Head coach Nick Saban and his staff at the University of Alabama recognized six players for weekly honors, following the Crimson Tide’s 42-3 win over Duke on last week.
Tua Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy were named on offense, the trio of DJ Dale, Anfernee Jennings and Xavier McKinney were named on defense, and Henry Ruggs III was chosen on special teams.
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Tagovailoa, junior quarterback, completed 26 of 31 passes (84 percent) against the Blue Devils for 336 yards with four touchdowns to no interceptions. He guided Alabama’s offense to 512 total yards and six third down conversions on 12 attempts. Tagovailoa targeted nine different receivers – including tight ends Miller Forristall and Major Tennison.
Both players brought in a scoring pass from Tagovailoa.
Jeudy, a junior, led the Tide with 10 receptions for 137 yards and a score.
He averaged 13.7 yards per reception on 13 targets, while his 10 catches were a career-high and the most by an Alabama player since ArDarius Stewart’s performance of 10 receptions versus Auburn in 2016.
The native Floridian now has 17 career touchdowns, which moves him into a tie for fourth all-time in school history with Ruggs and D.J. Hall (2004-07).
Dale, a true freshman, earned his first start at nose tackle.
He finished with three tackles, including half a tackle for loss – and was instrumental in Duke collecting just 107 yards rushing on 32 carries.
Jennings, a redshirt senior, tied for second on the team in tackles (six).
He delivered constant pressure off the edge that limited Quentin Harris of the Blue Devils to have just 97 passing yards on 12-of-27 attempts completed. Jennings’ efforts led to Harris throwing two interceptions and the Tide creating three turnovers total on last week.
McKinney, junior safety, led the defense with eight tackles.
His eight stops set a new career-high and he assisted Alabama in rendering Duke to 204 total yards offensively.
McKinney also recorded one quarterback pressure to Harris.
Ruggs, a junior, started on kick return against the Blue Devils.
He posted 22 yards on his first return to start the matchup.
Alabama will return to practice today at 4:20 p.m., to start preparations for its home opener versus New Mexico State this weekend at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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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.
