Keelon Russell Addresses Coleman-Williams’ Absence After Tennessee Loss

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After Alabama's 26-10 loss to Tennessee on Saturday, freshman quarterback Keelon Russell addressed the absence of leading receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and the Crimson Tide's struggles in the passing game, blaming his own play for the loss.

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Russell completed 19 of 29 passes for 147 yards and two interceptions. He accounted for Alabama's only touchdown on a 19-yard run. The freshman quarterback faced constant pressure, taking five sacks and three additional quarterback hurries as the Tide struggled to establish any rhythm on offense.

The freshman quarterback was asked whether the tough environment at Neyland Stadium affected his play, to which he responded.

“It’s a tough environment, you know, I mean, I wouldn't say it was the environment that shook me. I wouldn’t even say it was anything that shook me. It was just the lack of playing that I had. I mean, it was stuff in front of me that I could have easily taken, and I was forcing the ball somewhere else, and just like I said, just wasn’t playing my game today,” Russell said. 

“I’m not going to cry about it. I’m not going to hold my head down, but I just got to know that, you know, going forward, we can’t have those mistakes no more.”

Rico Scott led Alabama's receivers with four catches for 54 yards, while Marshall Pritchett added six receptions for 39 yards, and Lotzier Brooks added three receptions for 26 yards.

Following Alabama's loss, Russell was asked how the offense was adjusting to Coleman-Williams' absence. 

The junior receiver, who leads the Crimson Tide with 415 receiving yards on 23 catches and four touchdowns, exited the previous week's loss to Georgia after suffering a head injury. Coleman-Williams also underwent arthroscopic surgery for a knee injury, keeping Alabama without its leading receiver for an extended period.

“Of course I miss Ryan [Coleman-Williams], but you know we play with the guys we play, and we have tons of good guys, so Ryan understands that, you know, this is next man up, so not playing with him, you know, it’s we play with the same guys in practice,” Russell said. “When Ryan’s not in on one play, you know, all the other guys are in, so you know we’re just playing ball. I mean, it’s not like we’re missing Jesus and stuff like that. It’s just we’re playing ball.”

Russell and the Crimson Tide will look to bounce back next Saturday, Oct. 24, when Alabama hosts Texas A&M for homecoming at 2:30 p.m. CT.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide coverage.