Keelon Russell’s biggest leap for Alabama hasn’t been the part everybody notices first. The arm talent was there.
The legs were there. The ability to slide in the pocket and make something out of nothing showed up right away.
What Alabama needed from him early on was cleaner command before the snap - getting the operation organized, getting everyone set, and making the whole thing run without the little hiccups that come with a young quarterback still learning the job.
That’s been a different story over the last two games. Russell has looked far sharper pre-snap, and Alabama’s offense has responded with its two most productive outings of the season against Florida State and South Carolina.
Ryan Grubb saw one small moment during Saturday’s walkthrough against South Carolina and it was enough to convince him the Tide were about to put on a show.
"The Saturday walkthrough, I went crazy in a good way," Grubb said. "We were getting set. Keelon was motioning one of our tight ends, and one of our receivers moved his feet, and Keelon stopped everything, made sure everyone was set, snapped the ball with seven seconds left on the clock on a walkthrough before a game.
"I told the guys, 'We're gonna win by 50 guys.' We operate like that, and it's gonna be hard to stop these guys."
Alabama didn’t get to 50, but the prediction wasn’t far off. The Crimson Tide scored 49 points in a 31-point win, and the game was effectively over early. After a three-and-out on the opening drive, Alabama found the end zone on four straight possessions and built a first-half lead South Carolina never threatened.
Russell turned in his biggest game yet, too, finishing with 400 yards of offense and five total touchdowns.
The progression fits what Alabama has been trying to do with him all season: let him work through the rough edges early while the schedule offered some breathing room, then bank on that growth once the competition stiffens. That tougher stretch starts this week in Starkville against No. 16 Mississippi State.
These last two home games have given Russell a chance to tighten up the operation, and now comes the real test. Mississippi State brings a loud setting, more than 60,000 cowbells, and a prolific offense led by Kamario Taylor. Alabama may need Russell to win a shootout.
That puts the spotlight on the details that can swing a road game. He’ll have to protect the football.
He’ll have to avoid the kind of turnovers that can wreck a close one away from home. If he gives it away three times like he did at Kentucky, Alabama’s chances get shaky fast.
But if Russell keeps the offense clean, handles the pre-snap work the way he has the past two weeks, and continues to play like the dynamic threat he’s been all season, Alabama will be a tough out this weekend and beyond.
In Other News...
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 🡒]