The students and fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium provided energy in Alabama’s win over Southern Mississippi.
Coach Nick Saban was thrilled to see their support, and the players fed off the crowd.
After battling through adversity against Florida, the Crimson Tide returned to Tuscaloosa with a strong performance versus the Golden Eagles.
Alabama football maintained its No. 1 ranking in the collegiate game. It has a marquee matchup with Lane Kiffin and Mississippi this week.
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The Tide is a -14.5 point favorite over the Rebels. Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson of CBS will have the call. Before getting into an intriguing SEC game, here are five takeaways from Alabama’s win over USM.
1. Bryce Young is starting to have fun
College football should be afraid of Bryce Young.
Last week, a different side of him was unleashed. The sophomore was dancing, smiling, and having fun with his teammates against Southern Mississippi. He enjoyed himself under the LED lights, and this spells trouble for defenses. Young became the first Alabama quarterback to complete 90 percent of his passes (20-for-22, 90.1%) and total five touchdowns. He recorded 313 yards and found Jameson Williams, Jase McClellan, Cameron Latu, and Jahleel Billingsley for scores.
The 6-foot, 194-pounder extended plays and avoided pressure for completions. He was accurate with the football and targeted seven different receivers.
Despite tossing his first interception of the year, it was not Young’s fault. He put the ball in Williams’ hands, but the receiver bobbled it into the hands of a defender. Young laughed about it to Coach Saban, which showed people his maturity.
He will get better as we grow deeper into the season.
2. Alabama’s rushing attack is developing
He took shots downfield with Bryce Young, but Bill O’Brien’s play-calling was balanced.
Alabama developed its rushing attack against the Golden Eagles, and it was successful.
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Brian Robinson (ribs) dressed out and participated in pregame warmups, but he did not play. The tandem of Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan almost became the first duo to rush for 100 yards in a game since Derrick Henry (111) and Kenyan Drake (104) in 2013 versus Arkansas. Williams, a sophomore, is Alabama’s third-string running back. He tallied 110 yards rushing with a touchdown on 11 carries, including a long run of 55 yards.
McClellan posted 97 yards rushing on 12 carries, and both players averaged over eight yards per carry. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line performed better with communication in run blocking.
3. Special teams look special again
Alabama fans are happy to have Jameson Williams in Tuscaloosa.
After two seasons with Ohio State, Williams had fans on their feet versus Southern Miss.
He became the first player in school history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in a game.
Williams had a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown to open the game and an 83-yard return in the fourth quarter. He is the second receiver of the David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea era to record 23 miles per hour on the catapult system. Jaylen Waddle was first to the achievement in 2020 with the new strength staff.
JoJo Earle, a freshman, had two excellent punt returns. Penalties took both away. The Tide has had some marquee return specialists, including Javier Arenas, Christion Jones, Cyrus Jones, Eddie Jackson, and Waddle. Williams and Earle are bringing swagger to Alabama’s kick return and punt return game. People were excited to see special teams dominate last week.
4. Alabama is featuring more players on defensive front
Alabama had more than Will Anderson making plays on its defensive front.
Four linemen recorded at least one quarterback hurry. Byron Young, LaBryan Ray, Phidarian Mathis, and Justin Eboigbe were credited with pressuring Ty Keyes of Southern Mississippi.
Anderson, Christian Harris, Drew Sanders, Dallas Turner, and Shane Lee tallied one quarterback hurry apiece. Anderson and Jamil Burroughs were responsible for the Crimson Tide’s two sacks.
RELATED: Alabama routs Southern Miss with big boost from special teams
Anderson led Alabama’s defense with three tackles for loss.
5. Backup quarterbacks made plays
Many were concerned about Alabama’s backup quarterbacks.
Paul Tyson and Jalen Milroe both made plays versus the Golden Eagles. Tyson completed two passes to Javon Baker and Cameron Latu, while Milroe found Baker for a 24-yard touchdown. It was the first career score for Milroe and Baker as the freshman quarterback connected with the second-year receiver.
Completing passes helped the confidence of both going forward.
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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.
