Alabama had plenty to celebrate after its 49-18 rout of South Carolina, and the weekly awards that followed reflected just how complete the performance was.
The No. 7 Crimson Tide improved to 4-0 on the season Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium, turning in a dominant showing in all three phases against the Gamecocks. It was one of Alabama’s most complete outings against SEC competition in the Kalen DeBoer era, and the program recognized that work Monday afternoon with its Players of the Week announcement on its official X account.
On offense, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell and sophomore offensive lineman Michael Carroll were among the honorees, with sophomore quarterback John Gazzaniga also earning offensive recognition. Russell delivered the kind of performance that grabs attention fast, going 21-of-27 for 365 yards and four touchdowns through the air while adding 35 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
Carroll helped make it happen by anchoring an Alabama line that kept Russell protected throughout the night. Gazzaniga was cited for standing out on the scout team during the week.
The defensive awards went to junior defensive back Red Morgan, sophomore linebacker Luke Metz, and freshman defensive lineman Malique Franklin. Morgan finished with eight total tackles and a pick-6, while Metz led Alabama with 13 tackles. Franklin was honored for his work as the top scout team performer in practice leading into the game.
Alabama’s special teams recognition went to junior defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., with freshman tight end Jude Cascone also getting noted for his scout team work.
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Alabama Game Day Is Becoming A Celebrity Stage For Tide Culture
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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 🡒]