Alabama football: 5 things we saw in the Auburn game

While it was frustrating to see them keep an Auburn team in the game that was on the verge of being knocked out, it was nice to see Alabama get a relatively easy win, marking its first regular season Kalen DeBoer graduated from Tuscaloosa. It’s hard to win a game by two points when you turn the ball over four times, but that’s exactly what Alabama did.

A few impressions:

Malachi Moore left his mark and the defense played well

The loss of Deontae Lawson was a huge blow to the defense and left a leadership void that someone had to fill. One play, Malachi Moore stepped up and forced the defense to win. Moore was ever-present, piling up three passes defended and dishing out pain.

This was the defining moment of the game for the defense and perhaps for Malachi’s career.

You did well, ‘Chi.

The pass defense was excellent, allowing less than six yards per pass before the final possession. The Tide only managed one sack, but Auburn QB Payton Thorne had to escape pressure several times.

Jarquez Hunter had some decent success early in the game, but didn’t see much action in the second half as Alabama built a sizable lead. Apart from a few penalties, there wasn’t much to complain about defensively.

Jalen Milroe was great when he wasn’t turning the ball over

We got the full Milroe experience in what could be his final home game. For the most part, Jalen threw the ball well, but also sent a terrible interception over the middle when a checkdown would have set up a field goal attempt. He used his legs a few times to get out of trouble and didn’t even manage to reach into the pocket, which could have been a game-winning strip sack. The QB power had quite a bit of success, except for the one time he dropped the ball.

Talk about filling out the box score. Jalen threw for 256 yards, ran for 104 yards, scored three touchdowns, threw one interception and lost two fumbles. If Alabama makes the playoffs and Jalen can eliminate the fools, he can lead the Tide to the championship. Unfortunately, such a turnaround is unlikely to happen this far into his career.

Ryan Williams seems to have hit the wall

Poor Ryan had a terrible day. He had a good grip over the middle early in the game but fumbled the ball when tackled. Later in the half, he dropped a nice full-throttle pass from Milroe for what would have been a 55-yard touchdown and slipped on an end-around that has become a staple of the offense. Freshmen are often pushed to their limits this time of year, and Ryan’s first season was a whirlwind after arriving over the summer and a year early. If Alabama actually makes the playoffs, hopefully the three-week break will help it.

The running backs still can’t get anything going

Many Alabama fans were upset last week by the lack of support from Jam Miller and Justice Haynes. They were involved early and often, especially Miller. Unfortunately, the two combined for just 104 yards on 35 carries, less than three yards a pop. It’s a little baffling that Alabama hasn’t been able to find a traditional running game all season, as the pieces seem to be in place, but it just hasn’t happened.

Somehow the SEC’s activity seems to be getting worse every week

Luckily, Alabama fans weren’t throwing things when Moore was the only one stopped for his reaction to a play that sent teammate Devonta Smith into the Auburn bench and then jumping onto the sideline. Every week more incompetence seems to come to light. Later on that drive, Thorne landed the ball without escaping the tackle box and got away with it. In the end, Auburn scored its only touchdown of the day. Something has to be done.

Going into the season, going 9-3 and finishing fourth in the SEC was a fairly common prediction for Kalen DeBoer’s first season. It didn’t necessarily go the way most would have thought, but not playing against mediocre teams is easier to fix than not playing against the top teams in the conference. Alabama is now playing the waiting game but has gotten some help and could travel to Columbus or Knoxville for a playoff game on December 20th.

Of course there is enough time to talk about it. Right now we’re celebrating the win over Auburn.

Roll Tide.