Hello and Roll Tide!

Alabama defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 45-17 on Saturday, improving to 2-0 (1-0). This was the first SEC Conference game so Alabama sits in 1st place in the Southeastern Conference. It started out shaky, but Alabama completely dominated the last 20 minutes of play. Kalen avoided yet another road upset as a double-digit favorite. The offense took a long time to get comfortable, but a stout defense had their backs all game long. Below is a week 2 recap and week 2 storylines revisited. Let’s go!

A Tale of Two Halves:

1st Half Offense – The game could not have started any worst for Alabama’s offense. Here is the play-by-play: 1st & 10 Keelon Russell sacked (intentional grounding) for a 10-yard loss; 2nd & 20 Daniel Hill carried the ball for a 2-yard loss; 3rd & 22 Keelon Russell threw an interception to a defensive lineman, returned for a touchdown. Keelon was completely overwhelmed by an SEC road environment, and it wouldn’t stop there. During the next drive, Keelon was strip-sacked, recovered by Kentucky. This was the first time since 2009 that Alabama started a game with two consecutive turnovers (Greg McElroy threw 2 INTs vs South Carolina in 2009 to open the game). Alabama started to gain ground in the 2nd quarter, finishing two drives with field goals. Keelon did find the endzone, but the play was called back for holding. Alabama committed 6 offensive penalties in the 1st half (1 declined) as the team simply could not operate properly: false start, ineligible receiver downfield, illegal touching. Bama had an opportunity to take the lead late, but Keelon inexplicably threw into double coverage with under a minute left in the half, and was intercepted. Alabama’s offense was a complete mess but somehow entered the half only down 13-17. 2nd Half Offense – Bama started right where they left off, 3 plays, 1-yard, punt. On their next drive Keelon threw the football directly at a linebacker and luckily did not turn it over. Things changed after a 4th & 1 conversion. Ryan Coleman-Williams came in motion, Keelon faked it to him, and handed the ball to Hill at full-back who boulderer forward for a first down. From that moment, Alabama found their groove: Field Goal, Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown. Daniel Hill was the leader rushing 18 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. Freshmen EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown also found the endzone on identical jet-sweeps. Lotzier Brooks led the receiving core with 5 receptions while Rico Scott brought in the only receiving touchdown. The unsung heroes of the day were the tight ends. Marshall Pritchett, Kaleb Edwards, Josh Ford, and Jay Lindsay were heavily involved in blocking plays. They helped a struggling offensive line until they found their footing. Left tackle Jackson Lloyd was powerful in the run game. Alabama looked unstoppable to end the game. They need to find a way to start quicker, or they may find themselves in a bigger hole against stiffer competition.

Defense – Alabama’s defense played lights out on Saturday. This unit, along with Special Teams, kept Bama in the game while the offense was dysfunctional. The defensive line was punishing Kentucky up front. Yhonzae Pierre pressured Kentucky’s QB Minchey from the edge, while Devan Thompkins continually shoved guards backwards at him. Devan had 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Thomkins led the defensive line with 6 tackles, followed by fellow transfer Kedrick Bingley-Jones with 4. Justin Hill also filled in great at WOLF, often setting the edge. If backs made it past the line, linebackers Luke Metz, Caleb Woodson, and QB Reese were ready for them. Caleb Woodson recorded 12 tackles and Luke Metz had 8, as they were flying all over the field. Luke Metz showed great instinct in coverage with 6:44 left in the 1st as he jumped a slant route and took an interception back 34-yards for the touchdown. This tied the game at 7-7, both teams scoring a defensive touchdown. The secondary helped the unit simply by not letting anyone get open. Kentucky did score 1 touchdown; however, it was a trick play out of a timeout. They lined up heavy, with 3 tight ends, and faked a handoff. Senior tight end Henry Boyer slipped to the end zone where he caught a 20-yard wide-open touchdown. It was the 1st touchdown of his career, and only his 10th catch in college. Outside of trickery, Alabama’s DBs only allowed 126 yards via the air. Several players rotated in as Kane even brought out a Quarters set (7 DBs). The secondary played violently: Red Morgan and Dijon Lee were physical at the line of scrimmage on screens; Bray Hubbard blitzed effectively; Freshman Jireh Edwards times snaps very well creating multiple pressures. This defense continues to impress and is likely the best of Kalen DeBoer’s tenure.

Special Teams – Conor Talty was once again perfect, making 3 field goals from 25, 34, and 41 yards. Alex Asparuhov punted one time for 54-yards. The biggest play came late in the 3rd quarter when Kentucky faked a punt. On 4th & 3, Kentucky directed a snap to a tight end, but Alabama was ready. QB Reese crashed quickly to the ball carrier stopping him short.

Week 2 Storylines Revisited:

Can Alabama’s run game be successful against an SEC front? – For an entire half, the answer was no. But 150 yards in the second half changed that narrative. Alabama showed that they can block well against big-bodied SEC linemen, however the slow start is worrisome. If Alabama can channel their second half success, the offense could be very successful this season.

Can Keelon maintain his poise on the road? – Keelon could not have started out any worse. He looked completely lost in the first half committing multiple intentional grounding penalties and threw two interceptions. To his credit, he continued to compete and got more comfortable. Ryan Grubb mentioned that his play was “uncharacteristic” as he missed multiple RPO reads. The staff still believes in his talent. He should bounce back at home against FSU and will hopefully use this experience to improve in future road games.

Make the other man quit – Kane Wommack’s defense was flying all over the place on Saturday. The defense swarmed Kentucky’s quarterback using multiple looks. Big hits were being dealt all over the field and it sure did look like Kentucky wanted to quit. Ivan Taylor delivered a huge hit with 3:56 left in the 4th before Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. punched out a fumble (recovered by Ivan). The depth production on Saturday was impressive. Kane Wommack has so much talent on this team that the sky’s the limit.

As always, reach out with any questions or comments that you have. If you know of anyone interested in joining the newsletter, send me their contact info. I will send out an FSU preview later this week.

Roll Tide! -Jake