The Southeastern Conference did not have a student-athlete from the University of Alabama represent one of its players of the week, but Alabama’s coaching staff honored six players after its win over Arkansas last week at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Two players were recognized on offense, three guys were named on defense and one player was rewarded on special teams, in the aftermath of the 48-7 victory on homecoming.
Mac Jones and Miller Forristall were awarded on offense.
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In his first career start, Jones exceeded expectations. He completed 18 of 22 pass attempts for 235 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. The redshirt sophomore helped Jerry Jeudy record his first 100-yard performance since the matchup with Southern Mississippi, while targeting five different receivers in the game.
Alabama converted eight of 13 third downs with Jones and scored on six of seven red zone opportunities.
Jones balanced the Crimson Tide’s attack and earned praises from Nick Saban and his teammates in post-game interviews.
Forristall caught two passes for 11 yards and assisted the Tide’s ground game to 179 yards and two scores.
He blocked for Najee Harris and Brian Robinson to average over five yards per rush and Harris nearly had his fourth 100-yard outing. He ended the game with 86 yards rushing on 13 carries with two touchdowns.
Forristall is trying to become a complete player at tight end.
The trio of Terrell Lewis, Anfernee Jennings and Patrick Surtain II were named on defense.
Lewis harassed Razorbacks’ quarterback, Nick Starkel all night long. He pressured him six times, broke up a pass and was a huge part of Alabama forcing four turnovers.
Jennings totaled four tackles, two pass breakups and his first interception of the year.
Surtain collected three tackles – including one for loss – one interception and one breakup.
All three players captained a group that allowed 213 yards, three conversions on third down (12 attempts) and an average of 3.8 yards/play to Arkansas’ offense.
Joseph Bulovas got the gold star for special teams.
He scored 12 points versus the Razorbacks – including a pair of 30-plus yard field goals.
Bulovas made all six of his extra points and executed three touchbacks on nine kickoffs.
Alabama will rest on Monday, but it will return to practice on Tuesday to get some work in over the bye week.
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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.
