It was difficult for Alabama, but the Crimson Tide is 7-1 on the season.
Alabama football earned a 34-20 victory over Tennessee at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Nick Saban’s bunch remains in control of its postseason goals and can smoke victory cigars. The Tide is off next week, but there are several things it needs to work on before hosting Louisiana State University at home.
Three instant reactions from Alabama’s victory are below.
Jalen Milroe thrives in adversity
Jalen Milroe plays his best in adversity.
Alabama fans cannot explain it, but he seems to respond well after mistakes. Milroe tossed an interception and lost a fumble versus Tennessee; however, he had two touchdown passes. He connected with Jermaine Burton for a score and hooked up with Isaiah Bond for a 46-yard touchdown. Milroe completed 14/21 passes for 220 yards and looked better in the second half.
He needs to trust his feet more and not hold the ball too long, but he makes plays in tough situations.
Milroe is not perfect as a quarterback, yet he finds a way to make it happen.
Alabama’s defense tightened up in second half
Kevin Steele got an earful from Alabama fans on Twitter at halftime, but the second half went to the Tide’s defense.
Alabama affected Joe Milton and made plays. Chris Braswell totaled 2.5 sacks, including a strip sack. Jihaad Campbell recovered the fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The Crimson Tide had seven tackles for loss and forced three turnovers on downs.
After giving up 20 points in the first half, Alabama blanked Tennesee in the second half.
Crimson Tide still looking for complete game outing
Alabama has a chance to win an SEC Championship, but it is not an elite team.
The Tide has not been able to finish off teams quickly. Alabama has yet to have a dominant performance from start to finish, and the College Football Playoff Committee is waiting to see if it happens. Coach Saban’s bunch finds a way to win, but it has not been pretty. Style points are starting to matter, and several undefeated teams are ahead of Alabama in the polls. It has to turn in a complete game at some point, but when will it come? Tide fans are hopeful that maybe the LSU game could be a turning point.
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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.
