Bama routs Hilltoppers to start DeBoer era
The Tide hung a 63-burger and pitched a shutout against overmatched Western Kentucky.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
Tide freshman WR Ryan Williams burst onto the scene with two receptions for 139 yards and two TDs.
Behind a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Jalen Milroe and a stifling defense that gained momentum as the opener progressed, fifth-ranked Alabama rolled over the outmatched Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 63-0 to give DeBoer his first victory as the Crimson Tide coach. Bama’s offense started slow and was plagued by early penalties and miscues, yet the unit was able to settle in and from the second quarter on, showed flashes of what could be one the conference’s best offenses. Led by the dynamic Milroe, a revamped offensive line, a bevy of capable backs, and a young but capable receiving corps, the Tide rolled up 600 total yards of offense.
In the first half alone, no Tide possession (a total of six) lasted for more than four plays as the defense created two early turnovers and the offense relied on big plays to open a 42-0 lead heading into halftime. Five-star, 17-year-old freshman Ryan Williams, one of the top receivers from the last recruiting cycle, also burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion. Williams touched the ball twice in the game with both resulting in long touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense gave up yards early but like their offensive counterpart, settled in and limited the Hilltoppers high octane offense to a total of 131 yards. New faces filled the crimson landscape, yet the result was reminiscent of strong defenses throughout the Saban era.
Stiffer competition is certainly still to come, including top-ranked Georgia, who on Saturday routed Clemson to the tune of 34-3, a Tennessee unit that put up 75 points in their opener, and a hungry Auburn squad that put up 73 of their own. Yet after some early jitters, the Tide played confidently and relaxed. Coach DeBoer was seen on the sidelines smiling and laughing throughout the contest and his demeanor has translated effectively to his squad. A roster that saw significant change via graduation and the transfer portal after Coach Saban’s retirement has been restocked with talent and it will be interesting to see how this squad comes together throughout the season.
After the teams exchanged early punts, WKU quarterback T.J. Finley (formally of LSU, Auburn, and Texas State) threw into coverage and was picked off by Tide safety Keon Sabb. Sabb’s first pick set the Tide offense up on the Hilltopper 16-yard line, and two plays later, Milroe would score the first touchdown of the DeBoer era. On WKU’s next possession, Finley marched the Hilltoppers to the Tide 22-yard line before being picked by Sabb again. This time, the Michigan transfer returned it to the WKU 26-yard line. Three plays later, Milroe found wideout Kendrick Law from 22 yards out to increase the Bama lead to 14-0.
After a Hilltopper three-and-out, Milroe hit freshman Williams on an 85-yard dart to push the lead to 21-0 after the opening quarter. Early in the second, a Bama high snap gave the ball to the Hilltoppers on The Bama 20, yet WKU placekicker Lucas Carneiro missed from 38 yards out, turning the ball back to Alabama. The Tide offense would settle in and dominate the second quarter. Jam Miller would score from 39 yards out, Justice Haynes would break free from 85 yards for his first score of the season, and Milroe would hit Williams for his second receiving touchdown of the day from 55 yards out to stretch the lead to 42-0 at the half.
The second half was much of the same, as Bama would tack on 21 more points, mostly from back-ups, to close the scoring. In the third, Milroe would score his second rushing touchdown of the evening from 21 yards out, tailback Daniel Hill would score his first touchdown in a crimson jersey from two yards out, and second-string quarterback Ty Simpson would conclude the scoring with a nifty 15-yard run for his first touchdown of the young season. On the day, Milroe would throw only nine passes, completing seven of them for 200 yards and three touchdowns. He would add 79 yards on 10 carries, two of which resulted in touchdowns. Sophomore Justice Haynes would gain 102 yards on just four carries to lead all ball carriers, and Williams’ two receptions for 139 yards led all receivers. In all, eight Bama players would catch at least one pass. For the day, the Bama offense earned 25 first downs to WKU’s 10. Finley had a frustrating evening, going 18-31 for 92 yards and two interceptions. The Bama defense was led by veteran linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson (both with nine tackles), and newcomers Que Robinson, Red Morgan, and veteran Malachi Moore.
With game one in the books, the Tide now turns their attention to South Florida of the American Conference. The Bulls were impressive in their opener, besting Bethune-Cookman 42-3. Last season, South Florida pushed the Tide to their limit in Tampa before falling to Alabama 17-3. It will be a special evening as Alabama will dedicate the field to Nick Saban. Kickoff is set for 7:00 and the game will be televised by ESPN.
Roll Tide Roll!
