Initial takeaways from Alabama defeating South Carolina

Alabama football defeated South Carolina 49-18 on Saturday night to improve to 4-0.

Here are some initial takeaways from the Crimson Tide’s win:

Keelon Russell Takes Steps Closer To Becoming What He Was Expected To Be

Keelon Russell was on fire in this one from the jump, throwing four touchdowns in the first half. The quarterback threw the football on a rope to Lotzeir Brooks and Ryan Coleman-Williams while pushing the football down the field in the first half. Russell looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the sport in this one early on. He went a good portion of the early part of the game with more touchdown than incompletions. However, the Tide’s offense slowed all the way down in the second half. Part of his growth will be continue to do his part to ensure his offense finishes strong.

Ryan Coleman-Williams Has His Groove Back

Coleman-Williams was moving on this one with a different type of bounce in his step. One could say he looked as close to his freshman season as he ever has in this one. The wideout was getting open and making plays after the catch with his explosiveness. Unfortunately for Alabama, if the wideout continues to play with this type of confidence, his days at The Capstone will be numbered. The NFL is sure to come calling.

Offense Came Out Flat In Second Half

Kalen DeBoer will likely hit on this immediately in his post-game press conference. The Crimson Tide’s offense came out on fire in this one. However, the Tide’s offense was operating in an opposite fashion to begin the second half. This will be a point of emphasis moving forward for Alabama. Great offenses strive to be efficient from the start of the game to the end.

Defense Continues To Show Dominant Potential / Flaws

Alabama’s defense did not come out flat in the second half. The unit was able to keep the Gamecocks off the board and challenged the South Carolina offense in the third quarter as Alabama’s offense continued to stall out throughout the quarter drive after drive. The flaws for Alabama’s defense continue to show themselves as well. The unit remains susceptible to giving up explosive plays down the field. However, the defense remains hungry for turnovers which is a major positive.