Alabama football had success with the deep ball in the first half, but its offense needs balance against Texas A&M.
Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies have a 17-10 lead at halftime inside Kyle Field.
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Jalen Milroe completed eight of 14 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. He found wide receiver Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard score in the second quarter to give the Crimson Tide a 10-3 lead. Alabama has not been able to run the ball well. It has -13 yards rushing on 10 carries as Milroe has been sacked four times. Jermaine Burton, a senior, has been a bright spot for the Tide. The veteran receiver has a game-high 106 receiving yards on five catches. He’s averaging 21.2 yards per catch, including a 45-yard catch.
Defensively, Justin Eboigbe and Chris Braswell combined for Alabama’s lone sack of Max Johnson.
Kool-Aid McKinstry leads the defense with five tackles.
Terrion Arnold has four stops, and several players have three tackles.
Malachi Moore, a senior defensive back, suffered an injury in the second quarter and was taken to the locker room. James Burnip, Alabama’s punter, sustained an injury as well. Will Reichard has taken over the punting duties in his absence. Penalties hurt the Tide in the first half. Alabama had seven penalties — including a few pre-snap issues — for a loss of 39 yards.
The Tide must develop a rushing attack and stop the penalties for a chance to control the SEC West.
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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.
