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Alabama had an explosive play rate of 40% in the first half of its first game under Kalen DeBoer.
That’s pretty good efficiency. Probably. We’d have to check some historical facts and figures to know for sure.
The coach who does nothing but win football games and produce elite offenses was brought to Tuscaloosa this offseason to replace the legendary Nick Saban and keep the good times rolling. Fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance with Washington, the hope was that DeBoer could make some magic happen with returning Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
In the first half of Saturday’s season opener against Western Kentucky, the Alabama offense was nearly flawless as it rolled up 6 touchdown drives and went into the break up 42-0.
Alabama actually went 3-and-out on its opening possession of the game. From then on, only a Milroe fumble would stop the Crimson Tide from finding the endzone.
The Crimson Tide ran 8 first-half drives. None of them took more than 2 minutes off the clock. The last 3 all scored within 64 seconds.
There were scoring plays of 22 yards, 84 yards, 39 yards, 85 yards, and 55 yards.
Alabama averaged 17.7 yards per play in the first half.
Alabama averaged 24.1 yards per dropback in the first half.
Alabama averaged 14.8 yards per rushing attempt in the first half (adjusted for sacks).
Milroe completed 4 of his 6 passes for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had 49 rushing yards and a fourth score. Tailback Justice Haynes had 102 rushing yards and a score on 4 carries. Jam Miller had 43 yards and a touchdown on 2 carries. Freshman wideout Ryan Williams had 2 catches for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In terms of efficiency, it doesn’t get much better than that first half from the Crimson Tide. Highlights are below.
First interception in an #Alabama uniform for Keon Sabb #RollTide
— The SEC Scoop (@TheSECScoop) August 31, 2024
If you talked to anyone on Alabama’s staff this summer, Keon Sabb’s two first quarter INTs are the least surprising things that have happened today. Coaches think he’s a dude and he’s playing like one so far.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/HlGfuEMNlb
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) August 31, 2024
Alabama 5-Star True Freshman WR Ryan Williams with his 1st Career TD
The 17 year old is still supposed to be in High School https://t.co/1OwJu4XFXWpic.twitter.com/LIuNI6DAzq
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 31, 2024
Welcome back, Justice Haynes!!!
85 yard touchdown for the sophomore to make it 35-0 Alabama.
Alabama may have the fastest runningback room in the country pic.twitter.com/KQfzvcyjwS
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) September 1, 2024
RYAN WILLIAMS!!!!
The 17 year old has 2 catches for 2 touchdowns and 139 yards!
pic.twitter.com/zC8hiunupU— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) September 1, 2024
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
