Alabama football made a statement Saturday afternoon in Madison, Wisconsin.
The No. 4 Crimson Tide shut Wisconsin down, beating Wisconsin 42-10 at Camp Randall Stadium, its first trip to Madison since 1928.
Alabama now faces its SEC schedule, opening against Georgia at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium following a bye next weekend.
Here is how we graded No. 4 Alabama (3-0) in its road win against Wisconsin (2-1) Saturday.
Alabama football offense: A
Jalen Milroe shined against Wisconsin, himself representing diversity in run/pass plays that left the Badger defense one step behind consistently all Saturday afternoon. But it wasn’t all Milroe — it was also an offensive line that was healthy for the first time all season, which gave the offense enough room and time to work. Several three-and-outs aside, this is a big step for the Alabama offense, especially with Georgia up next. The explosiveness shown against the Badgers is a big statement heading into SEC play.
Alabama defense: B+
Alabama’s defense continued to be ripe with opportunities to shine, opportunities of which players like Deontae Lawson and Malachi Moore took advantage. The defense was not perfect, and injuries to Moore and Qua Russaw will be important to monitor moving forward, but 295 yards allowed and 4.04 yards per play is something to build off of. Wisconsin was seemingly one step behind all afternoon, even with one 3-yard touchdown pass from Braedyn Locke to Will Pauling.
Alabama special teams: B+
Alabama special teams did not get off to a great start, beginning the day with a 46-yard field goal miss by Miami (Ohio) transfer Graham Nicholson. But James Burnip’s four punts for a 53-yard average pinned the Badgers back, including three at or behind the 20-yard line, set the Crimson Tide defense up for success.
Alabama coaching: A
With a healthy offensive line, Sheridan and the offense seemed to have the freedom to do whatever it wanted against the Wisconsin defense. The Crimson Tide remained explosive, remained consistent and worked quickly, a credit to Sheridan’s approach and a preview for what SEC teams could see soon. Kane Wommack’s swarm approach showed up for the Alabama defense, leading to multiple turnovers, broken-up passes and tackles for loss.
Alabama overall: A
On the road, in a hostile environment and against a Big Ten opponent, Alabama showed up and made a statement. With an off week before starting SEC play against Georgia, the Crimson Tide should leave Madison, Wisconsin, confident after a convincing victory.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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Publish date : 2024-09-14 08:22:00
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