Keelon Russell Taking Bigger Strides Every Time He Steps on the Field

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- All week, we heard about how good Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor was for the Bulldogs. A paired storyline prior to the game was Keelon Russell's struggles the last time the Crimson Tide went on the road: when Russell turned the ball over three times in one half as the Crimson Tide trailed Kentucky 17-13 after the first 30 minutes.

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Russell finished the day with 188 passing yards and a touchdown as the Crimson Tide relied on the run game to score 32 unanswered points to defeat the Wildcats. On Saturday against Mississippi State, Alabama put the onus on Russell to lead the team, and he rewarded his coaching staff.

"I just think he’s learned from everything that’s happened. And it wasn’t just about that road game. It’s about all the things he’s had through the first four leading in today," head coach Kalen DeBoer said after the game. "So, he just plays with, let his emotions - he’s not this overly emotional guy, but just feed into it. And our guys love when he commands things. That happens in practice now. He’s not afraid to tell guys where to go, what they need to do, and if they’re not up to the standard of how we’re operating in practice. And that happens in games, too."

Russell has made checks and adjustments at the line of scrimmage for a few weeks now, but Saturday in Starkville, with 60,000 cowbells ringing out, Russell commanded the huddle and was consistently helping the Tide's freshmen backs line up on the correct side.

"And he’s just good at trusting himself. I think he’s got a good vibe with the skill group, throwing on time. I think that’s a big part of what you’re seeing now, especially since Game 1. But continue to take care of the football, making good decisions, run-pass, understanding how to convert and move the chains, knowing when the ball needs to get in the end zone. I thought that third down to Rico in the second half there, just the ball placement on it. He’s got all those skill sets, and the guys are working with him each and every day, and they’re excited about what it looks like down the road.”

Russell finished the day completing 16-of-22 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran the ball five times for 16 yards and a score in the Tide's 56-23 victory over No. 16 Mississippi State.

Russell's big day against Mississippi State brings his season total to 1,414 yards and 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Russell also has 168 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Alabama improves to 5-0 (3-0) with the win at No. 16 Mississippi State on Saturday. The Tide's next game will be next Saturday, October 10, when Alabama hosts No. 2 Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.