Bama looked fantastic in nearly all facets of the game in this contest. After a first play "fumble," the offense scored on its next six straight possessions including a 95 yard drive after the turnover. The defense gave up just 7 first downs all game and really only two bad plays. One, a third and long where the North Texas QB rolled out right and completed a great pass into triple coverage. Special teams did alright as well. The only long kick return given up was called back on a holding penalty, but there were two missed PATs. Arenas as always looked great in the return game.Greg McElroy looked nothing short of fantastic. 13/15 176 yards 2 TDs and most importantly, Zero INTs. He also added a rushing TD and a long third down run for a first down. With G-Mac at the helm, I don't see a way BAMA can lose all regular season.
The running game was fantastic as always. Mark Ingram led the way with 8 carries for 91 yards with a touchdown. Freshman Trent Richardson carried 11 times for 87 yard and a touchdown. But the most carries goes to regular third teamer and former starter Terry Grant with 19 carries for 79 yards and 2 scores. The offensive line is starting to gel as a unit. BAMA running the stretch play to either side is like watching poetry in motion.
The difference between this season and last season is depth. Last season, when a player went down with injury, we didn't have anyone to fill in. This season, a parade prep-high school all american goes down with injury, and we've got a pair waiting in the wings to follow. Next season, it is likely we will have 3, THREE Elite 11 quarterbacks on the roster ---- and all of them will be sitting on the bench. Star Jackson, AJ McCarron, and Phillip Sims will all be behind Greg McElroy. What a great problem to have. And at running back, Grant and Goode are both 4 star players, and never mind third string five star runner Trent Richardson.
Grades:
Offense: A
Defense: A- (would have been A+ if it wasn't for the lone touchdown)
Special Teams: B+
Next up for Alabama is Arkansas with Michigan transfer Ryan Mallet leading the Razorback offense. Get a good look at the Razorbacks tonight against Georgia on ESPN at 6:45 CST.
