Alabama’s defense heard all the negativity from last week and unleashed fury on Mississippi State.
Homecoming was complete for the Crimson Tide as its defense pitched a 30-6 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Alabama recorded six tackles for loss, four sacks, 13 pass breakups, and seven quarterback hurries.
Henry To’oto’o led the defense for tackles (13), including seven solo stops. He also has a tackle for loss. DeMarcco Hellams, a safety, totaled 10 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. Hellams, Brian Branch, and Will Anderson each had one full sack while Dallas Turner and Jamil Burroughs shared a sack. Alabama’s secondary broke up 15 passes, including four from Kool-Aid McKinstry and Eli Ricks. Ricks, a transfer from LSU, got the starting nod at cornerback and had a dominant showing.
He brought an energy that Alabama’s defense has been missing all season.
Will Reichard made all three of his field goal attempts, including a 50-yard try.
Offensively, the Tide did enough to win the matchup. Bryce Young recorded 249 passing yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 35 completions. Wide receivers JoJo Earle and Traeshon Holden caught his scoring tosses. Jahmyr Gibbs led all Alabama receivers with four catches and had 33 yards. Ja’Corey Brooks led the team in receiving yards (74) on three catches. Ten different receivers caught a pass from Young. The Crimson Tide did not have its best offensive performance, but it was defense’s night to stand.
Alabama will be off next week before heading to Baton Rouge (La.) to face Louisiana State University.
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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.
