The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday evening by a final score of 49-18.
The Tide were excellent in all aspects during the win over South Carolina. Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell continues to impress both through the air and on the ground, and the rising star had the best game of his young career against the Gamecocks as a direct result.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer took a moment to comment on Russell’s big night, as DeBoer believes the young star is learning fast as the season progresses.
“You know, just every game is its own game.” DeBoer said. “But I feel like the last few, he’s learned a lot from the first game, protecting himself, knowing when he needed to move the chains, keeping a cool head when something breaks down, maybe with the protection, seeing the field, keeping his eyes up, keeping plays alive, get outside the pocket, keeping the run pass option, you know, intact, and so not trying to do too much, knowing that you know, live to see another down, throwing it away, running, you know, just we’re gonna make those plays. Just you know, gotta give yourself another chance. And so, not trying to do too much. He’s got the guys around him that can go make plays, and so just trusting them, trusting himself. I thought he made some more strides again tonight with his playmaking ability, and you know just putting the ball in the money, especially with the balls farther down the field.”
DeBoer continued to reveal where Russell could continue to grow despite his success.
“Yeah, I think what you’re seeing now is you’re seeing he knows the offense, and then you’re seeing him feel comfortable, really comfortable with each week. It’s going to be a different defensive scheme and philosophy as far as how they see us and perceive us and how they’re going to you know try to attack us. But then the next part of it is just hitting guys on the run. You know, explosive plays in the pass game. Got to have the protection, but it’s timing and ball placement, and so he’s got the time. He’s throwing more on rhythm, more you know, not as late as he was earlier in the season. And again, that’s a trust factor. But then he’s putting the ball with great ball placement and accuracy to where guys can catch it on the run and go make plays. And so seeing defense trusting our scheme and how it matches up, it matches up against it, and then you know throwing the ball where it where it needs to be, and not not putting ourselves at risk. You know, I really feel good about that part of it. You know, he’s not putting the ball in position where you know it’s getting tipped all over the place and things like that. He’s being smart with it and making plays.”
Russell recorded 400 total yards and five touchdowns in the win over South Carolina this weekend. The sophomore’s potential has been on full display over the first four weeks of the regular season, and Russell will now look to shine on the road once again next weekend when the Tide travel to Starkville for a matchup with Mississippi State.
