Alabama football opens the Kalen DeBoer era with a 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky.
The Crimson Tide looked explosive on offense and the defense swarmed to the ball.
RELATED: Major takeaways from the first half of Alabama vs. Western Kentucky
Below are some initial reactions from the game.
1. Jalen Milroe’s efficiency as a passer
-Milroe attempted only nine passes, but he completed seven — including three for touchdowns.
-He totaled 200 yards passing, 79 yards rushing, and five touchdowns.
2. Ryan Williams is absolutely special
-Williams is an electric freshman and now the nation knows. He had an NFL Draft analyst raving about his performance as the former five-star totaled two catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. His scores came on 84 and 55-yard receptions.
3. Alabama showed physicality in the run game
-Wilkin Formby, a redshirt freshman, opened massive holes for Jam Miller and Justice Haynes on their long touchdown runs.
-The Crimson Tide finished with 337 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Miller, Haynes, Milroe, Daniel Hill, and Ty Simpson all recorded rushing scores.
4. Alabama’s ‘Swarm Defense” is for real
-Kane Wommack’s “Swarm Defense” was dynamic all game long. Keon Sabb, a transfer from Michigan, recorded two interceptions. Alabama had seven tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries.
-Quandarrius Robinson had the lone sack. Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell were everywhere. The duo combined for 18 tackles (nine each). Qua Russaw (four tackles, 1 for loss) and James Smith (two pass breakups) both flashed strong efforts.
-Alabama pitched its first shutout since 2022 when it shutout Austin Peay, 34-0.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
