Alabama fans suffered many emotions in Saturday’s game versus Texas, but frustration was the biggest one.
The Crimson Tide improves to 2-0 with a 20-19 victory, but it was a disappointing performance.
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Alabama’s offense could not run the ball effectively, its offensive line struggled to keep pressure from Bryce Young, the receivers could not get open, Alabama’s defense failed to generate pressure on Texas’ passing game, and penalties hurt the Tide. Alabama lost 100 yards from 15 penalties, including several on defense. The 15 penalties were the most Alabama has had in a game during the Saban era. Big plays for the Tide came from Jase McClellan and Jahmyr Gibbs as McClellan recorded an 82-yard touchdown run. Gibbs was the team’s leading receiver with nine catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Young endured pressure all game, but he led the Tide on a drive late in the fourth quarter to put senior kicker Will Reichard in range for a game-winning field goal.
The junior quarterback totaled 213 passing yards, 38 rushing yards, and a touchdown.
Texas had a lot of momentum in the first half.
Quinn Ewers, a freshman, carved up Alabama’s secondary for 134 yards.
He completed nine of 12 passes, including a few deep ball plays. Ewers suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter and did not return to action. Hudson Card gave a valiant effort as a backup, but he did not provide the Longhorns with the same ability as Ewers. Alabama limited Bijan Robinson’s rushing production, but the talented running back had three catches for 73 yards.
Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington frustrated the Crimson Tide’s secondary. Worthy had five receptions for 97 yards while Whittington totaled seven catches for 64 yards. Alabama’s offense could not establish a consistent rhythm throughout the game, and its defense got exposed in some areas. Coach Nick Saban will have much to work on next week in practice.
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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.
