September 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide huge receiver Ryan Williams (2) throughout the third quarter in opposition to the Georgia Bulls at Bryant-Denny Stadium Caught a cross within the recreation in opposition to the Canines. Necessary Credit score: John David Mercer-Imagn Photos High-ranked Alabama hopes to take one other step towards the league title and Faculty Soccer Playoff when it travels to Nashville, Tenn., to tackle Vanderbilt in Southeastern Convention play on Saturday.
This would be the Commodores’ house opener (2-2, 0-1 SEC) and Alabama’s first street recreation (4-0, 1-0).
Each groups performed their finest performances of the season.
Alabama blew a 28-point lead, however quarterback Jalen Milroe hit Ryan Williams for a 75-yard landing with 2:18 left to make it 41-41. The 34 win over Georgia supplied the profitable run. Zabien Brown’s interception with 43 seconds left sealed the victory.
Alabama coach Karen DeBoer talked Monday about utilizing the Crimson Tide’s second-half inconsistency as a studying alternative.
“It is vital for us to have this now. Each recreation affords an expertise, proper?” DeBoer mentioned.
Vanderbilt rested final weekend after a 30-27 double time beyond regulation loss to then-No. 1 crew. 7 Missouri, September 21. Missed a 31-yard subject objective in a single recreation.
Milroe, the Heisman Trophy favourite after Saturday’s recreation, threw for 964 yards, 10 touchdowns, one interception, and rushed for 273 yards and eight scores.
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lee talked concerning the challenges of guarding Milrow.
“Actually, each time the ball is snapped, there’s a chance to make an explosive play,” Lee mentioned. “What he is significantly good at – pay attention, in case you do not take note of what he is doing in zone reads which might be being bypassed, he’ll stretch the rating, go over leverage, go over the protection. He is already been enjoying in opposition to the most effective gamers within the nation. This was confirmed within the confrontation.
Williams had 16 catches for 462 yards and 5 touchdowns. The ultimate landing was an thrilling play, as Williams twisted in mid-air, caught a thrown ball, cut up two defenders with a spin transfer, after which gained a race to the top zone. Contest.
“He has the most effective steadiness and physique management I’ve ever seen,” Leah mentioned of Williams.
Vanderbilt’s protection is permitting 5.1 yards per recreation and giving up a mean of 23.3 factors per recreation. Nevertheless, the Commodores will take full benefit of Alabama’s passing capacity downfield (one thing they’ve struggled with) in addition to the robust working recreation (Vanderbilt had Missouri’s Nate No. Earl ran for 199 yards).
Due to this fact, the most effective protection could also be an excellent offense. Vanderbilt, who’s tied for the nationwide lead in turnovers all season, will handle the ball and run as a lot as attainable.
Pavia is essential to that. He handed for 721 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions whereas dashing for 279 yards and two scores.
Alabama is permitting 15.0 factors per recreation, 4.3 yards per carry, and eight turnovers.
Penalties are a problem for each groups; Alabama averages 8.5 penalties for 77.3 yards, whereas the Commodores common 8 penalties for 83.3 yards.
Alabama dominated the sequence, profitable the ultimate 23 video games. The scores within the final three video games had been 55-3 (2022), 59-0 (2017) and 34-0 (2011), with 2017 being the one recreation in Nashville.
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