Ryan Fowler’s Reaction: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, Alabama vs. New Mexico State Edition
Every Monday, Nick Saban spends part of the afternoon showing his players the good plays, bad plays, and ugly plays from the previous Saturday.
The good section highlights what the team did well in the game; individual plays, series of plays, moments of the game that went well for the Crimson Tide.
The bad section focuses on plays that were run incorrectly, maybe a play designed to pick up more yardage but failed. It might include simple mistakes, a turnover or just a simple missed block or tackle.
The ugly section could also be called the disaster section, plays that went completely wrong or injuries. Ugly plays are learning moments for the team. Part of discussing the bad and ugly plays includes thinking through what they could have done differently.
Alabama vs. New Mexico State
Good: The Crimson Tide was able to take control of the game after a sluggish start, the amount of players that played in the 2nd half should come back to help build depth in the future.
Bryce Young had another game that produced WOW statistics, Young finished with 21-of-23, 270 yards and five passing touchdowns. Jameson Williams continues his productive 2021 campaign with 158 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
My biggest good was the balance that Alabama showed on the rushing and passing, only separated by four plays, this will be a key statistic if Alabama wants to hoist a trophy in Atlanta or Indianapolis.
Bad: Alabama seems to be a slow starting team, though Nick Saban refused, in the post-game press conference, to criticize his team or the slow start.
Against great teams, the Crimson Tide might dig a hole that will not allow them to recover. The Crimson Tide has scored more in the 2nd quarter throughout the season that any of the other quarters.
Ugly: Unfortunately for Alabama, once again, the ugly is injuries with a running back going down with a significant injury. The loss of Roydell Williams will hurt and will place even more pressure on Brian Robinson.
Trey Sanders will now be given an opportunity to prove he is able to handle the back-up running back responsibilities, Sanders had 72 yards on 12 carries but the confidence gained in the game might be just enough to get him on track for the last part of the 2021 season.
Jo Jo Earle’s injury will also impact Alabama on special team returns, Slade Bolden may not give you electric returns but he will provide experience in punt returns.
Coming up Monday on The Game with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9, we will discuss the good, bad, and ugly. You will also have a chance to win a framed Daniel Moore print, “ Unrivaled,” which recognizes Alabama’s 18th National Championship, starting at 2 p.m. on Tide 100.9 and on the free Tide 100.9 app.