Kentucky coach Will Stein talked a big game leading up to yesterday’s home tilt against Alabama, and give the Wildcats credit for bringing the fight. They harassed freshman QB Keelon Russell into a pick six on Alabama’s opening possession and led the game throughout the first half. But, give Alabama credit as well for showing resolve.
The defense simply wouldn’t blink, and through two games have allowed exactly one third down conversion. The blueprint for a successful season was always a defense and running game that afforded Russell time to grow up and get ready for what will be a brutal stretch run, and the second half of yesterday’s game is what that looks like.
A few impressions:
This defense seems to have upgraded talent in multiple spots
Following yesterday’s game, this tweet from Ha Ha Clinton-Dix made its rounds again.
It is still very early in the season, but early returns suggest that Alabama made some serious upgrades on the defensive side of the ball. Devan Thompkins was arguably the most dominant player on either team yesterday, and as good as LT Overton was at Alabama, we never saw him wreck things like Thompkins did. Collectively, the defensive front just looks better, stronger, and more disciplined than last year’s group.
At linebacker, Luke Metz and Caleb Woodson are playing better so far than any starting duo in several years. Both are stout against the run and make plays from sideline to sideline. Metz’s pick six in particular was huge in the game, but Woodson was all over the place as well. They both have a combination of speed and toughness that can’t be coached, and have shown great instincts.
The secondary got better just by returning everyone, but Jireh Edwards is going to be a force.
Look at the carnage. That’s just disrespectful, and Kane Wommack has to be salivating at the possible ways to deploy this demon.
Alabama finally found a running game
In the first half of the game, injured RG Michael Carroll was looking like the most indispensable player on the roster as Alabama’s offensive line was struggling mightily without him. Stein had his team playing with passion at home, and they brought the fight to the Tide early. As a result, Alabama went into the half with only 5 rushing yards.
It was more of the same out of the locker room, as Daniel Hill was stuffed on the opening play which led to a quick three-and-out. After Thompkins forced a sack/fumble on Kentucky’s second possession of the half, something clicked. Perhaps Kentucky’s defense was simply worn down by an offense that couldn’t stay on the field, but Hill started finding success. He ended up with 11 carries for 68 yards in the second half, taking all of the pressure off of the freshman quarterback.
Alabama fans have to be encouraged to see the run game clicking a bit, especially with Carroll set to return soon.
Keelon Russell got his baptism by fire
This was a typical first road game for a young quarterback. Russell made a few plays in the game that show what he can be, including a gorgeous 32-yard pass down the sideline to Rico Scott that set up Alabama’s first field goal, then a dart to Marshall Pritchett to convert 3rd-and-20 and set up Alabama’s second one. Thanks to those two plays in particular, his passing efficiency was outstanding in the first half… save for two costly interceptions.
DeBoer mentioned after the game that he suspects film study will show that Russell should have given the ball on a few RPOs, and it certainly seems that lanes may have been there if he had. Hopefully this game helps Keelon settle in and understand that it isn’t high school football where everyone is pointing to him to make all the plays. He passed for only 65 yards in the second half, and Alabama blew Kentucky out. If he can grow up quickly and take better care of the football, this can be a special season.
The Rico Scott camp hype was real
Scott not only caught the aforementioned explosive play to set up Alabama’s first offensive score, but also caught Russell’s only touchdown pass of the afternoon on a slant into the end zone. Lotzeir Brooks and Ryan Coleman-Williams both got theirs as well, but Scott was the most explosive with 14.3 yards per catch. A good slot receiver can be a security blanket for a quarterback, particularly a young one.
Is it time to believe in the special teams?
It’s still early in the season, but Alabama’s special teams look much improved. I’d love to know what got into Connor Talty over the summer, because he is confidently splitting the uprights with leg to spare. Punter Alex Asparuhov hasn’t yet had a punt under 50 yards. Teams are utterly terrified to punt the ball to Ryan Coleman-Williams, and Lorcan Quinn continues to destroy the football on kickoffs. Alabama even successfully pinned Kentucky deep with a pooch kick on one occasion. This is something that can change on a dime, but confidence in Jay Nunez’ group is building.
So far, so good. Next up needs to be a workmanlike dismantling of a Florida State team that has shown some quit early in the season. Alabama should have no problem getting up for that game. Hopefully the run game takes another step, the defense stays dominant and Russell continues to grow.
How are you feeling, Alabama fans? What did I miss?
Roll Tide.
