Alabama left no doubt about its firepower in Saturday night’s 49-18 win over South Carolina, and the biggest reason was Keelon Russell. The Crimson Tide got the kind of fast start that changes a game before it settles in, and Kalen DeBoer said after the game, "I thought the guys just cut it loose."
That early burst showed something Alabama can hang its hat on: this team can blow games open in the first half. It also put Russell squarely in the conversation as one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks right now. He passed for 368 yards and four touchdowns against the Gamecocks, and unlike South Carolina’s Kamario Taylor, he did it without a turnover.
Russell’s performance was so sharp that it almost feels like he can only go up from here. That matters, because his season is starting to look like one where he could become the SEC’s top quarterback.
The numbers around the league back up how crowded that race is, but Russell’s outing stood out. Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor threw for 251 yards and four touchdowns against South Carolina, though he also had an interception.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has also been playing at a high level, even in a 52-28 loss to Florida, while LSU’s Sam Leavitt had a big showing in the Bengal Tigers’ win over Texas A&M.
Leavitt’s QB Rating in that game was 91.5, but after Week 3, he had the SEC’s third-lowest Passer Rating at 127.3. Chambliss posted a 90.6 QB rating against Florida.
Taylor’s QB Rating against Missouri Saturday night was 84.8. Russell’s number against South Carolina was even better at 98.3.
For Alabama, the bigger picture is still in front of it. The Crimson Tide are 4-0, and fans are already ready to declare "Bama is Back".
But in Tuscaloosa, that phrase means national-title contender, and Alabama hasn’t beaten a ranked team yet. The next four weeks will say a lot, with Mississippi State, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M all coming up.
Even with that uncertainty, Russell has already pushed himself ahead of schedule. He has "arrived" as a top quarterback, and Alabama’s trajectory now depends on what happens around him.
If Jayvin James’ injury turns out to be serious, protection could become an issue. Kane Wommack’s defense also has to get more consistent at preventing big plays.
Still, there’s no denying the respect Alabama has earned across the SEC. During the telecast, it was said that Kalen DeBoer has his best Alabama team. What’s becoming clearer is that this version of the Tide can get even better.
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Alabama Game Day Is Becoming A Celebrity Stage For Tide Culture
Alabamas game-day scene has become more than just a football backdrop, with recent home dates drawing a mix of former Crimson Tide stars and outside names who have ties to the programs culture. Mark Ingram and Brandon Miller were among the familiar faces in attendance, adding to the feeling that Alabama Saturdays have turned into a reunion as much as a sporting event.
Scott Stapps presence fit that atmosphere, too, given his longtime support of Alabama and his family connection to the program. Kid Rock also made an appearance, and the larger point is hard to miss: Alabama football has become a stage where athletics, alumni pride and celebrity interest overlap, with the music side of that spotlight set to keep building as Creeds performances approach. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Heads Into Mississippi State With New Depth Concerns
Alabamas injury picture is starting to crowd the conversation heading into its trip to Mississippi State, with two more players added to a list the Crimson Tide has had to manage carefully. Will Sanders and Jayvin James both came out of the South Carolina game hurt, and while Sanders is expected to be available, James is now sitting in the questionable bucket as the Tide tries to sort out who will be ready to go.
The bigger concern may be the ripple effect on the middle of the defense. Linebackers Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu are already out, which leaves Alabama thinner than it would like at a spot that can be tested quickly in conference play. With depth being pushed and availability still in question for at least one more player, the Tide will have some decisions to make before it lines up against the Bulldogs. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Heads Into Mississippi State With One Lingering Injury Concern
Alabama is getting closer to its trip to Mississippi State with a clearer picture of the injury situation along both lines, though not every answer is in yet. Kalen DeBoer said offensive lineman Jayvin James is questionable, while William Sanders is expected to be ready, which at least gives the Tide some needed depth as they head into another SEC road test.
The bigger concern may still be on the defensive side, where outside linebacker Justin Hill and defensive end Desmond Umeozulu are both out, and Umeozulu is expected to need more time. Safety Zavier Mincey also sat out the previous game after getting hurt in pregame warmups, leaving Alabama with a few moving pieces to monitor as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]