Alabama football sent a message last week to the college football world.
LSU brought in arguably the nation’s best scoring offense to Bryant-Denny Stadium for an SEC Western Division showdown against the Crimson Tide. Alabama showed everyone it could score with the Tigers, posting its second 40-point performance versus a Southeastern Conference opponent. Jalen Milroe became the first quarterback in Alabama school history to record four rushing touchdowns in a game, and the Tide had balance in the passing attack and running game.
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One stat went under the radar in the CBS matchup that unveiled how much this offense has improved.
Alabama pursued points, despite two missed field goals, on all but one possession. James Burnip, a senior, had one punt throughout the contest against LSU. It came in the first quarter on the Tide’s first offensive drive. He boomed the ball 50 yards and pinned the Tigers inside its 20-yard line. Burnip averaged nearly five punts (4.1) per game before the LSU matchup.
Tommy Rees, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, showed he can coach the team in a mini-shootout.
The Tide earned a 42-28 victory and have control of the SEC West.
Nick Saban told reporters after the game it was the ‘most complete game’ Alabama’s had on offense to this 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.
