Alabama Football Spring Game: 5 Things We Learned at Big Spring Event

The Alabama Crimson Tide supplied 78,526 fans along with more across the nation, with an exciting A-Day game. Although coach Nick Saban does not buy much stock in the game, there are things to be learned from the performances in the White team's 24-15 victory over the Crimson team.

T.J. Yeldon Shines

Freshman running back T.J. Yeldon left nothing to be desired as he stated his case to replace future NFL running back Trent Richardson.

Yeldon, playing for the White team, earned the game's most valuable player with the Dixie Howell Award. In fact, he won it in a landslide.

Yeldon led all players in both receiving and rushing, with 88 yards on the ground and 91 yards through the air, totaling 179 yards—including a 50-yard touchdown reception.

Yeldon's most impressive drive helped extend the White team's lead to 17-9. After two quick rushes for 10 and eight yards, Yeldon was hit by a pass from quarterback Phillip Sims and scampered into the end zone for for a touchdown and 50-yard gain with 45 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The play of the young running back in the spring game adds to the excitement the defending champion Crimson Tide fans have. In addition to returning a strong core of players, the running back's A-Day performance has given hope that no beat will be skipped after losing Heisman finalist Richardson.

A.J. McCarron Strong

As a sophomore, A.J. McCarron pleased the Crimson Tide fanbase with a strong season. After throwing only five interceptions on 2,634 yards in 2011, McCarron was picked off three times in the A-Day game.

Although the A-Day game was more of a show than a competition for McCarron, he did show some poor decision-making. If one thing can derail the defending national champions, it would be turning the ball over.

McCarron never shied from airing the ball out during the game, as he threw 42 passes and completed 29 of them for 304 yards—a 10.4 yards per completion average.

After showing off his arm, the only downside to the play of Alabama's starting quarterback was the interceptions. One has to believe that during the season, he will not throw as many ill-advised passes and will continue to be the young leader of this championship-caliber team.

Phillip Sims Shows Poise

Although A.J. McCarron is the clear-cut starter for Nick Saban, backup quarterback Phillip Sims showed what he can do through smart decision-making and accuracy.

Sims started at quarterback for the White team, completing 9-of-12 passes. He also threw two touchdowns and was not intercepted.

The role of backup quarterback is more important than perceived.

After the strong performance during the Golden Flake A-Day game, the Crimson Tide would feel comfortable and confident if Sims were to ever be asked to step into a game, whether it be for one play or the remainder of the season.

In addition to the possibility of becoming the starter, Sims showed he will continuously work hard and nip at the heels of A.J. McCarron for the leading role. This gives McCarron a reason to continue his development knowing there is a viable candidate right behind him on the depth chart.

Adrian Hubbard Steps Up

After playing under Courtney Upshaw, sophomore linebacker Adrian Hubbard showed exactly why he can step up and fill in the void after Upshaw entered the NFL draft finishing his senior season.

Playing against the Crimson team, which is Alabama's starting offense, Adrian recorded seven tackles—six of them being unassisted. Of those seven tackles, four were for a loss and three were quarterback sacks.

In what proves to be another good Crimson defense, Hubbard's play gives way to him being one of the anchors.

After last year, Hubbard was expected to use his raw strength in a smarter way and to build bulk on his 6'6" frame. He did exactly that. He showed his improved ability to shed linemen with his hands as he got to the quarterback four times, three of which recording sacks in the process.

If the A-Day game tells us anything about Hubbard, it is that he will be a menace to opposing offenses with his size in the middle of the field and raw ability to create pressure in the backfield.

Alabama Maintains Contention

The most important thing to take away from the Golden Flake A-Day game is none other than the fact that Alabama will continue to contend for a national championship.

After losing Mark Barron, Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower, the heart of the defense needed replacing and retooling. With the immense amount of young talent and performances like Adrian Hubbard's, Nick Saban looks to return yet another brick wall of a defense.

After losing only one starting offensive lineman and loading the depth chart with extensive talent at the running back position, Alabama will continue to pound the ball into the ground and control games.

The play of Kenny Bell at wide receiver, along with A.J. McCarron's shown ability to throw deep, adds another exciting and dangerous element to an already solid offense.

The Crimson Tide have new faces but the same expectations—and the A-Day game gave no reason as to why Alabama will not live up to them.