ESPN’s Heather Dinich was right last week when she said don’t count out Alabama in the College Football Playoff race.
The CFP expert and national media witnessed an impressive feat by the Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Kalen DeBoer went into “Death Valley” and ended all hopes of the Tigers making the 12-team playoff. He kept the Tide in the conversation with a great game plan and excellent execution. Alabama owned the atmosphere, running LSU out the building with a 42-13 victory.
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So, what did we learn about the Tide after the win? The breakdown is below.
1. Jalen Milroe is back to his confident self
Jalen Milroe looked the quarterback he was versus Georgia and Wisconsin last week.
After resting up and getting healthy, the redshirt junior brought the juice from last season’s matchup against LSU.
He did not have to use his arm because the Tigers’ defense could not stop his legs. Milroe posted 155 yards rushing with four touchdowns versus LSU in 2023, so he decided to torch it again in Baton Rouge, La. The native Texan collected 185 rushing yards with four scores on 12 carries. He got the party started with a 39-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, and then added scoring runs of 10, 19, and 72 yards. His 72-yard explosion in the fourth quarter displayed him at top speed and full strength.
Milroe was confident, excited, and decisive, and he’s at his best when he is all three.
2. Nick Sheridan called a full offensive masterpiece
Nick Sheridan learned from the moment he had earlier in the season versus Georgia.
He had a good first half against the Bulldogs, but Sheridan kept his foot on LSU’s neck.
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He mixed up the run and pass game, yet Sheridan leaned more on Milroe’s legs and the running backs. He quickly recognized the Tigers’ inability to stop the rushing attack and turned his play-calling to wear down LSU’s defensive front. The 36-year-old had a game plan that allowed the Tide to have 311 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He left the coaching booth late in the fourth quarter to join his fellow coaches on a field with a smile. Sheridan was pumped up about his performance and the execution.
When he calls a complete game, Sheridan is a very good offensive mind.
3. Alabama’s RBs are showing up more
Jalen Milroe had an outstanding performance as a runner, but Alabama’s backs were involved.
Jam Miller showed his versatility, catching five passes for 50 yards. He converted two third-down attempts and rushed for 38 yards on 13 carries. Justice Haynes earned a rushing touchdown over a fourth straight SEC opponent, dating back to Alabama’s matchup against South Carolina. Richard Young got the final touchdown for the Tide on an 8-yard run with 2:07 left in the game.
They were able to contribute in the passing game and the running game, so the backs were effective.
4. Alabama’s defense has an identity
The “Swarm Defense” is on fire.
Kane Wommack’s group has an identity and it is violent intentions.
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Alabama has allowed one touchdown in two games. LSU got into the end zone with 11 seconds remaining in the matchup, but the Crimson Tide held it to six points for much the contest. Alabama forced three takeaways, including two interceptions off Garrett Nussmeier. LSU got into the red zone three times and twice it was held to field goals. Deontae Lawson, a veteran linebacker for Alabama, recorded an interception off Nussmeier on the Tigers’ third red zone opportunity. Alabama’s defense won on third down, allowing six conversions on 14 attempts. Its secondary did not allow an LSU wide receiver to catch a pass until the second quarter. Alabama had Nussmeier uncomfortable and rendered one of the best offenses in the nation to just 13 points at home.
5. Alabama is playing complimentary football
Alabama’s offense and defense are playing well off each other.
The matchup versus LSU showed it as the offense cashed in on the defense getting takeaways. Alabama’s defense hit the field excited after the offense scored, wanting to create more opportunities. Both sides are gelling together at the right time.
When the Tide is clicking like this, it is one of the best teams in college football.
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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.
