2017 Alabama vs. Colorado State

In this episode Tom and Dave from the Alabama Football Podcast breakdown the Tide’s victory over the Colorado State Rams.

Hurts Development

Progress is incremental and such is the development of young Jalen Hurts. Against the Rams, Hurts completed better than 70% of his passes for 248 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 turnovers. That’s winning football.

Along the way, he hit big plays down the field and a connected on a brilliant check-down when his primary target was covered. He still has a tendency to tuck the ball and run a tick or two ahead of when he should, his first touchdown run is a good example, but it’s hard to outright blame his reliance on such profound skillset.

Offensive Diversity

Equally as intriguing is the Tide’s diversity on offense and should you question the postulate feel free to take our litmus test – how would you want to stop the Tide’s offense if you were an opposing defense?

Alabama connected with 8 different receivers on Saturday including 3 running backs and a Tight End. Calvin Ridley may be one of the most explosive receivers in the college game and Robert Foster demonstrated blazing speed on the other side. Further, Alabama has connected with 3 talented freshmen receivers on the season.

Meanwhile, Alabama still features a power running attack with 4 backs poised to break off long runs at any time. And on top of it all, the Tide’s most dynamic and electric runner may be its quarterback.

Give it another couple weeks to jell, and we may be looking at one of the more dynamic offenses in the game.

Linebacker Depth and Rotation

Colorado State found success attacking Alabama in the middle of the defense, and it should be neither a surprise (we predicted CSU might score 17), nor a cause for panic. That Alabama is down 5 linebackers and is still able to field a formidable unit is of note. That 3 of the missing ‘backers are slated to return to practice this week is a reason a reason for optimism.

Mini Game balls

Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?

Alabama’s Next Opponent

Next up for Alabama is a true road game to Nashville to take on the upstart Commodores of Vanderbilt.

Kick After – a ‘lil nugget that didn’t make the show

Following the game Tom and I may have found a joint to give our favorite Tuscaloosa restaurant a run for its money. Here’s a shout out to H. Davidson Chop House located just off University behind the old Am South building. Check it out and let them know we sent you. Hint, hint, we’d love to work out a sponsorship deal!

We hope you’ll check out the Podcast and in the meantime, Roll Tide!