Will Anderson’s campaign for the 2022 Heisman Trophy is back on.
He made up for four penalties against Texas with a strong performance versus Louisiana-Monroe. Anderson led an Alabama defense that played fast and physical in a 63-7 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He totaled five tackles — including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Anderson’s second sack of the season was nice, but his play in the first quarter got fans on their feet.
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The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder recorded his first career interception versus the Warhawks. After collecting a pick, Anderson did his best Marcell Dareus impression from the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. He took the interception for a 25-yard touchdown, pushing the Crimson Tide’s leads to 14-0. Anderson was hyped up, his teammates were proud, and Nick Saban was pleased with the defensive score. He accounted for one of two forced turnovers, and a few of his teammates reacted to the play.
Will Anderson takes it to the HOUSE pic.twitter.com/VmKQRSRfc0
— Eli Walker (@EliWalkerr11) September 17, 2022
WILL ANDERSON PICK-SIX 😤 pic.twitter.com/DGF7pzuts8
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 17, 2022
“Heisman,” Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry said about Anderson’s pick-six. “What he can’t do. I have seen it all, and that’s not the first time I’ve seen him catch an interception. It was very exciting for us as a defensive unit, and we are proud of him. He brings so much energy to the team.”
Henry To’oto’o, a senior linebacker, said Anderson was surprised to catch the interception.
“He was happy,” To’oto’o said about Anderson’s expression after the interception. “He had a little stiff arm. He was watching as they played it on board, and he was like ‘I can’t believe I did that.’ I am super proud of him. He was happy about it.”
Anderson was frustrated about his outing last week, but he responded with a bounce-back outing.
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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.
