Alabama’s victory over Arkansas came at a cost, but Nick Saban’s team found a way to win.
Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter. He went into the locker room and did not return to the game. Young watched the game from the sideline as Jalen Milroe played the entire second half.
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Milroe played with poise in a hostile environment and made huge plays. He tossed a touchdown pass to JoJo Earle; however, Milroe’s legs made the biggest play of the game. The native Texan had a 77-yard run in the third quarter that swung the momentum back to the Tide. He rushed for 91 yards on six carries, including a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Jahmyr Gibbs has been Alabama’s most consistent receiving option, but the transfer from Georgia Tech exploded as a running back versus the Razorbacks. He had two 70+ yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, pushing the Tide to a 49-26 victory.
Gibbs’ speed, vision, quickness, cutback abilities, and contact balance allowed him to become the first 100+ yard rusher for Alabama this season. He posted 206 yards rushing on 18 carries, averaging 11.4 yards per attempt. Seth McLaughlin did an outstanding job at center opening lanes for Gibbs. The offensive line blocked for 317 yards rushing and five rushing scores.
The Tide is hopeful Young’s injury is not serious, but Milroe and Gibbs stepped up for their leader.
Alabama improves to 5-0 on the season and faces Texas A&M next week.
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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.
