On Saturday, Alabama football accomplished what it was intended to do, defeating Middle Tennessee State 56-7 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Blue Raiders of Conference USA didn’t put up much of a fight during the game, as the Crimson Tide ran roughshod over them.
Before the emphasis shifts to the Texas game next week, here are three lessons from Alabama’s 56-7 victory on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
Even as the snap from the MTSU 21-yard line rolled towards him, Jalen Milroe kept his eyes up. When he recovered, he took off downfield, weaving through the Blue Raider defence before converting a likely sack into a touchdown run.
It was the first time an Alabama season began with a quarterback run since Brian Brugdorf did it against Vanderbilt in 1995. Milroe also completed his first seven throws of the day for 52 yards before throwing an incompletion under stress in the second quarter due to a breakdown in protection.
Milroe accomplished all he needed to do in the first half to secure his position as the leading quarterback. He completed 10-of-13 passes for 112 yards and a score.
That score came on a 47-yard long pass to Isaiah Bond. Milroe connected with Jermaine Burton for another score on the opening possession of the second half.
Overall, Milroe delivered precisely what Alabama supporters expected from Bryce Young’s replacement. Tyler Buchner, who came on in relief after the Tide had established a 42-0 lead, was also effective, running for a nine-yard score in the fourth quarter.
Points, points, and more points
Tommy Rees was coaching his first game as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, with Bill O’Brian leaving to lead the New England Patriots. The question regarding Rees before he arrived was how much of his Notre Dame system he’d be able to execute in Tuscaloosa.
It wasn’t the complete offensive barrage that Rees led the Fighting Irish to last season. He did, however, make more use of tight ends.
This was notably noticeable on Milroe’s second-quarter scoring run. Milroe took off to his right side after faking a handoff to Jase McClellan.
Milroe was on the outside with an MTSU defensive back and tight Amari Niblack after he went through the first level. Niblack, who was nowhere near the Crimson Tide’s finest blocking tight end, executed flawlessly, putting the Blue Raider on the ground as Milroe scampered into the end zone.
Alabama also lacked a standout offensive performer. The Tide received help from McClellan, Roydell Williams, Isaiah Bond, Kobe Prentice, and others.
Defence dominance
It was the Middle Tennessee State game, though Nick Saban may not admit it. The true test will be when Texas visits Bryant-Denny Stadium next week.
Nonetheless, the defence seemed to be superb. The Crimson Tide put pressure on Blue Raider quarterback Nick Vattiato up front, pushing him into mistimed passes and terrible choices.
MTSU didn’t score until 32 seconds were left in the third quarter. Alabama stifled the Blue Raiders’ ground and passing games.
Kevin Steele was also making his debut as defensive coordinator, despite being Saban’s first DC when he arrived at Alabama and serving in another capacity with the Crimson Tide defence in 2013 and 2014. Steele’s team was aggressive and made the necessary plays, including an interception by UAB transfer Jaylen Key.
Again, the true test will most likely come next week. However, the defence performed well in the warm-up.
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