TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts picked up where he left off last week with efficiency in both the passing and rushing attack against Colorado State.
He completed eight of 11 passes in the first half for 187 yards and two touchdowns, including a 52-yard strike to senior wide receiver Robert Foster in the second quarter. The play was Foster’s first touchdown reception since the 2015 season versus Wisconsin.
Hurts leads Alabama in rushing with 64 yards and a touchdown on six carries. His 27-yard rushing score in the first quarter was his third of the season and 16 of his career.
Calvin Ridley was the high man for the Tide in receiving, hauling in three passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on five targets. He averaged 30.7 yards per catch, while his 78-yard catch and score from Hurts moved him into a tie for fourth all-time with former player Ozzie Newsome.
Despite having some players out due to injuries, Alabama’s defense has yet to affect opposing quarterbacks since the Florida State game. Colorado State’s quarterback Nick Stevens totaled 119 yards passing and a touchdown on 10 of 14 completions. Wide receiver Michael Gallup created a few missed tackles from the Tide’s secondary, as he collected three passes for 56 yards.
Shaun Dion Hamilton and Minkah Fitzpatrick each totaled five tackles (team-high), but defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt must make adjustments in the second half.
Alabama leads 24-10.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
