Alabama had a great team victory vs. the UL Monroe Warhawks on Saturday night, winning 73-0.
They had zero incompletions (20/20) from Ty Simpson and Austin Mack in the first half. The Tide scored on their first six possessions and were rolling on both sides of the ball.
The Warhawks may not have been elite competition, but this is the exact type of win the Tide needed. It will help build their confidence as they enter the teeth of their schedule. Some younger players also made a name for themselves as running back Kevin Riley and wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks emerged as elite tools in the Bama toolbox.
The defense was relentless all night, making violent tackles and showing elite closing speed. Tonight’s win showed what the team is capable of, as the execution and athleticism were on full display.
Here are some takeaways from the win.
Offensive line has game it needs
The offensive line set a tone tonight against Louisiana-Monroe. Granted they were playing against a defensive line that they significantly outweighed. The Tide got a push at the line of scrimmage allowing Ty Simpson to get into a groove passing going 9/9 before being taken out to give Austin Mack a shot. The offensive line developed cohesion before they go into next week’s game against Wisconsin. The power concept (where guards are pulling) was working for the tide. Alabama was averaging 4.5 yards per carry on the first five possessions, where they scored five touchdowns, and opened the passing game up for Ty Simpson.
Offensive Identity Established (Efficiency is the Name of the Game)
Even though Jam Miller and Ryan Williams will eventually get healthy, I still believe this offense will be more efficient than it will be explosive. Ty Simpson, proved his value tonight, but he is not a rocket armed quarterback or extremely dynamic as a runner. His strengths are accuracy and decision making. I really could see a season where Germie Bernard is equally productive to Ryan Williams. Williams will start to make his presence felt as he is one of the best player’s in the country. However, this offense will hum if Ryan Grubb makes the offense user friendly to the first year starter and Alabama has a solid running game against SEC competition. Simpson, thrives off play action fakes allowing multiple WRs to get open and letting him play to his greatest strengths (decision making and accuracy). Protection will dictate how prolific Simpson is this season.
Kevin Riley and Lotzeir Brooks emerge as dynamic playmakers
Riley is a running back and pass catcher with big play upside. He shows burst and elusiveness to slash defenses and get to the second and third levels. As a pass catcher he can be a security blanket option for Simpson who can pick up YAC yards. He will be prominent on the short and intermediate routes, but able to turn those into big gains as he can make defenders miss in the open field. Lotzeir Brooks, a freshman wide receiver, also emerged tonight. He had four catches, 58 yards, and 14.5 yards per reception. He can be a dynamic receiver at the second and third levels. All of this can help open the playbook up for Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams.
Bama defense is fast and physical at all three levels
The Alabama defense had an equally dominant performance. I do believe the identity of this defense will be speed and physicality, as they are fast at all three levels. Their pursuit skills are very impressive from all three position groups. The defense’s ability to minimize gains and swarm really jumps off the TV screen. Defensive linemen regularly track down running backs from behind. At the second and third level, the closing speed and violent tackling is most noticeable. The linebackers run like safeties, and the safeties hit like linebackers. There are players at all three levels who have hybrid qualities. Their combination of pursuit and violence will make Alabama a physical foe in the conference. Look for some hard hitting afternoons against elite SEC competition.
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