Alabama players left Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium with confidence after last week’s win over Missouri.
The Crimson Tide showed its fans the “bully ball” or “Joyless Murderball” mentality from the Nick Saban has not died.
Alabama backup OL says he ‘feels bad’ for Missouri entering the matchup with the Tigers
Alabama has the ability to pound opposition into submission, yet its execution each week must be strong. Tyler Booker, a team captain and veteran offensive lineman, was on The Next Round show on Monday. He carried a fire within himself throughout practice last week and it led to the Tide shutting out the Tigers. His coaches and teammates were impressed with his leadership in making sure everyone was focused. Booker detailed the moment on The Next Round where he knew Alabama had Missouri defeated.
Booker had his helmet ripped off by a Missouri defender on the third play of Alabama’s first offensive possession.
“I was excited because I knew that I had already won the mental battle against my opponent. For him to rip my helmet off on the 3rd play of the game…I knew I had him where I wanted him.” @AlabamaFTBL OL @iamtylerbooker on getting his helmet ripped off vs Missouri pic.twitter.com/5XOOu7B2GC
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) October 28, 2024
“It did not hurt at all,” Booker said about the moment. “I was excited because I knew that I had already won the mental battle against my opponent. For him to rip my helmet off on the 3rd play of the game…I knew I had him where I wanted him.”
Alabama team captain still ‘wholeheartedly’ believes this team can win a CFP National Championship
The physicality and toughness from Booker bled into Alabama after that play. Alabama had a 6-0 lead late in the second quarter, but then it started to wear the Tigers down. Kalen DeBoer saw his offense have a 35-yard touchdown drive before halftime that finished with a 3-yard score by running back Jam Miller. The Tide became very physical in the second half with three touchdown drives of six, five, and five plays. Booker’s intensity early in the game set up Alabama’s defense to force three takeaways and its offense to record 271 yards rushing with four touchdowns. Alabama earned a 34-0 victory over Missouri, keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive. The Crimson Tide is returning to doing the little things right, but it has to continue this success.
Alabama is off this week, but it travels to face LSU next week.
Booker and company looks to continue having the mental edge.
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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.
