It was the sort of all-around performance Nick Saban was looking for from his starters as Alabama blew out New Mexico State. The game was all but over at the half-point mark thanks to the connection of quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Young connected with Williams six times throughout the game for a total of 158 yards and three touchdowns. The Ohio State transfer had a number of big chunk plays on the Aggies defense with one pass going for 50 yards and another going for 32 yards.
Despite not having two of its starting offensive lineman in the game, the Alabama front was stout protecting Young and giving him time to find the open receiver.
With the time given to Young, he was as efficient as ever completing 21-of-23 passes for 272 yards and five touchdown passes which resulted in a 35 point second quarter.
Running back Brian Robinson also made his presence felt behind the offensive line as he rushed for 99-yards on just nine carries and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Alabama’s pass rush was a major factor once again as it consistently got after New Mexico State quarterback Jonah Johnson. The Aggies’ pass-heavy offense didn’t prove to be effective on the day as Johnson was held to under 200 yards passing on the day.
The defensive front was also disruptive in the run game, as it recorded double-digit tackles for loss on the day.
By the start of the second half, the Crimson Tide was able to get numerous young players into the ball game to get some needed playing time.
Alabama will return to Bryant-Denny Stadium next Saturday as it welcomes the Arkansas Razorbacks.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
