TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kalen DeBoer’s first game at Alabama was as close to a dream scenario as it gets.
Sure, there were a few rough moments for the Crimson Tide’s new look offense. A pair of fumbles – including one from a bad snap – and a first-drive three and out brought back painful memories of last season, but it’s hard to be critical of a 63-0 victory.
After all, this isn’t CFB 25. This is real football and mistakes are going to happen, especially given the numerous changes made. Alabama’s offense on Saturday night was much different than anything we saw from the Tide last season – featuring a myriad of motions and formations. Given what we saw from DeBoer’s offense at Washington, it didn’t come from as much of a surprise.
Jalen Milroe wasn’t asked to do much through the air (7-9, 200 yards and 3 touchdowns), but with the combined rushing ability of himself and his backfield – it wasn’t even needed. Milroe put the first points on the board for the Tide with a designed QB run, while Jam Miller and Justice Haynes combined for 2 touchdowns and 156 yards.
DeBoer’s first recruiting victory proved to be a major one, as Ryan Williams caught a pair of touchdowns for 139 yards in his debut. After opening his night with a wide-open catch and score off a busted coverage, Williams broke through the combined effort of two WKU defenders for a 55-yard touchdown.
“He’s got that big play capability as you saw,” DeBoer said. “Really focused and it doesn’t seem like the game is too fast for him. It’s impressive that a guy his age can go out there and do the things he’s doing.”
When asked about the connection between himself and Milroe, the 17-year-old freshman had a quick witted response for the media.
“I mean, 4+2 does equal 6.”
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the season-opening win was Alabama’s defense. Former South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack showcased a young, yet promising defense that held a talented Hilltopper squad scoreless.
Keon Sabb sparked the team early with a pair of interceptions. His first led to the Tide’s first points and he nearly returned the second – stopped only by a hustle play from Finley.
“I think there’s a little bit of fun there at the very end,” DeBoer said after the win.
“I told the guys in the locker room: none of these points carry over to next week. There’s film out there and strengths we have, but people are going to look at those areas they can attack. Understand that there’s a lot of potential with this football team, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do and its gonna be that way all season long.”
Alabama will return to action on September 7 against USF. The Crimson Tide had a shockingly close encounter with the Bulls last season on the road. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT from Bryant-Denny Stadium.
