Alabama finally played a complete game by putting all three phases of the game together and defeated Missouri 34-0 on homecoming.
The Crimson Tide avoided any drama by dominating Missouri from the start. The biggest drama of the game was on a fourth-and-goal from the Alabama one-yard line that resulted in a goal-line stand to preserve the shutout.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Bama Bounces Back Big
Following its second loss of the year, Alabama needed to respond in a big way, and the Tide did. The game was never in question. The offense started slow but wore the Missouri defense down in the second half to put the game away. The Crimson Tide defense played solid all day and recorded a much-needed shutout.
Third Downs
Alabama did a great job of getting off the field, allowing just three successful third down conversions out of 13 attempts. On the other side of the ball, Alabama didn’t have much success converting third downs. The Tide only succeeded two times out of the nine opportunities they had.
Defense Dominates
The biggest winners of the game were defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and the Alabama defense. Late in the fourth quarter, Wommack subbed back in the starters on a fourth-and-goal from the Alabama one-yard line to get the stop and preserve the shutout. Alabama also forced three interceptions on the day from Missouri’s backup quarterback Drew Pyne.
Nicholson Was Perfect
Coming into the game, Alabama kicker Graham Nicholson had only attempted four field goals on the year. Saturday, he doubled his made kicks, going a perfect 2-for-2, connecting from 47 and 39 yards. Nicholson was also a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points.
Running Backs Get Involved
Finally, Alabama’s running backs got involved in the offense in a big way. The Crimson Tide rumbled for 271 yards on the ground, and all four of their touchdowns came in the running game. Justice Haynes led the way with 79 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Jam Miller rushed for 48 yards on 11 carries but made them count, making it into the endzone twice. In garbage time, freshman Richard Young took one of his three carries for 62 yards.
Alabama will have a week off before traveling to play LSU on November 9. A definitive time and network has yet to be determined.
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