Key Takeaways From Mizzou Week

Mac Jones continues to shine

The return of the Mac seems promising. Jones continued to show pocket presence and willingness to take pressure while getting the ball downfield. He also worked the intermediate game and got the ball out his hands quickly and did well in the intermediate and quick game to help lead the Tide to victory. He passed for a cool 249 yards while going 18-24 on his throws with two touchdowns. Jones has been impressive since his first start after Tua’s season ending injury last season and seems to be picking up right where he left off.

Saban’s mindset

For those who don’t know, Coach Saban has never lost a season opener. Although this offseason has been nothing like we’ve ever seen the Tide was prepared and laser focused. With the offense firing on all cylinders the defense forced a punt or turn over on downs on four straight drives. Giving Alabama the opportunity to build a comfortable league and get some of the younger guys some snaps and game experience. Saban’s mindset has seemed to rub off on the team as they kept a calm, business like approach to the game which lead to a dominate performance.

Defensive Emergence

The return of Dylan Moses seems to have revamped the defensive unit. The linebackers flowed to ball well and took some good angles. Resulting in the linebackers contributing the majority of the tackle for losses. The line did allow some big plays on the ground early in the game the line tightened up and allowed only 2 yards per carry in the win vs Missouri. The secondary looked decent outside of the 54-yard play given up in the 4^th quarter.

Saban addressed both sides of the ball in a post-game press conference by saying “I don’t think we maintained our intensity and played nearly as well in the second half” Look Alabama to pick up the energy level for a full 60 minutes as they head into battle vs No. 13 Texas A&M.

Jaylen Waddle

Some were caught off guard with Waddle’s ball skills and ability to get separation within the route due to him being featured as a special team guy and slot receiver in his first two years with the Tide. But don’t be mistaken. Waddle would be the unquestioned No.1 option at most schools and may very well emerge as the No.1 for the Tide. Mac Jones spoke after the game on the chemistry he and Waddle developed over the summer and it showed. With 8 catches gaining 134 yards along with 2 TD’s look for the trust to grow between Jones and Waddle.