rattles Jalen Hurts
He took a shot to the jaw from Mississippi’s Marquis Haynes and suffered some turnovers in Alabama’s conference road games against Ole Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas and LSU, but Hurts responded to each obstacle with poise and critical plays to help the Crimson Tide win.
He played at arguably the most hostile environment last week and despite struggles in the passing game, the freshman found a way to win. His athleticism guided him to 114 yards rushing on 20 carries, including a 21-yard touchdown to break a scoreless tie in the fourth quarter. Hurts moved the chains on four third downs with his legs.
The moment doesn’t appear to be too big for him, whether he’s at home or on the road. His unshakable confidence was one of multiple reasons why Nick Saban gave him the starting nod after week two.
If he improves his passing mechanics, Alabama’s offense will be unstoppable.
2. Alabama’s secondary will be fine without Eddie Jackson
If one were to ask Eddie Jackson to choose between either the sideline or the field, he would probably give you a distinct look while you come to realize that would rather be playing.
Regardless of him accepting an “assistant coach” role, Alabama’s secondary proved that it can hold its own without Jackson. Sophomore defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and company held LSU’s Danny Etling to 92 passing yards on 11 of 24 completions, while forcing an interception.
Bulldogs’ quarterback Nick Fitzgerald presents a different challenge with his ability to throw and run, but the Tide has faced five dual-threat signal callers this season. It handled both Joshua Dobbs and Trevor Knight, holding their teams to season-lows in points and total yards.
3. Bo Scarbrough is ready to play
With all the hype gone, Tide fans now see a running back that’s ready to play.
Bo Scarbrough has looked solid down the stretch, scoring touchdowns against Arkansas and Tennessee. He recorded his first 100-yard outing against the Volunteers, while being very productive against LSU’s defensive front. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound sophomore barreled through the front line for 52 rushing yards on 11 carries.
He had a couple of huge runs on first down, and converted a fourth down with a 10-yard run in regulation. Scarbrough’s efforts helped set up Hurts’ 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, delivering Alabama a 7-0 advantage. He was ill during last week’s practice, however, his performance continues to build confidence.
4. Prepare for an entertaining Iron Bowl
Barring a Mississippi State upset, this year’s Iron Bowl is shaping up to be pandemonium. Head coach Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers have won six straight games, since starting the year at 1-2.
Offensively, it has returned to playing fast. Running backs Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson have combined for 16 touchdowns, while Pettway has 1,106 yards rushing. Sticking with Sean White at quarterback has paid off for Malzahn. He’s completed 69.1 percent of his throws, accounting for 1,617 yards passing and nine touchdowns to two interceptions.
On defense, it’s been the health of Carl Lawson and Auburn not overthinking its scheme.
Lawson leads the team in sacks (8.5), tackles for loss (10) and quarterback hurries (23). Defensive back Joshua Holsey has emerged as a leader in the Tigers’ secondary. He’s recorded a team-high three interceptions and is tied for the team lead in pass breakups (10), while having 21 solo tackles.
Auburn currently sits at 7-2, (5-1 SEC play) and if it defeats Georgia this week, the Tigers will head into Bryant-Denny Stadium with a chance to steal the SEC West crown from its rival.
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.
