Alabama fans wondered in the preseason if Bryce Young would have a connection with the young wide receivers.
He answered all questions in the first half against Utah State at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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The junior quarterback produced music with Kobe Prentice, Treaeshon Holden, and Jermaine Burton. Holden led all receivers with five catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Prentice totaled five receptions for 60 yards. Burton had three receptions, including two for touchdowns. Isaiah Bond caught a pass for 13 yards and Miles Kitselman totaled one reception.
Young completed 18 of 28 passes for 195 yards and five scores. He tied his career-high for touchdown passes in a game, and propelled the Tide to a 41-0 lead at halftime. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line has to run block better, but Jahmyr Gibbs showed his quickness. He totaled seven carries for 32 yards, including a long run of 10 yards. Young is the leading rusher for the Tide with 96 yards on four carries, including a 63-yard run in the second quarter. As the reigning Heisman winner, he put a euro step on an Aggies defender to finish the play. Young has a career-high in rushing yards and is performing well in the passing game.
Defensively, Alabama has stifled Utah State. Will Anderson led the team with four total tackles.
The trio of Henry To’oto’o, Jordan Battle, and Jaylen Moody had three stops. Brian Branch, Justin Eboigbe, Dallas Turner, and Byron Young had two tackles. Anderson and Turner each have one quarterback pressure. Eboigbe, a senior defensive end, has been strong against the run. Alabama’s defense has not sacked the quarterback yet, but it has allowed 58 total yards and two first downs.
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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.
