The Crimson Tide picked up a big win against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday in thanks to another huge performance by their offense and an improved outing by their defense. Touchdown Alabama’s staff has a breakdown of the Tide’s top 10 plays from Saturday.
Jaylen Waddle 1st touchdown of the season
Breakdown: Jaylen Waddle scored his first touchdown on the season in typical Waddle fashioned. The speedy wide receiver got the ball in the space and showed why he is so explosive by leaving defenders in the dust with his explosive speed on a 31-yard receiving touchdown. This play showed Alabama will look to keep getting waddle the ball in space.
DeVonta Smith Receiving Touchdown
Breakdown: Devonta Smith picked up right where he left off two weeks ago against Ole Miss by turning a short pass to a long touchdown with his legs for a 47-yard passing touchdown. This play came right after Aggies’ defensive back, Elijah blades, deflected a 50/50 ball from Smith. The Louisana native was able to show his resiliency by responded back on the very next play with a touchdown reception.
Anfernee Jennings Sack
Breakdown: Early in the game, Texas A&M’s offense had some success. Anfernee Jennings showed, he was ready to play and seem to wake the rest of the Tide’s defense up with a huge hit on Mond. This was proved to be just a preview of what him and Alabama’s front seven would do for the rest of the game.
Shyheim Carter Forced Fumble:
Breakdown: Shyheim Carter was expected to be the veteran in Alabama’s secondary this season, but has had a bit of a slow start to the season. As the Texas A&M ball carrier attempted to squeeze out a few more yards, Carter came in and rip the ball to force a fumble and give Alabama the ball back. This was another showing of what Alabam’s staff teaches their players. They want them to secure the tackle by gain tackling and ripping the ball away.
Ale Kaho Blocked Punt
Breakdown: Kaho is starting to develop and a knack for timing his blocks on punts. He timed it perfectly on this play. This sophomore used great technique and helped the Tide get its second non-offensive TD of the year.
Najee Harris TD catch
Breakdown: With his fourth TD catch of the season, Harris is showing college football he is very versatile. He recorded a 16-yard catch from Tagovailoa, turned upfield and was able to stretch the ball for a score. The junior also posted his second 100-yard game of the season.
Henry Ruggs’ TD
Breakdown: Ruggs’ score came on a simple stop and go route, that froze an Aggie defender. While Jerry Jeudy was relatively quiet, Ruggs had a big day.
Christian Baramore Sack
Breakdown: This was a big confidence booster for Baramore as the redshirt freshman is one of the young defenders who need to step up as the season progresses. Coming in with a big sack on the road against a ranked opponent only shows a glimpse of what he will be able to do for the Crimson Tide in the future.
Terrell Lewis Sack
Breakdown: Finally, Alabama fans got a taste of what a healthy Terrell Lewis looks like. He was a regular visitor in the backfield all afternoon but it was his sack on Kellen Mond which was the real attention grabber. Alabama has been looking for more of a consistent pass rush and if it can replicate the production from Lewis this past week then they may get their wish.
Christian Harris tackle for loss
Breakdown: Harris has been one of the freshmen who has really had to step up this season filling in for an injured Joshua McMillon. After struggling over the course of the last couple of games, reading the play and making a tackle behind the line of scrimmage is a big play for the young player as he continues to grow into his role.
