Alabama report card: Grading the Crimson Tide after dominating South Carolina
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Alabama football's return to SEC play brought domination.
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After a memorable, but question-filled win against Florida State, Alabama tried to erase any sense of doubt, from a Keelon Russell-led offense that exploded against the South Carolina defense to a defense that allowed its share of yards, but stepped up when it needed a stop.
Alabama blasted South Carolina 49-18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26. How did the Crimson Tide do against the Gamecocks?
Here's out postgame report card after Alabama's win against South Carolina:
Alabama football offense grade: A-
With the talk of slow starts swirling around the Alabama offense, the Crimson Tide made a statement in the first half against South Carolina. Keelon Russell was a puppetmaster, seamlessly leading Alabama all over the field and pinpointing passes to Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks with plenty of time to throw. Alabama did slow down, facing offensive doldrums that allowed the Gamecocks to crawl back for a while in the second half.
Alabama defense grade: B+
Alabama bent, allowing big runs and sizable yardage against the South Carolina offense. But it broke once: a 41-yard connection between LaNorris Sellers and Nyck Harbor. The rest? It’s a defense that looked like it had something to prove, combining its traditional takeaway-based scheme and an overwhelming pass rush with, simply, success in stopping the Gamecocks consistently in the red zone and on third down. This is a defense that learned from the Florida State game, even if it wasn’t perfect by any means, especially in defending the run.
Alabama special teams grade: A-
Conor Talty hit each extra point try. And when Alex Asparuhov ended the first half with a punt, Luke Metz exploded, pinning the Gamecocks inside their own 10-yard line. Coleman-Williams added a hurdle on a 17-yard punt return, showing that the confidence from the offense and defense carried over to special teams too.
Alabama coaching grade: A
Kane Wommack and Ryan Grubb learned their lessons from the Florida State win, ending the conversation about a lack of fast starts on offense and silencing doubt about defending the pass. Problems, especially with the offense in the second half, persisted, but progress remained.
Alabama overall team grade: A-
While imperfect, Alabama looked like a team playing with a vengeance heading into an October run that will make or break the Crimson Tide’s season.
Alabama game MVP
At his best, Russell made the South Carolina defense his playground, consistently moving the Alabama offense downfield and setting the tone for the entire roster, even when struggles came in the third quarter. Where Russell goes, Alabama goes.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama report card: Grading the Crimson Tide after dominating South Carolina