Jalen Milroe showcased his all-around skills by running for two touchdowns and passing for three more, connecting with freshman Ryan Williams for long scores as 5th ranked Alabama dominated Western Kentucky with a 63-0 victory in their first game post-Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide established a commanding 42-0 lead by halftime, fueled by big plays on both offense and defense. Justice Haynes and Jam Miller contributed with explosive touchdown runs, while Michigan transfer Keon Sabb made an impact with two interceptions and long returns to set up scores.
Alabama’s new head coach Kalen DeBoer commended his team’s determination and hunger for greatness, emphasizing their pursuit of a shutout and putting points on the board. Milroe, who played for less than three quarters, impressively threw for 200 yards and rushed for 79 yards.
Replacing the legendary Saban, DeBoer’s debut was nothing short of impressive, overseeing an offense that outgained Western Kentucky 600-145 in total yards. Alabama’s victory came despite the absence of left tackle Kadyn Proctor due to an arm injury, with Elijah Pritchett stepping up in his place.
Keon Sabb’s stellar performance at free safety assured Alabama fans that the position is in good hands post-Caleb Downs. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky, projected to finish second in Conference USA, faced a tough challenge as their quarterback TJ Finley struggled and was ultimately replaced.
Both teams encountered communication issues at the start of the game, with headsets malfunctioning. Despite the unusual circumstances, the game proceeded smoothly. Looking ahead, Alabama is set to face South Florida, while Western Kentucky will host Eastern Kentucky in their upcoming matchups.
Overall, the game served as a strong start for Alabama under DeBoer’s leadership, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive dominance, albeit against a lesser opponent. The victory set a positive tone for the team as they aim for continued success throughout the season.
