The University of Alabama started its 2024 college football season with a victory over Western Kentucky.
Alabama fans showed Kalen DeBoer overwhelming support by recording a sellout number of over 100,000 in Bryant-Denny Stadium to witness a 63-0 impressive win. DeBoer played a lot of players and the Crimson Tide showed flashes of elite potential.
RELATED: What Jalen Milroe said after Alabama defeated Western Kentucky
Below are the five most significant takeaways from the game.
1. The “Swarm Defense” is real
Kane Wommack pitched a shutout in his first matchup as Alabama’s defensive coordinator.
The Crimson Tide allowed just 145 yards to the Hilltoppers, including 42 yards rushing.
Alabama intercepted T.J. Finley twice, sacked him once, and pressured him a lot. Western Kentucky converted two fourth-down plays, yet the Tide kept it out of the end zone. Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell combined for 18 tackles (nine each), while Keon Sabb had an impressive debut as a transfer safety. The New Jersey recorded two interceptions. Alabama’s defense swarmed the field, making Western Kentucky uncomfortable throughout the game. Coach Wommack had his group prepared to dominate.
2. Jalen Milroe was efficient in the passing game
Weather conditions make the ground slick, but Jalen Milroe was explosive and efficient in the passing game.
He attempted nine passes; however, the native Texan made the most of it. Milroe completed seven of his nine attempts — including three resulting in touchdowns. He had 200 yards passing, 79 yards rushing, and five total scores.
3. Ryan Williams is better than advertised
Ryan Williams, a freshman wide receiver, will be exciting for years to come.
The 17-year-old had a debut over the weekend that has everyone talking. Williams, a former five-star, had two receptions, but both were explosive plays. He blew by defenders for an 84-yard touchdown catch from Jalen Milroe in the first quarter, and then showed impressive strength to break tackles on a 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder finished with a game-high 139 yards receiving.
He is truly special and Tide fans have only seen the tip of the iceberg from him.
4. Alabama’s running game was explosive
Alabama’s running backs came to play against Western Kentucky.
The blocking of Elijah Pritchett, Wilkin Formby, and everyone else up front helped, but Crimson Tide fans saw the speed of Justice Haynes and Jam Miller. Haynes, a sophomore, had his first career 100-yard performance. He collected 102 yards rushing on four attempts, including an 85-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Miller, a junior, had five carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. He posted a 39-yard rushing score in the second quarter. Formby, who got the start at right tackle, got the key block for Haynes and Miller to score. Alabama had 334 yards rushing as a team and six touchdowns as Haynes, Miller, Jalen Milroe (twice), Daniel Hill, and Ty Simpson all scored. The Tide wanted to show physicality in the run game, and it happened.
5. Penalties/bad snaps showed its head again
Alabama has to clean up its penalties.
The Crimson Tide had seven penalties for a loss of 59 yards. Mental mistakes doomed Alabama in the past, but that cannot happen in the DeBoer era. Rain caused a wet field inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, yet fans don’t want bad snaps either.
Alabama had one low snap that resulted in a lost fumble and a few that were too high.
After having issues in 2023, DeBoer has to get that corrected moving forward.
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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.
