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Henderson: Monday Morning Quarterback on Alabama Football
Kyle Henderson | Managing Editor
Oct 21, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers with Tua Tagovailoa (13) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Five Takeaways Following Alabama's 45-7 win over Tennesee
1. The defense of Alabama has just been incredible and it seems they are getting better by the week. To think that the defense allowed just 108-yards of total offense against Tennessee is mind-blowing. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide allowed just 64-yards rushing and 44-yards passing. After eight weeks of play, Alabama’s defense is number one in the Country allowing just 236.0-yards per game, their defense on the season is allowing just 66.4-yards per game, which is also first in the Nation. No one rarely mentions Alabama’s defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt’s name, but he is a big reason why Alabama week after week is at the forefront of the college football world. Pruitt is absolutely a head coach in waiting and a treasure Alabama fans should enjoy and appreciate.
2. Play of Rashaan Evans against Tennessee was outstanding, to say the least. He is flying around the field at 100%, nearly killed the quarterback twice on the night, and ended the game with six tackles, two for loss, and one sack. It’s apparent that he is the glue on this defense and that he is getting better weekly. He’s a true alpha of the defense and continues to increase his NFL Draft stock as he’s a versatile linebacker that plays at the highest level.
3. The offense struggled against Tennessee in the first quarter of Saturday’s game. Maybe struggled is the wrong word, but the offense looked out of rhythm until mid-second half. Once the offense heated up, they sizzled through the Volunteers defense and used four running backs to get the job done. Damien Harris finished with 72-yards, Najee Harris had 50-yards, Josh Jacobs had 47-yards, and Bo Scarbrough had two touchdown runs from 1-yard out. Passing wise the Crimson Tide threw for a total of 333-yards and was 22 for 33 passing (66%) as Sophomore Jalen Hurts accounted for one-touchdown as did Freshman Tua Tagovailoa.
4. On Jalen and Tua. Does Alabama have a quarterback battle? No. Put it to bed. Does Alabama have two quality quarterbacks? Yes. For whatever reason, fans continue to create a quarterback controversy at Alabama weekly between. Truth is, this is Hurts’ team and as a sophomore, he’s 22-1 as a starter. During the second half with Alabama leading 28-0, freshman Tua Tagovailoa came into the game and besides his pick-six, he showed some glimpses of big-play ability and finished the game going 9 of 12 for 134-yards with a 60-yard touchdown to Henry Ruggs, and a 23-yard touchdown run, where he showed his dual-threat ability. Alabama has a quality back-up quarterback, that is what we have learned, but there is zero reason to change up the chemistry and overall feel of an offense that is 12th in the Nation averaging 499.9 yards per game.
5. Toughest games lay ahead according to Nick Saban. Of course, they do and we can likely agree that their schedule to date has been rather light. In the past two weeks, Alabama has played against two freshmen quarterbacks, and really besides Texas A&M, who else has really stood out competition wise? The back-end of the schedule looks very tough with rivalry LSU coming to town on November 4th, a trip to Mississippi State will not be a cake walk, and the Iron Bowl against Auburn is on the road. We’ve seen teams slip and fall weekly in the Top Five, so it’s with the highest regard that the Crimson Tide remains focused. It will take Alabama winning seven more games in a row to secure another National Championship and remember, last year they started 8-0 as well.
Here is a look at Alabama's opponent's records to date
Week 1: Florida State 2-4
Week 2: Fresno State 5-2
Week 3: Colorado State 6-2
Week 4: Vanderbilt 3-4
Week 5: Ole Miss 3-4
Week 6: Texas A&M 5-2
Week 7: Arkansas 2-5
Week 8: Tennessee 3-4
Week 9: Open
Week 10 LSU 6-2
Week 11: @ Miss. State 5-2
Week 12: Mercer 4-4
Week 13: @ Auburn 6-2
Running Back U
Over the years, Alabama has retained the title as Running Back U for a reason. Having big powerful backs that end up in the NFL is the norm and this year’s 2017 roster has five running backs that could likely start anywhere in the Nation, two likely will be gone into the NFL Draft following this season. Junior Damien Harris who has emerged as the team’s top all-purpose back has rushed for 697-yards off 81-yards and 10-touchdowns.
Harris has an average per carry of 8.6-yards per touch. Bo Scarbrough has rushed for 377-yards off 81-carries with six touchdowns including two scored this past Saturday against Tennessee. Sophomore Josh Jacobs who was injured to start the year with a hamstring injury has rushed for 171-yards off 24-carries and is starting to get involved more weekly.
Freshman Najee Harris has rushed for 282-yards off 49-carries with two touchdowns and has looked promising as the next big-time back from Alabama. Tuscaloosa native, Brian Robinson has also seen time rushing for 115-yards and scoring one touchdown. Overall, Alabama is rushing for 298.8-yards per game which is 8th in the Nation.
Post Game Stats on Alabama Football
SEC STREAK: With today’s 45-7 win over Tennessee, Alabama has now won 20 consecutive SEC regular-season contests (not including SEC Championship Games) dating back to a 38-10 win at Georgia on Oct. 3, 2015, the second-longest streak in school history. Alabama’s last loss was a 43-37 defeat by Ole Miss on Sept. 19, 2015.
ALABAMA AS THE NATION’S NO. 1: Alabama has played 82 games as the nation’s top-ranked team since the inception of the Associated Press Poll in 1936. In those games, the Crimson Tide boasts a 71-11 (.866) record. Those numbers are even more impressive when you look at the 11 seasons under the direction of head coach Nick Saban (2007-present). Since the ninth game of the 2008 season (124 games), Alabama has played 58 games while being ranked No. 1, posting a 52-6 (.897) record during that span.
TURNOVER STREAK STANDS AT 35 GAMES: Sophomore Mack Wilson’s fourth-quarter interception against Tennessee on Oct. 21 extended Alabama’s streak of games forcing at least one turnover to 35. The streak began in Alabama’s 34-0 win over ULM on Sept. 26, 2015. During the current run, the Crimson Tide has forced 66 turnovers (44 interceptions, 22 fumbles) and scored 16 touchdowns off those miscues and is 34-1 during this run. Alabama’s last game without a forced turnover was a 43-37 loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 19, 2015.
OFFENSE COLLECTS OVER 600 YARDS FOR THIRD TIME THIS SEASON: The Alabama offense finished today’s game with 604 yards (272 rushing, 332 receiving) of total offense, marking the third game this season the Crimson Tide has eclipsed the 600-yard plateau. Alabama had 677 yards (496 rushing, 181 receiving) at Vanderbilt and 613 yards (365 rushing, 248 receiving) against Ole Miss.
HURTS NOW FOURTH ON UA CAREER TOUCHDOWN RESPONSIBILITY LIST: Jalen Hurts’ third quarter touchdown pass to Irv Smith, Jr. today moves him into sole possession fourth place on the Alabama career touchdown responsibility list with 51. Hurts was tied with Shaun Alexander (1996-99) entering the game. Harry Gilmer (1944-47) is third with 52. Hurts has thrown 32 career touchdown passes and rushed for 19 career scores.
RIDLEY CLIMBING CAREER RECEPTIONS LIST: With five first half receptions today, Calvin Ridley is now second on the UA career receptions list with 199 catches. Amari Cooper is the Alabama leader with 228 from 2012-14.
Looking At The College Football Playoff Picture
Here is how I have the College Football Playoffs as of October 16, 2017.
1. Alabama (8-0)
2. Penn State (7-0)
3. Georgia (7-0)
4. TCU (7-0)
5. Wisconsin (7-0)
Looking at the remaining schedule of each team
Alabama 8-0
LSU (Will be tough because it's LSU)
@ MS State (trap game)
Mercer
@ Auburn (Throw out record game)
Penn State 7-0
@ Ohio State (Tough to win on the road, especially after Michigan)
@ Michigan State (Makes for a tough three-game stretch. Yikes)
Rutgers
Nebraska
@ Maryland
Georgia 7-0
Florida (Tough game)
South Carolina (Could be close)
@ Auburn (Will be close)
Kentucky (Trap game)
@ Georgia Tech (Rivalry game)
TCU 7-0
@ Iowa State
Texas (Tough game)
@ Oklahoma (Likely to lose here)
@ Texas Tech (If undefeated, trap game)
Baylor
Wisconsin 7-0
@ Illinois
@ Indiana
Iowa
Michigan (Tough game)
@ Minnesota
NCAA Stat Ranking
Total Offense: Alabama rankings 12th averaging 499.8-yards per game
Total Passing: Alabama is ranked 8th averaging 201.0-yards per game
Total Rushing: Alabama is ranked 8th averaging 298.8-yards per game
Total Defense: Alabama is ranked 1st allowing 236.0-yards per game
Total Passing Defense: Alabama is ranked 10th allowing 169.6-yards per game
Total Rushing Defense: Alabama is ranked 1st allowing 66.4-yards per game
Turnover Margin: Alabama is ranked 9th with a TO margin of +10 (1.25 per game)
BamaInsider.com - Henderson: Monday Morning Quarterback on Alabama Football
Kyle Henderson | Managing Editor
Oct 21, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers with Tua Tagovailoa (13) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Five Takeaways Following Alabama's 45-7 win over Tennesee
1. The defense of Alabama has just been incredible and it seems they are getting better by the week. To think that the defense allowed just 108-yards of total offense against Tennessee is mind-blowing. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide allowed just 64-yards rushing and 44-yards passing. After eight weeks of play, Alabama’s defense is number one in the Country allowing just 236.0-yards per game, their defense on the season is allowing just 66.4-yards per game, which is also first in the Nation. No one rarely mentions Alabama’s defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt’s name, but he is a big reason why Alabama week after week is at the forefront of the college football world. Pruitt is absolutely a head coach in waiting and a treasure Alabama fans should enjoy and appreciate.
2. Play of Rashaan Evans against Tennessee was outstanding, to say the least. He is flying around the field at 100%, nearly killed the quarterback twice on the night, and ended the game with six tackles, two for loss, and one sack. It’s apparent that he is the glue on this defense and that he is getting better weekly. He’s a true alpha of the defense and continues to increase his NFL Draft stock as he’s a versatile linebacker that plays at the highest level.
3. The offense struggled against Tennessee in the first quarter of Saturday’s game. Maybe struggled is the wrong word, but the offense looked out of rhythm until mid-second half. Once the offense heated up, they sizzled through the Volunteers defense and used four running backs to get the job done. Damien Harris finished with 72-yards, Najee Harris had 50-yards, Josh Jacobs had 47-yards, and Bo Scarbrough had two touchdown runs from 1-yard out. Passing wise the Crimson Tide threw for a total of 333-yards and was 22 for 33 passing (66%) as Sophomore Jalen Hurts accounted for one-touchdown as did Freshman Tua Tagovailoa.
4. On Jalen and Tua. Does Alabama have a quarterback battle? No. Put it to bed. Does Alabama have two quality quarterbacks? Yes. For whatever reason, fans continue to create a quarterback controversy at Alabama weekly between. Truth is, this is Hurts’ team and as a sophomore, he’s 22-1 as a starter. During the second half with Alabama leading 28-0, freshman Tua Tagovailoa came into the game and besides his pick-six, he showed some glimpses of big-play ability and finished the game going 9 of 12 for 134-yards with a 60-yard touchdown to Henry Ruggs, and a 23-yard touchdown run, where he showed his dual-threat ability. Alabama has a quality back-up quarterback, that is what we have learned, but there is zero reason to change up the chemistry and overall feel of an offense that is 12th in the Nation averaging 499.9 yards per game.
5. Toughest games lay ahead according to Nick Saban. Of course, they do and we can likely agree that their schedule to date has been rather light. In the past two weeks, Alabama has played against two freshmen quarterbacks, and really besides Texas A&M, who else has really stood out competition wise? The back-end of the schedule looks very tough with rivalry LSU coming to town on November 4th, a trip to Mississippi State will not be a cake walk, and the Iron Bowl against Auburn is on the road. We’ve seen teams slip and fall weekly in the Top Five, so it’s with the highest regard that the Crimson Tide remains focused. It will take Alabama winning seven more games in a row to secure another National Championship and remember, last year they started 8-0 as well.
Here is a look at Alabama's opponent's records to date
Week 1: Florida State 2-4
Week 2: Fresno State 5-2
Week 3: Colorado State 6-2
Week 4: Vanderbilt 3-4
Week 5: Ole Miss 3-4
Week 6: Texas A&M 5-2
Week 7: Arkansas 2-5
Week 8: Tennessee 3-4
Week 9: Open
Week 10 LSU 6-2
Week 11: @ Miss. State 5-2
Week 12: Mercer 4-4
Week 13: @ Auburn 6-2
Running Back U
Over the years, Alabama has retained the title as Running Back U for a reason. Having big powerful backs that end up in the NFL is the norm and this year’s 2017 roster has five running backs that could likely start anywhere in the Nation, two likely will be gone into the NFL Draft following this season. Junior Damien Harris who has emerged as the team’s top all-purpose back has rushed for 697-yards off 81-yards and 10-touchdowns.
Harris has an average per carry of 8.6-yards per touch. Bo Scarbrough has rushed for 377-yards off 81-carries with six touchdowns including two scored this past Saturday against Tennessee. Sophomore Josh Jacobs who was injured to start the year with a hamstring injury has rushed for 171-yards off 24-carries and is starting to get involved more weekly.
Freshman Najee Harris has rushed for 282-yards off 49-carries with two touchdowns and has looked promising as the next big-time back from Alabama. Tuscaloosa native, Brian Robinson has also seen time rushing for 115-yards and scoring one touchdown. Overall, Alabama is rushing for 298.8-yards per game which is 8th in the Nation.
Post Game Stats on Alabama Football
SEC STREAK: With today’s 45-7 win over Tennessee, Alabama has now won 20 consecutive SEC regular-season contests (not including SEC Championship Games) dating back to a 38-10 win at Georgia on Oct. 3, 2015, the second-longest streak in school history. Alabama’s last loss was a 43-37 defeat by Ole Miss on Sept. 19, 2015.
ALABAMA AS THE NATION’S NO. 1: Alabama has played 82 games as the nation’s top-ranked team since the inception of the Associated Press Poll in 1936. In those games, the Crimson Tide boasts a 71-11 (.866) record. Those numbers are even more impressive when you look at the 11 seasons under the direction of head coach Nick Saban (2007-present). Since the ninth game of the 2008 season (124 games), Alabama has played 58 games while being ranked No. 1, posting a 52-6 (.897) record during that span.
TURNOVER STREAK STANDS AT 35 GAMES: Sophomore Mack Wilson’s fourth-quarter interception against Tennessee on Oct. 21 extended Alabama’s streak of games forcing at least one turnover to 35. The streak began in Alabama’s 34-0 win over ULM on Sept. 26, 2015. During the current run, the Crimson Tide has forced 66 turnovers (44 interceptions, 22 fumbles) and scored 16 touchdowns off those miscues and is 34-1 during this run. Alabama’s last game without a forced turnover was a 43-37 loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 19, 2015.
OFFENSE COLLECTS OVER 600 YARDS FOR THIRD TIME THIS SEASON: The Alabama offense finished today’s game with 604 yards (272 rushing, 332 receiving) of total offense, marking the third game this season the Crimson Tide has eclipsed the 600-yard plateau. Alabama had 677 yards (496 rushing, 181 receiving) at Vanderbilt and 613 yards (365 rushing, 248 receiving) against Ole Miss.
HURTS NOW FOURTH ON UA CAREER TOUCHDOWN RESPONSIBILITY LIST: Jalen Hurts’ third quarter touchdown pass to Irv Smith, Jr. today moves him into sole possession fourth place on the Alabama career touchdown responsibility list with 51. Hurts was tied with Shaun Alexander (1996-99) entering the game. Harry Gilmer (1944-47) is third with 52. Hurts has thrown 32 career touchdown passes and rushed for 19 career scores.
RIDLEY CLIMBING CAREER RECEPTIONS LIST: With five first half receptions today, Calvin Ridley is now second on the UA career receptions list with 199 catches. Amari Cooper is the Alabama leader with 228 from 2012-14.
Looking At The College Football Playoff Picture
Here is how I have the College Football Playoffs as of October 16, 2017.
1. Alabama (8-0)
2. Penn State (7-0)
3. Georgia (7-0)
4. TCU (7-0)
5. Wisconsin (7-0)
Looking at the remaining schedule of each team
Alabama 8-0
LSU (Will be tough because it's LSU)
@ MS State (trap game)
Mercer
@ Auburn (Throw out record game)
Penn State 7-0
@ Ohio State (Tough to win on the road, especially after Michigan)
@ Michigan State (Makes for a tough three-game stretch. Yikes)
Rutgers
Nebraska
@ Maryland
Georgia 7-0
Florida (Tough game)
South Carolina (Could be close)
@ Auburn (Will be close)
Kentucky (Trap game)
@ Georgia Tech (Rivalry game)
TCU 7-0
@ Iowa State
Texas (Tough game)
@ Oklahoma (Likely to lose here)
@ Texas Tech (If undefeated, trap game)
Baylor
Wisconsin 7-0
@ Illinois
@ Indiana
Iowa
Michigan (Tough game)
@ Minnesota
NCAA Stat Ranking
Total Offense: Alabama rankings 12th averaging 499.8-yards per game
Total Passing: Alabama is ranked 8th averaging 201.0-yards per game
Total Rushing: Alabama is ranked 8th averaging 298.8-yards per game
Total Defense: Alabama is ranked 1st allowing 236.0-yards per game
Total Passing Defense: Alabama is ranked 10th allowing 169.6-yards per game
Total Rushing Defense: Alabama is ranked 1st allowing 66.4-yards per game
Turnover Margin: Alabama is ranked 9th with a TO margin of +10 (1.25 per game)
BamaInsider.com - Henderson: Monday Morning Quarterback on Alabama Football
