Alabama quarterback Bryce Young started back-to-back games after suffering a sprained AC joint to his throwing shoulder against Arkansas.
He led the Crimson Tide to its seventh victory of the season, earning a 30-6 win over Mississippi State. Young completed 21 of 35 pass attempts for 249 yards and two touchdowns. It was the fifth time the junior signal-caller tossed 2+ touchdowns and the second time he recorded a passer rating of 90+. Alabama’s offense did not have a dominant performance, but it did enough at Bryant-Denny Stadium to earn a victory. As the Tide enters its bye week, Coach Nick Saban is focused on one thing with Young.
“Hopefully with Bryce getting a week off, it will help him get back healthy,” Saban said after the Mississippi State game.
Opposing defenses have been targeting the reigning Heisman Trophy winner since his injury. Players have been hitting Young’s shoulder after the whistle, testing his durability. Saban discussed the topic in his postgame presser; however, he places the responsibility on the offensive line.
“I can’t really comment on that. You have to ask the other teams that question,” Saban said on opposing defenses continuing to hit Young after a play ends. “We have to do a good job of protecting him so he does not get hit.”
The Tide missed on some plays, but 11 different receivers caught a pass. Young’s touchdown throws went to wide receivers JoJo Earle and Traeshon Holden. He has 18 passing touchdowns to three interceptions. Saban said he thought Young played ‘really well,’ but he wants his quarterback to be fully healthy. Alabama has LSU, Ole Miss, and Auburn coming after its bye week.
“If he can practice some at some point in time before our next game, that will help as well,” Saban said about Young.
Young gets his rest at the right time.
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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.
