Alabama football got off to a strong start to the season, as it notched a 42-3 win over Duke at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on last week. On Monday, Tua Tagovailoa (quarterback) and DJ Dale (defensive lineman) were both named Co-Players of the Week for the Southeastern Conference, according to an announcement from the league’s front office.
Tagovailoa, a junior, shares Offensive Player of the Week honors with Joe Burrow of LSU.
The native Hawaiian captain the Crimson Tide’s offense to 512 total yards and 42 points, while accounting for four touchdown passes.
Tagovailoa was efficient threw the air, completing 26 of 31 passes attempts (84 percent) for 336 yards.
His 26 completions set a career-high and he targeted nine different receivers – including tight ends Miller Forristall and Major Tennison.
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Tagovailoa averaged 12.9 yards per completion.
Dale, a true freshman, shared Defensive Linemen of the Week honors with Jonathan Greenard of the Florida Gators (transfer from Louisville).
In getting his first start at nose tackle, the four-star recorded three tackles – including half a tackle for loss.
Dale made it very difficult for the Blue Devils to run the football, despite it having a flexbone look. Duke totaled 107 yards rushing, but it took 32 carries to reach the mark on an average of 3.3 yards per rush.
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The 6-foot-3, 308-pounder assisted Alabama in rendering the Blue Devils to just 204 yards offensively.
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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.
