Another week with Alabama playing most of a game without a key defensive starter didn’t prevent another strong performance from the Crimson Tide.
Facing a surging Texas A&M offense with multiple pass-catching threats, UA lost senior defensive back Malachi Moore to a twisted right ankle. Ultimately, it didn’t impact Alabama too much in its 26-20 win over the Aggies (4-2, 2-1). The Tide limited A&M to a season-low in rushing yards (67) and completed passes (14).
When Moore left the game in the second quarter, Alabama (5-1, 3-0) realigned its defensive backfield. The versatility it sought to create throughout fall camp prevailed as Terrion Arnold transitioned from boundary corner to star linebacker paid off. And inserts Trey Amos and Krisitan Story continued the communication in the secondary.
“Trey did a really good job while he was in the game. The bigger adjustment is for Terrion who goes and takes Malachi’s place when Malachi goes out. Then (Kristian Story) goes in the game and plays. So it’s a lot of changes,” Nick Saban said. ” … When Malachi first went out of the game, we made some mental errors because of that. I thought both guys did a good job of adapting in the game and the other players around them will help them play well by communicating.”
Like it has in recent weeks, Alabama’s defense started its domination up front. Alabama produced five more sacks, giving the Tide 19 in the last three games. On Saturday, Alabama was led by Justin Eboigbe, Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell and Tim Keenan III. From each area of the Aggies’ offensive line, Alabama found success up front. Quarterback Max Johnson was repeatedly forced to create off-script.
When A&M was able to move the ball, it often came off a one-on-one matchup for Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith or Moose Muhammad. Max Johnson’s lone passing touchdown came on a quasi-trick play, rotating the lefty to his right before he threw back across his body to tight end Max Johnson for a 22-yard score. But when a similar throw was attempted later, Arnold stuck with his assignment and disrupted the pass.
Alabama’s lone turnover came at a crucial time. Freshman safety Caleb Downs jumped a short route for a diving interception after Trezmen Marshall forced a rushed through from Johnson.
“Changed momentum of the game,” Saban said of Downs’ second interception in as many weeks. “I think the fact we were able to keep them out of the endzone and play good in the red zone was really, really important early in the game. … It’s a little different if they score a touchdown at the end.”
Alabama has allowed just 13 points in second halves over the last four weeks. It finished the job against the Aggies with a blocked field goal and forced safety within six plays. Braswell blocked a Randy Bond 41-yard field goal attempt and ran it back to the endzone before a penalty negated the score.
Then Eboigbe forced Johnson into an intentional grounding penalty in the endzone. While the referees deliberated, Alabama players put their hands above their heads. Some started to swivel their hips in the endzone.
“We strive to go out there and execute and do everything we possibly can,” said Braswell. “We strive to dominate.”
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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].
