After shutting up Louisville, Tua Tagovailoa continued his strong play in the first half of Alabama’s home opener versus Arkansas State. The sophomore displayed efficiency through 11 passes, completing seven of them for 180 yards with three touchdowns. His efforts have placed him at five scoring passes this season and 14 for his career – dating back 2017 against Fresno State.
Thoughts of Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban redshirting Jalen Hurts dominated social media all week; however, the junior from Texas got action.
He completed six of seven attempts for 85 passing yards with two scores, including a 10-yard pass to Irv Smith Jr for a touchdown.
Damien Harris and Najee Harris anchored the Tide’s ground game as the two combined for 117 yards (Najee Harris – 59, Damien Harris – 58) on 11 carries, while Josh Jacobs turned in 12 yards rushing on 3 tries. Alabama’s trio of sophomore wide receivers – Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith and Henry Ruggs III — each collected a touchdown reception in the first half.
Jeudy led all weapons with 79 yards and two scores on three catches.
Despite a slow start, the Tide’s defense got things going late in the first quarter.
Safety Xavier McKinney led the team in tackles (six), while defensive end Isaiah Buggs had five tackles and one sack.
Junior linebacker Mack Wilson had three stops and a multitude of Tide players totaled two tackles. Cornerback Saivion Smith got the non-offensive touchdown party started for Alabama with a 38-yard interception returned for a score in the second quarter.
Saban will get on Austin Jones for missing two extra points and his defense in allowing 66 rushing yards to the Red Wolves, but those things will be cleaned up in the second half.
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.
