🏈 Arkansas State previews

[TerryP]

 

[Matt Zenitz | mzenitz@al.com]

Alabama is now on to Arkansas State and went through its first practice of the week Monday afternoon.

Alabama is now on to Arkansas State and went through its first practice of the week Monday afternoon.

Here are some notes from the brief media viewing period:

-- Freshman outside linebacker Jarez Parks wasn't out there during the open portion of practice. Parks didn't play against Louisville Saturday night.

-- Mack Wilson was participating in drills but seemed to be taking it easy after sustaining a minor foot injury on Saturday. Nick Saban said, though, that the junior linebacker could have gone back in the game and Wilson said he'll be available Saturday against Arkansas State.

-- Saban said earlier that he expected a couple players to miss practice due to minor injuries but that those players are expected back on Tuesday.

-- Defensive lineman Stephon Wynn (ligament strain) is still out. He once again was seen in a black non-contact jersey and heading inside as the media got outside for practice.

-- Richie Petitbon was the second-team left tackle during offensive line drills.

-- Freshman linebacker Jaylen Moody got some praise from inside linebackers coach Pete Golding after stretching out to make a nice one-handed catch during drills.

Alabama practice report: Tide begins prep for Arkansas State

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Monday Insider Report (Arkansas State week)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama began preparations for Saturday’s game against Arkansas State on Monday as players practiced in shorts and shells under sunny, 89-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— During his Monday news conference, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said a couple of players would miss practice but were expected to return Tuesday.

— Alex Leatherwood did not practice with the offensive linemen during the viewing period. He was in a regular jersey but was not wearing cleats. Deonte Brown took his spot at right guard with the first-team offensive line. The first-team unit consisted of Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton, Ross Pierschbacher, Brown and Jedrick Wills from left to right.

— Alabama’s second-team offensive line featured Richie Petition, Joshua Cahser, Chris Owens, Emil Ekiyor and Scott Lashley from left to right. The third unit was made up of Elliot Baker, Hunter Brannon Tommy Brown, a walk-on wearing No. 68 and Kendall Randolph.

— Jarez Parks was not seen with the rest of the outside linebackers during the viewing period.

— Mack Wilson led the inside linebackers during drills but had a play card tucked into his pants. Wilson hurt his foot against Louisville but claimed to be fine during interviews earlier in the day.

“ I just think my scar tissue popped in my foot. It’s nothing though,” Wilson said. “I’m good. I’m practicing. I’m ready to play on Saturday. It’s nothing.”

— Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, running back Damien Harris and wide receiver DeVonta Smith all picked up knocks during the game but were all practicing with their respective units during the viewing period.

Monday Insider Report (Arkansas State week) | BamaInsider.com

 

[JoshB]

Hot take: Arkansas State will be a better team than Louisville this year.

 

[rick4bama]

This game will be Eli and JPW!

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Tuesday Insider Report (Arkansas State week)

Tuesday Insider Report (Arkansas State week) | BamaInsider.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players took part in their second practice in preparation for Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. Players were dressed in full pads in humid, 81-degree temperatures. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— Outside linebacker Jarez Parks was not spotted at practice for the second straight day. Anfernee Jennings led the unit followed by Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley, Ben Davis, Cameron Latu and Eyabi Anoma.

— After appearing limited on Monday, Alex Leatherwood was back doing drills with the first-team offensive line. He practiced at right guard.

— Defensive linemen Isaiah Buggs and Quinnen Williams were limited during individual drills. Williams had a brace on his right leg. According to a source, Buggs was seen earlier in the day wearing a boot. Neither player is expected to miss any time as Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Monday that the team had no significant injuries.

— It was very humid at practice, and there was quite a bit of frustration from both players and coaches. Mosley got onto both Davis and Latu for not doing drill correctly. Raekwon Davis also made sure LaBryan Ray got back in line after failing to do a tip-ball drill the right way.

— Mack Wilson led the inside linebackers followed by Dylan Moses, Markail Benton, Joshua McMillon, Ale Kaho and Jaylen Moody.

— Alabama practiced out of the nickel formation. Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith were the two cornerbacks, while Shyheim Carter played Star. Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney played at the safety sports, while Wilson and Moses were the two linebackers.

— The second-team nickel unit consisted of Josh Jobe and Patrick Surtain II at cornerbacks with Kyriq McDonald at Star. Daniel Wright was shadowed by Keaton Anderson at one safety spot, while Jared Mayden was shadowed by Eddie Smith at the other. Benton was shadowed by Kaho at one linebacker spot, while McMillon was shadowed nay Moody at the other.

 

[TerryP]

— Outside linebacker Jarez Parks was not spotted at practice for the second straight day

There's a family situation here. I would think Saban will address this today in the press conference.

 

[UAgrad93]

— Outside linebacker Jarez Parks was not spotted at practice for the second straight day

There's a family situation here. I would think Saban will address this today in the press conference.

I heard or read somewhere that it was a death in the family and that he had stayed behind for the services.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Games like State are where you need the offense to come out and put points on the board ASAP. State will score a little and our offense needs to give out defense some cushion to attack. Got to stop State from believing they can stick with The Tide and the sooner in this game the better.

Beat Bama...................no ..make their azz quit

 

[BAMANEWSBOT]

Catching on nicely: ASU WRs don’t want drop-off vs. No. 1 Alabama

JONESBORO -- Arkansas State University senior wide receiver Justin McInnis was the proper spokesman.

Minutes after Arkansas State's 48-21 shelling of Southeast Missouri on Saturday evening at Centennial Bank Stadium, McInnis was asked about the blowout victory and, expectedly, about what's next: No. 1 Alabama at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala

"It's just another game," said McInnis, about playing top-ranked Alabama. "I know we've got one of the best receiving corps in the nations. If we go out there and play the way that we can play, the sky's the limit for our group. The sky's the limit for our offense and the sky's the limit for our team."

McInnis' response voiced a respect earned after a superb Week 1 outing by ASU's wide receivers, a group emphatically displaying depth, experience and talent as one of the Red Wolves' premier position groups.

McInnis, a senior who caught one of the school's record-breaking seven touchdown passes to seven different receivers, was one of 11 Red Wolves to catch two or more passes en route to a near-500-yard aerial dismantling of Southeast Missouri's secondary.

No receiver produced more than junior Kirk Merritt's five catches for 55 yards. No receiver produced less than sophomore Brandon Bowling's two receptions for 13 yards.

Yet, 11 wideouts piled up 497 total yards receiving.

"We want to be hard to pinpoint," said ASU Coach Blake Anderson. "We want you to realize that if you take this away, then you're giving us something else and we're willing to take those matchups."

The options, the threats and weapons aplenty, allow the unit to ooze with an abundance of potential.

"You may never look out there and see a guy with more than eight or 10 catches," said ASU offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. "But I think we completed a good number to those guys, plus the tight ends, the running backs. That's one thing we pride ourselves on as an offense that with these kids is making sure that they understand anybody can get the ball at anytime. You've just got to be ready when your numbers called."

Up next, the Red Wolves' pass-catchers will face an inexperienced, yet very talented, Crimson Tide secondary that lost all of its starters from last year's national championship team.

Redshirt junior Deionte Thompson, who started each of Alabama's College Football Playoff games last season en route to a fifth national championship in the past nine years, has the deepest resume of any Tide defensive back.

The starters atop the Crimson Tide's secondary depth chart -- Thompson and fellow juniors Trevon Diggs, Saivion Smith, Shyheim Carter and sophomore Xavier McKinney -- had just three combined careers starts entering this season.

The Tide's secondary allowed 100 yards passing before it held a 28-0 lead at halftime of Saturday's 51-14 win over Louisville and another 152 second-half yards once the victory was well in hand.

"Our wideouts have a challenge," Faulkner said. "They're going against some of the best DBs in the country. [Alabama Coach Nick] Saban is well-known for producing some the best safeties and defensive backs. Our kids just have to go down there and execute what's called."

ASU senior quarterback Justice Hansen, the Sun Belt Conference's Offensive Player of the Week for his six-touchdown performance Saturday, guided the Red Wolves' pass-happy offense to 17.8 yards per catch and 685 yards total, a hefty chunk to the diversity of ASU's wide receiver targets.

"I think in a lot of offenses, guys tend to lock onto one receiver because that's kind of their go-to guy," Hansen said. "I've said it leading up to this season, I don't think we just have one guy. As a quarterback, that truly allows me to go through all of my reads and put the ball wherever it needs to be."

Too much focus on one of Hansen's options could result in being blindsided by another.

"It's important," Anderson said. "It's important that we spread the ball around."

Catching on nicely: ASU WRs don’t want drop-off vs. No. 1 Alabama

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Wednesday Insider Report (Arkansas State week)

Wednesday Insider Report (Arkansas State week) | BamaInsider.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved indoors Wednesday to escape the rain as players took part in their third practice in preparation of Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— Outside linebacker Jarez Parks was absent from practice for a third straight day. His status is unknown, but Alabama head coach Nick Saban said his team has no major injuries to report.

— Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs both going through drills after appearing limited Tuesday. Buggs was working with the first-team unit in Alabama’s “dime rabbits” package. Williams still has a brace on his leg.

— Alabama’s running backs varied in order during individual drills, but all six of the Crimson Tide’s scholarship backs looked to be moving well.

— Clark (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) was wearing a No. 34 scout-team jersey representing Arkansas State freshman Marcel Murray (5-foot-11, 197 pounds).

— Henry Ruggs III led the receivers followed by Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Xavier Williams, Tyrell Shavers, Derek Kief, Jaylen Waddle, Xavian Marks, Chadarius Townsend and Slade Bolden.

— For the most part, Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts threw at the same time. When the quarterbacks did work in order Hurts led the group, followed by Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. Saban has already announced that Tagovailoa will start against Arkansas State.

— Alabama worked out of the dime package during team drills. Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith were the two outside corners, while Jared Mayden and Deionte Thompson played the two safety positions. Xavier McKinney dropped down to play Money, while Shyheim Carter played Star. Mack Wilson was the lone linebacker during the drill.

— The second-team dime unit had Patrick Surtain II and Josh Jobe at outside corner with Daniel Wright and Keaton Anderson as the two safeties. Kyriq McDonald was at Money, while Trevon Diggs was at Star. Dylan Moses was the lone linebacker. Jayln Armour Davis shadowed Surtain; Eddie Smith shadowed Wright and Shyheim Carter shadowed Anderson.

 

[Tidestalker]

-- Saban said Arkansas State has made for a tough preparation, citing the Red Wolves' passing offense.

-- Saban complimented the 54 players who are in the NFL.

-- Saban said outside linebacker Jarez Parks had a death in the family and has missed practice as a result. Because he is from Florida, he stayed back there after the game Saturday and that he should return to Tuscaloosa tomorrow.

-- Saban said Arkansas State runs an up-tempo offense and the opportunity to face that style of attack will be beneficial going forward.

-- Saban said Alabama was a little tentative "up front" at the outset of the Louisville game.

-- Saban said he would like to play multiple running backs but that they are not trying to divvy up the carries based on prescribed quotas. Saban added he would be willing to give the ball to the player with the "hot hand."

-- Saban said what Alabama does with Jalen Hurts will be discussed internally and he's not eager to share those details.

Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama

More here:
Nick Saban updates OLB absence, clams up on Jalen Hurts plan

 

[planomateo]

 

[TUSKtimes]

Early on Saban talks about team chemistry, "people have to get out of their self and into the team. Team goals have to be more important than anyone's personal accolades. People have to focus on when they get an opportunity to play they do a really good job. That's what creates value for them and even more playing time. Interesting coach-speak this week.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

BamaInsider.com team writer Tony Tsoukalas asked five key questions about the Arkansas State Red Wolves heading into Saturday's home opener, and RedWolfReport.com's Luke Matherson answered them.

How will Arkansas State’s passing attack fare against Alabama’s secondary?

Arkansas State has a stout passing attack, but let's be honest, Alabama is the No. 1 team in the country for a reason. While A-State has quality talent on the offense, one thing the Red Wolves don't have is the depth to hang in there with the numbers that the Crimson Tide will bring to the table. I expect the offense to have some success, but it will be a battle all game long for the Red Wolves.

Can Arkansas State do anything to slow down Alabama’s offense?

If there is anywhere that Arkansas State has some questions it is on defense, namely in the secondary. The Red Wolves had to replace six key players in the offseason due to graduation, and there are still a lot of questions that remain to be answered before heading into conference play.

Who is an Arkansas State player Alabama fans should know about but don’t?

I would have to say defensive end Ronheen Bingham. Everyone spoke about Javon Rolland-Jones at defensive end last year. Rolland-Jones finished his career just 1/2 sack away from breaking the NCAA career sack record. While he was a stud for the Red Wolves, Bingham put up similar numbers compared to Rolland-Jones earlier in his career and has done it with around half of the snaps under his belt.

How is Arkansas State from an injury standpoint heading into the game?

The Red Wolves lost wide receiver Dahu Green against SEMO. He is out for the season due to a broken ankle and will require surgery. Green transferred in from Oklahoma and was a major threat in the vertical passing game for Arkansas State.

Alabama is favored by 36.5 points. Do you think they cover the spread?

I asked a SEMO writer last week the same question regarding SEMO covering the spread against Arkansas State, and he said they could do so if they struck a deal with the devil. That very well may be the case for the Red Wolves this week. Blake Anderson knows this is the biggest challenge his team has faced since he has been at Arkansas State, and he said "Alabama is the greatest team on the planet for a reason" earlier in the week. At this point, I believe the key for the Red Wolves is to simply get out of Tuscaloosa with a healthy team before heading to Tulsa next week.

Know the foe: Can Arkansas State test Alabama's defense? | BamaInsider.com

 

[TUSKtimes]

Let's just hope Mack Wilson and Dylan do a better job of picking up the running back in the flats and the dump pass over the middle. We missed some reads last week.

 

[Bamabww]

Let's just hope Mack Wilson and Dylan do a better job of picking up the running back in the flats and the dump pass over the middle. We missed some reads last week.

Yeah, I'm looking for a big improvement in that area. Not to take anything for granted but this passing attack of Arkie State should be a lot of help training wise for our defense.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Yeah, I'm looking for a big improvement in that area. Not to take anything for granted but this passing attack of Arkie State should be a lot of help training wise for our defense.

I agree, and with the real deal next week in Oxford the schedule seems to be setting up nicely to get in some needed reps for our new D.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Inside the Numbers: Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs. Arkansas State

BamaInsider.com - Inside the Numbers: Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs. Arkansas State

About: With the help of our new partner Pro Football Focus, we provide an exclusive look at how Alabama and Arkansas State stack up for this weekend's matchup.

Game Details

No. 1 Alabama (1-0) vs. Arkansas State (1-0)

Location: Bryant Denny Stadium

Saturday, September 8 at 2:35 p.m. CT

TV: ESPN 2 Kevin Brown, Analyst Andre Ware, Sideline: Alex Corddry

Line: Alabama -36.5

Alabama offense vs. Arkansas State Defense
For Alabama, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa graded out at 92.4 which was the highest rating of any player on Alabama’s offense from week one. Tagovailoa threw for 12 of 16 passing for 224-yards with two touchdowns.

The Alabama offensive line was led by offensive tackle Jonah Williams who graded out at 90.6 with 58 total snaps. There was plenty of times on film where Williams was able to push defenders back to create rushing lanes for Alabama’s backs. Ross Pierschbacher graded out at 73.6 in his first game starting at center.

Josh Jacobs led the running backs in terms of grading with an 80.5 off 13 snaps. Jacobs finished with 45-yards off six carries for an average per attempt of 7.5. Jacobs also returned a 77-yard kick for a touchdown. Damien Harris took in the most snaps with 23 followed by Najee Harris at 22. Damien graded out at 59.4 and Najee at 67.5. Sophomore Brian Robinson saw 14 snaps and graded out at 66.3.

Alabama’s receiving corps was led by DeVonta Smith (for receptions for 96-yards) finished with a grade of 79.6 taking 50 snaps. True Freshman Jaylen (three receptions for 66-yards) who saw 23 snaps graded out at 78.7, and Jerry Jeudy (four receptions for 64-yards, two touchdowns) saw 36 snaps and graded out at 77.7.

For Arkansas State’s defense, William Bradley-King at 6-foot-4, 248-pound defensive end graded out with a defensive team high of 85.9 in-fact his pass rushing grade was 90.9 in last week’s contest against Southeast Missouri State. 6-foot-1, 320 pound Forrest Merrill graded out at 79.5 with one quarterback sack.

Arkansas State linebacker Tajhea Chambers saw 42 snaps and recorded a grade of 75.2 and Caleb Bonner who saw 37 snaps recorded a grade of just 47.8.

The Red Wolves’ secondary is led by Jerry Jacobs who was graded out 68.6 in 44 snaps. Safeties Justin Clifton and Darren Jackson each saw over 45 snaps and graded out 68.4 and 67.4.

Comparing the starters

Alabama Grade (in bold type) Arkansas StateGrade
Jonah Williams - T
90.6
Dajon Emory - DE
66.1
Lester Cotton - G
75.4
Kevin Thurmon - DT
70.1
Ross Pierschbacher - C
73.6
Jarrod Chandler - DE
66.1
Alex Leatherwood - G
68.6
William Bradley-King - DL
85.9
Jedrick Wills - T
78.7
Tajhea Chambers - LB
75.2
Tua Tagovailoa - QB
92.4
Caleb Bonner - LB
47.8
Damien Harris - RB
59.4
B.J. Edmonds - CB
61.0
DeVonta Smith - WR
79.6
Jerry Jacobs - CB
68.6
Henry Ruggs - WR
59.8
Brandon Byner - CB
62.1
Jerry Jeudy - WR
77.7
Darreon Jackson - S
67.4
Hale Hentges - TE
67.1
Justin Clifton - S
68.4

Defensive and offensive grades provided by Pro-Football Focus

Alabama's defense vs. Arkansas State's Offense
While a lot of questions surrounded the Alabama defensive secondary, the unit fared very well in the week one opener against a pass-happy Louisville. The defensive grade for safety Deionte Thompson was a 94.2, the highest graded player on the entire defense, corner's Saivion Smithand Trevon Diggs graded out 72.6 and 71.6 respectively. Diggs was targeted five times on the night and allowed just two receptions for five yards. Smith was targeted three times and gave up just one reception for six yards.

Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams who graded out at 90.0 recorded four tackles and four defensive stops that constituted for loss yardage, he also had two quarterback hurries. 6-foot-7, 316 pound Raekwon Davis hurried the quarterback four times and finished with two tackles, the duo caused issues for Louisville all game long.

For Arkansas State, quarterback Justice Hansen at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds threw the football a total 37 times and completed 26 passes for 423-yards with six touchdowns and one inception. The Red Wolves spread the football out a ton and 11 different receivers caught a pass last weekend, Kirk Merritt (5-11, 205) and Omar Bayless (6-3, 207) were each targeted a total of six times, Merritt finished with five receptions for 55-yards and Bayless finished with two receptions for 67-yards and a touchdown.

Comparing the starters

Alabama Grade (in bold type) Arkansas State Grade
Raekwon Davis - DE
72.6
Lanard Bonner - T
77.9
Quinnen Williams - DT
90.0
Andrew Harris - G
56.3
Isaiah Buggs - DE
67.3
Jacob Still - C
55.7
Christian Miller - OLB
61.4
Marvis Brown - G
53.1
Anfernee Jennings - OLB
67.8
Nour E. Seidnaly - T
60.6
Mack Wilson - ILB
61.1
Justin Hansen - QB
91.6
Dylan Moses - ILB
52.0
Armond Weh-Weh - RB
61.9
Saivion Smith - CB
72.6
Omar Bayless - WR
58.9
Trevon Diggs - CB
71.6
Kirk Merritt - WR
61.1
Xavier McKinney - S
60.4
Justin McInnis - WR
70.1
Deionte Thompson - S
94.2
Kendrick Edwards - WR
56.1

Defensive and offensive grades provided by Pro-Football Focus

Alabama's Special Teams vs. Arkansas State's Special Teams
Austin Jones was 1 of 2 for field goals against Louisville. True freshman punter Skyler DeLong punted three times for an average of 36.3. Alabama’s punt return and kick return were incredible with Waddle returning four punts for 80-yards and Josh Jacobs returned one kick 77-yards for a touchdown.

For Arkansas State, De’Vion Warren returned four kicks for 102-yards with a longest of 34-yards. Blake Johnson punted four times for 122-yards which is an average of 30.5. Connor Limpert was two for two on field goals.

Comparing the starters

Alabama Grade (in bold type) Arkansas State Grade
Austin Jones - K
60.1
Connor Limpert - K
60.9
Skyler DeLong - P
60.0
Blake Johnson - P
59.0
Jaylen Waddle - PR
82.9
Jared Cornelius - PR
60.8
Josh Jacobs - KR
87.4
De'Vion Warren - KR
62.8

Special teams grades provided by Pro Football Focus

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Inside the Numbers: Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs. Arkansas State

BamaInsider.com - Inside the Numbers: Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs. Arkansas State

About: With the help of our new partner Pro Football Focus, we provide an exclusive look at how Alabama and Arkansas State stack up for this weekend's matchup.

Game Details

No. 1 Alabama (1-0) vs. Arkansas State (1-0)

Location: Bryant Denny Stadium

Saturday, September 8 at 2:35 p.m. CT

TV: ESPN 2 Kevin Brown, Analyst Andre Ware, Sideline: Alex Corddry

Line: Alabama -36.5

Alabama offense vs. Arkansas State Defense
For Alabama, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa graded out at 92.4 which was the highest rating of any player on Alabama’s offense from week one. Tagovailoa threw for 12 of 16 passing for 224-yards with two touchdowns.

The Alabama offensive line was led by offensive tackle Jonah Williams who graded out at 90.6 with 58 total snaps. There was plenty of times on film where Williams was able to push defenders back to create rushing lanes for Alabama’s backs. Ross Pierschbacher graded out at 73.6 in his first game starting at center.

Josh Jacobs led the running backs in terms of grading with an 80.5 off 13 snaps. Jacobs finished with 45-yards off six carries for an average per attempt of 7.5. Jacobs also returned a 77-yard kick for a touchdown. Damien Harris took in the most snaps with 23 followed by Najee Harris at 22. Damien graded out at 59.4 and Najee at 67.5. Sophomore Brian Robinson saw 14 snaps and graded out at 66.3.

Alabama’s receiving corps was led by DeVonta Smith (for receptions for 96-yards) finished with a grade of 79.6 taking 50 snaps. True Freshman Jaylen (three receptions for 66-yards) who saw 23 snaps graded out at 78.7, and Jerry Jeudy (four receptions for 64-yards, two touchdowns) saw 36 snaps and graded out at 77.7.

For Arkansas State’s defense, William Bradley-King at 6-foot-4, 248-pound defensive end graded out with a defensive team high of 85.9 in-fact his pass rushing grade was 90.9 in last week’s contest against Southeast Missouri State. 6-foot-1, 320 pound Forrest Merrill graded out at 79.5 with one quarterback sack.

Arkansas State linebacker Tajhea Chambers saw 42 snaps and recorded a grade of 75.2 and Caleb Bonner who saw 37 snaps recorded a grade of just 47.8.

The Red Wolves’ secondary is led by Jerry Jacobs who was graded out 68.6 in 44 snaps. Safeties Justin Clifton and Darren Jackson each saw over 45 snaps and graded out 68.4 and 67.4.

Comparing the starters

Alabama Grade (in bold type) Arkansas StateGrade
Jonah Williams - T
90.6
Dajon Emory - DE
66.1
Lester Cotton - G
75.4
Kevin Thurmon - DT
70.1
Ross Pierschbacher - C
73.6
Jarrod Chandler - DE
66.1
Alex Leatherwood - G
68.6
William Bradley-King - DL
85.9
Jedrick Wills - T
78.7
Tajhea Chambers - LB
75.2
Tua Tagovailoa - QB
92.4
Caleb Bonner - LB
47.8
Damien Harris - RB
59.4
B.J. Edmonds - CB
61.0
DeVonta Smith - WR
79.6
Jerry Jacobs - CB
68.6
Henry Ruggs - WR
59.8
Brandon Byner - CB
62.1
Jerry Jeudy - WR
77.7
Darreon Jackson - S
67.4
Hale Hentges - TE
67.1
Justin Clifton - S
68.4

Defensive and offensive grades provided by Pro-Football Focus

Alabama's defense vs. Arkansas State's Offense
While a lot of questions surrounded the Alabama defensive secondary, the unit fared very well in the week one opener against a pass-happy Louisville. The defensive grade for safety Deionte Thompson was a 94.2, the highest graded player on the entire defense, corner's Saivion Smithand Trevon Diggs graded out 72.6 and 71.6 respectively. Diggs was targeted five times on the night and allowed just two receptions for five yards. Smith was targeted three times and gave up just one reception for six yards.

Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams who graded out at 90.0 recorded four tackles and four defensive stops that constituted for loss yardage, he also had two quarterback hurries. 6-foot-7, 316 pound Raekwon Davis hurried the quarterback four times and finished with two tackles, the duo caused issues for Louisville all game long.

For Arkansas State, quarterback Justice Hansen at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds threw the football a total 37 times and completed 26 passes for 423-yards with six touchdowns and one inception. The Red Wolves spread the football out a ton and 11 different receivers caught a pass last weekend, Kirk Merritt (5-11, 205) and Omar Bayless (6-3, 207) were each targeted a total of six times, Merritt finished with five receptions for 55-yards and Bayless finished with two receptions for 67-yards and a touchdown.

Comparing the starters

Alabama Grade (in bold type) Arkansas State Grade
Raekwon Davis - DE
72.6
Lanard Bonner - T
77.9
Quinnen Williams - DT
90.0
Andrew Harris - G
56.3
Isaiah Buggs - DE
67.3
Jacob Still - C
55.7
Christian Miller - OLB
61.4
Marvis Brown - G
53.1
Anfernee Jennings - OLB
67.8
Nour E. Seidnaly - T
60.6
Mack Wilson - ILB
61.1
Justin Hansen - QB
91.6
Dylan Moses - ILB
52.0
Armond Weh-Weh - RB
61.9
Saivion Smith - CB
72.6
Omar Bayless - WR
58.9
Trevon Diggs - CB
71.6
Kirk Merritt - WR
61.1
Xavier McKinney - S
60.4
Justin McInnis - WR
70.1
Deionte Thompson - S
94.2
Kendrick Edwards - WR
56.1

Defensive and offensive grades provided by Pro-Football Focus

Alabama's Special Teams vs. Arkansas State's Special Teams
Austin Jones was 1 of 2 for field goals against Louisville. True freshman punter Skyler DeLong punted three times for an average of 36.3. Alabama’s punt return and kick return were incredible with Waddle returning four punts for 80-yards and Josh Jacobs returned one kick 77-yards for a touchdown.

For Arkansas State, De’Vion Warren returned four kicks for 102-yards with a longest of 34-yards. Blake Johnson punted four times for 122-yards which is an average of 30.5. Connor Limpert was two for two on field goals.

Comparing the starters

Alabama Grade (in bold type) Arkansas State Grade
Austin Jones - K
60.1
Connor Limpert - K
60.9
Skyler DeLong - P
60.0
Blake Johnson - P
59.0
Jaylen Waddle - PR
82.9
Jared Cornelius - PR
60.8
Josh Jacobs - KR
87.4
De'Vion Warren - KR
62.8

Special teams grades provided by Pro Football Focus

Moses must have struggled on the film and Miller as well.