By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Matthew Speakman)
In its final game of the regular season, Alabama defeated Auburn 30-12 in the Iron Bowl. The victory marks the third time an Alabama team has finished the regular season undefeated under head coach Nick Saban. Here are some highlights and analysis from the game:
Notes:
Nick Saban at the half: “Look, they got one first down and nine points. Other parts of the game like special teams, turnovers, how we’re consistently playing on offense, and executing on offense is not what it needs to be. So we’ve got to do a better job in the second half, and it starts with me and all of us in terms of getting our plays to execute better.”
Nick Saban on the offense: “We’re not executing. Even some of the plays we’re not turning the ball over [on] we’re not doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Alabama recognized its senior class before the game. Notable players honored included Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster, OJ Howard, Eddie Jackson, Korren Kirven, Alphonse Taylor, Dalvin Tomlinson and Tim Williams.
Walk-on running back Lawrence Erokesima’s mother surprised him in a full military uniform while he was being honored for senior day.
Alabama defensive back Tony Brown was ejected from the game in the second quarter for targeting on a block during a punt return. Dieonte Thompson and Hootie Jones filled in at safety in various packages when Minkah Fitzpatrick replaced Brown a the star position.
Running back Kerryon Johnson picked up the first Auburn first-down of the game with around 6:26 left in the second quarter.
At the half, wide receiver ArDarius Stewart looked like the game’s best passer. He completed his only pass for 12 yards. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 18-of-25 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown but he also tossed two interceptions. Auburn’s two passers, Jeremy Johnson and Chandler Cox, combined to finish the half 4-of-10 for four yards.
ArDarius Stewart had a career-high 10 catches that went for 127 yards and a touchdown. His 10 catches are tied with Julio Jones for the second most by an Alabama receiver in the Iron Bowl.
Marlon Humphrey left the game in the second half because of an injury. Levi Wallace filled in for him at the cornerback position.
Alabama had trouble holding onto the football. The Crimson Tide fumbled four times in the game and recovered all four of them
Playing in his first game since Alabama faced LSU, running back Bo Scarborough rushed the ball 17 times for 90 yards.
Kicker Adam Griffith made his 173rd extra point, passing Jeremy Shelley for the most successful extra points in school history.
Source:: The Crimson White Sports
