Alabama brought the competitive fire Nick Saban wanted in the first half versus Louisiana-Monroe.
After having inconsistent play against Texas, the Crimson Tide’s offense, defense, and special teams accounted for touchdowns.
RELATED: WATCH: Will Anderson with a pick-six on a tipped ball against ULM
Bryce Young found Traeshon Holden for a 33-yard score, Will Anderson collected his first career interception for a 25-yard touchdown, and Malachi Moore returned a blocked punt for a score. Alabama fans were excited inside Bryant-Denny Stadium to see Alabama return to getting non-offensive touchdowns. Young completed 10 of 13 passes for 174 yards with three touchdowns (one rushing) and one interception. He has 61 total touchdowns in his career, moving him to fourth all-time in school history.
Young also has 56 career touchdown passes, tying him with Mac Jones for third all-time in school history.
Jahmyr Gibbs was Alabama’s leading rusher with 36 yards on four carries. Cameron Latu was the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver with 51 yards on three catches. Holden collected 47 yards receiving for the Tide as it leads 35-7 at halftime.
Defensively, Alabama is playing fast. Anderson has made up for four penalties against the Longhorns.
He has five total tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack. Anderson’s pick-six came in the first quarter. DeMarcco Hellams leads the Tide with six total tackles. Brian Branch has five tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup. Henry To’oto’o finished the first half with five tackles. Jaylen Moody chimes in with four tackles, while Byron Young has three stops — including a shared sack and shared tackle for loss. Malachi Moore recorded his first defensive touchdown since 2020. He returned a fumble against Tennessee for a 28-yard score during his freshman campaign. Alabama fans are excited to see him back making impactful plays.
The lone negative for the Tide is having five first downs and not converting a third down on two tries. Nick Saban’s defense did not force a turnover against Utah State and Texas, but it got two versus the Warhawks.
Hopefully, the Tide can establish more on offense in the second half.
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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.
