Louisville came out talking, but it was the University of Alabama that was pure action throughout its season opener last week in a 51-14 route of the Cardinals in Orlando, Fla.
An explosion of big plays was provided from the Crimson Tide’s offense – headlined by sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa – and it seems like the program finally has a return specialist in freshman Jaylen Waddle to ignite the crowd and team at any given moment.
While its 52 points were good for second-most scored by a Nick Saban-coached group since the 2016 season (52 vs. USC), Alabama’s defense was not too shabby itself.
The combination of first-year defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi and co-defensive coordinator Pete Golding coached a unit that held the Cardinals to 252 yards of offense, four third down conversions (14 attempts), and forced two interceptions off Jawon Pass.
Louisville was held scoreless at halftime and managed to only find the end zone twice in the second half. Of the players in action, there were five that stood out for Alabama. Listed below are the individuals that provide marquee efforts via yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
Deionte Thompson, DB
Deionte Thompson is Alabama’s most natural prospect at safety since Mark Barron.
The junior showcased exceptional range in tracking football, creating turnovers, and closing in on wide receivers. He anchored a secondary that rendered Dez Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Smith of Louisville to just four receptions combined for 62 yards. Thompson would record his second career interception in the second quarter, picking off Pass in the end zone and returning the play 25 yards. His efforts set Tagovailoa and the offense in good field position, as the Crimson Tide drove 75 yards in six plays and ended the possession with a Najee Harris rushing touchdown.
INT! Alabama Safety @playmaker_11 #BamavsLouisville pic.twitter.com/I3pX4dsgP9
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 2, 2018
He collected five tackles, including 1.5 for loss and three pass breakups to pair alongside his interception. Should he play like this for the remainder of the season, Thompson will lock himself as a first round value for next year’s NFL Draft.
Quinnen Williams, DT
Aside from one penalty, Quinnen Williams’ debut as Alabama’s latest nose tackle was strong against Louisville’s offensive front.
Trash talk from the Cardinals group was short-lived as the Tide behind Williams held the team to 16 yards rushing and sacked Pass three times (-12).
He was the high-man in tackles (six) and tallied 3.5 stops for loss with one pass breakup and one quarterback pressure. With Williams collapsing the pocket consistently, Pass immediately grew frustrated in the second half.
His second interception was an indication of that as Williams’ pressure allowed for junior defensive back Shyheim Carter to post a 45-yard pick-six.
Josh Jacobs, RB
Josh Jacobs is something else.
He was explosive between the tackles and his 18-yard touchdown run, off right tackle Jedrick Wills, showcased the speed that fans fell in love with during his freshman year. Jacobs’ average of 7.5 yards per carry – 45 yards rushing – came second to only Damien Harris at 7.9 per rush.
His 77-yard kickoff return in the third quarter channeled memories of former Tide standout, Kenyan Drake, as Jacobs lost his footing for a moment around the 10-yard line but kept his balanced and entered the painted grass for a score. Harris mentioned last week in player interviews that Jacobs showed out in fall camp. After the Tide’s dismantling of Louisville, the once three-star recruited showed the college football world that he’s back and ready to roll.
Touchdown! 75+yard Kickoff Return @iAM_JoshJacobs #BamavsLouisville #ABC #Espn pic.twitter.com/jXESSXmBfr
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 2, 2018
Jaylen Waddle, WR
David “The Deuce” Palmer was the last receiver for Alabama that scared opposing institutions with his quickness in all facets of the game. Despite it having serviceable guys returning punts, true freshman Jaylen Waddle commands attention. Teammates don’t call him the “human joystick” for nothing; he has a natural feel for making plays with the ball in his hands.
Freshman Play @ Alabama Nice Catch! @D1__JW #BamavsLouisville pic.twitter.com/XDSR8mZXty
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 2, 2018
Alongside finishing second in receiving yards (66) on three catches, Waddle average 20 yards per punt return on four tries. If not for a penalty, Waddle scores a touchdown one of his efforts and would have given the team its first season opener under Saban since Virginia Tech in 2013 where it scored on offense, defense, punt return and kick return for a blowout victory.
Jaylen Waddle #TheRealDeal @D1__JW #BamavsLouisville #Abc #Espn pic.twitter.com/mijRE1oyH9
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 2, 2018
His brand of acceleration and strong hands on a 49-yard grab from Tua Tagovailoa had fans salivating as Waddle beat his defender on a route and almost kept his balance for a score.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Some people declared it early on, but now all can say Tua Tagovailoa is the guy at quarterback for this offense under coordinators Michael Locksley and Josh Gattis.
The sophomore brings a different vibe and consistency to the game and it instantly rubs off on offensive linemen, running backs, receivers, etc…
He’s definitely more than the one pass he threw at the end versus Georgia, seeing how he totaled three scores in a win over Louisville.
Touchdown! @Tuaamann_ @jerryjeudy #BamavsLouisville #ABC pic.twitter.com/gzKft4rZzY
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 2, 2018
Tagovailoa’s deceptive athleticism paired with his passing mechanics powered Alabama’s success on third down, 10 of 15, and provided an offensive balance that was lacking in the two previous seasons.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
