Alabama football dominates Missouri. Does the Crimson Tide deserve an ‘A’ on its report card?
After two losses in its last two games, Alabama football returned to its standard of dominance Saturday afternoon against Missouri.
A re-emerging run game and the best defensive performance of the season led the No. 15 Crimson Tide to a 34-0 win against No. 17 Missouri at Bryant-Denny Stadium ahead of Alabama’s second off week of the season.
Alabama will face LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nov. 9.
Here’s how Alabama did against Missouri Saturday afternoon.
Alabama football found balance against Missouri thanks to the emergence of the Crimson Tide run game.
Each of Alabama’s four touchdowns Saturday came via the run, including two touchdowns by Jam Miller in the red zone, a 9-yard Jalen Milroe run and a 35-yard Justice Haynes scamper.
The Crimson Tide was not able to find much late-down success against the Tigers, moments where the inconsistencies and lack of rhythm that plagued the unit in the past three games reared their heads. But progress was found Saturday, one defined by the run game.
Alabama defense: A+
It didn’t matter who was at quarterback. The Alabama defensive front gave Brady Cook and Drew Pyne no time to think or develop plays downfield.
The swarm defense from early in the season showed up Saturday afternoon, highlighted by interceptions from Malachi Moore, Bray Hubbard and Qua Russaw and consistent pressure from players such as LT Overton and Jihaad Campbell.
Alabama secures its second shutout of the season. It also secured its best performance of 2024.
Alabama special teams: B+
For one half, it looked like the Graham Nicholson game, doubling his season field goal totals in the first half alone. James Burnip remained busy, pinning Missouri back with multiple 50-yard punts.
Despite a kick catch penalty by Kendrick Law, Alabama put together a solid special teams performance
Alabama coaching: A
Hints of Alabama’s past struggles were apparent throughout Saturday’s win. But Alabama’s defense put together its best performance of the season, and the Crimson Tide found its run game.
Alabama football final grade vs Missouri: A
Alabama responded to a loss against Tennessee with something Bryant-Denny has not seen since early in the season: dominance.
