TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Saturday’s win over Missouri saw a return to form for Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide, despite a slow start. The offense came to life in the second half, highlighted by a balanced attack not seen since the Georgia win.

Jalen Milroe utilized his rushing ability to open up the game for Alabama, running for 50 yards and a touchdown. His 32-yard gain on their first drive out of the locker room kick-started the Tide, which scored 14 points in the third quarter alone. Milroe finished the game 16-26 through the air for 215 yards and had 0 turnovers.

Four different Alabama receivers caught a pass for 23-or-more yards against the Tigers, and the team averaged 7.3 yards per rush. The Tide scored all four of their touchdowns on the ground, with three different players running one in. On the day, DeBoer and Sheridan’s offense converted four of five red-zone opportunities.

“Every quarterback needs a good run game, right, so the whole weight of everything isn’t on one guy’s shoulders… Finding that level of being in sync, at the elite level, it’s still not there yet, but I do feel like we did some things,” DeBoer said.

“We’ve got to continue to take the pressure off him to where every play isn’t on him run or pass.”

Neither team converted a third down until early in the third quarter when Mizzou backup Drew Pyne – forced into the game due to a Brady Cook injury – ran for a first down. Alabama’s first third-down completion didn’t come until the fourth quarter. Pyne struggled mightily against Alabama, throwing a trio of interceptions that put the game out of reach.

“We knew, we really felt like they were a well-rounded team,” DeBoer said.

“I know they lost their quarterback there, but even when he was in there, we were doing some really good things defensively… I’m really appreciative of the physicality we brought to the table.”

Against Tennessee, Alabama failed to score a single point off the Vols three first-half turnovers. Against Mizzou, Alabama capitalized, scoring 14 points off the three interceptions.

The Crimson Tide held Mizzou scoreless, something that no other team has done this season. Star wide receiver and projected first-round pick Luther Burden III was held to just 18 total yards and 3 receiving yards. The Tigers only entered the red-zone once – when the game was well out of hand – and were stopped on the 1-yard line.

While it didn’t impact the outcome of the game, the Crimson Tide again struggled with penalties. They were called for 7 penalties for 85 yards – including a chop block, two person fouls and kick-catch interference – something that DeBoer believes is holding them back from their true potential.

“We gotta have some better awareness with some things. Living in the grey area on some stuff, and it’s hurting us from taking a big, big step. I feel like we’re just right on the edge.”

With the win, the Tide’s playoff dreams seemingly remain alive as they head into the bye-week. After the break, they’ll take on LSU, who lead the conference standings and are undefeated in SEC play.

How it happened

Alabama scored on its opening drive, in large part thanks to a 21-yard gain on a jet sweep from Kendrick Law. That drive would only net the Crimson Tide 3 points, however, after an outside run on 3rd & 7 was stuffed.

3-0 Alabama, 8:50 remaining in first quarter.

That opening drive set the early tone for Alabama’s offense. Nick Sheridan’s plan of attack saw the Crimson Tide attack the edges of the field with quick passes and screens. Most attempts at running the ball with the duo of Justice Haynes and Jam Miller in the first half came up short, as they have for most of the season. The one early run that Miller broke off for 14-yards was Alabama’s longest run in their past three games.

Two big catches from Washington-transfer Germie Bernard got the Tide into the red-zone for the first time, but a holding call on a designed Milroe QB-power held them to another field goal. That penalty showcased Alabama’s continued struggles to play flag-free football. In the first half, they were penalized 5 times for 55 yards.

6-0 Alabama, 4:38 remaining in the second quarter.

It took Brady Cook exiting the game (and former Notre Dame QB Drew Pyne) entering the game for the Crimson Tide to score their first touchdown. Pyne’s third down pass was picked off by Malachi Moore and returned to the Missouri 35-yard line. That mistake was compounded by a Mizzou offensive lineman stepping offside, which turned into a free play completion for 28 yards to Emmanuel Henderson. Jam Miller finished off the drive with a 3-yard run for the first touchdown of the day.

13-0 Alabama, 1:54 remaining in the second quarter.

Alabama’s first play out of the locker room was a 14-yard completion to Kendrick Law, and it seemingly signaled a different gear for the Crimson Tide offense. Milroe opted to use his legs for the first time on this drive, with two big runs – one of which ended in the second touchdown of the day.

20-0 Alabama, 12:33 remaining in the third quarter.

Following a third interception, Alabama’s offense continued to shine with several explosive plays: including back-to-back catches for Williams for a total of 22 yards and explosive runs from Haynes and Miller. Miller’s run saw him dive for the pylon and score.

27-0 Alabama, 4:28 remaining in the third quarter.

Justice Haynes ran over a Missouri defender to run one in from 35 yards away. Williams had his biggest reception of the day to help progress the drive.

34-0 Alabama, 11:06 remaining in the fourth quarter.