Kent State vs. Alabama: Game Grades, Analysis for Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide improved to 4-0 on Saturday afternoon with 48-0 win over Kent State. The nation's top-ranked team racked up 502 yards of total offense and scored another non-offensive touchdown in the victory. It was a hot day in Tuscaloosa and the Tide struggled with injuries to key players throughout the day. However, strong performances by the reserves helped seal the shutout.
Passing Offense
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B+: The Tide played four different quarterbacks throughout the game. David Cornwell did not attempt a pass but Jalen Hurts, Blake Barnett and Cooper Bateman combined to complete 22 of 34 passes to 12 different receivers. Hurts and Barnett each threw for a touchdown and completed 65 percent of their passes. Tight end O.J. Howard caught the first touchdown pass from Barnett for a 34-yard score. Freshman linebacker Mack Wilson caught a goal line pass from Hurts for his first career touchdown.
With ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster out, many receivers got to step up. Cam Sims led the team with four receptions, finishing with 54 yards. Howard had three catches for 60 yards. Calvin Ridley dealt with apparent injuries to his hand and head, as he caught just one pass for 5 yards.
Rushing Offense
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A: Damien Harris went out with an ugly injury in the first quarter but the backfield reserves stepped up for big games. Freshman Joshua Jacobs impressed on Saturday with 97 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. Hurts also had a good game on the ground, ending with 54 yards and a touchdown. Bo Scarbrough, who has struggled with knee injuries throughout his career, also went out with a scary injury. Backups B.J. Emmons and Derrick Gore combined for 96 rushing yards on 17 carries. Harris and Scarbrough looked good while they were on the field, rushing for 37 total yards on just seven carries.
Passing Defense
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A-: The defense gave up just 84 passing yards but that can be a little misleading, as the Golden Flashes only attempted 16 passes. Minkah Fitzpatrick made a big impact but it was not while in coverage. The sophomore had two big sacks on the day, helping another strong pass rush performance by the Crimson Tide. Alabama allowed just one receiver catch more than one pass in the game.
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Rushing Defense
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A-: Alabama gave up a 47-yard rush on Kent State's first offensive play. After that, the Flashes had 35 yards on 29 carries. The Tide put together another complete performance against the run, led by Reuben Foster. The linebacker finished with seven total tackles, sitting most of the second half. The strong hold on Kent State's run game forced the visitors into tough third down situations, where the Golden Flashes were just 1 of 12.
Special Teams
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A+: Eight for 8 on kicks, a 49-yard punt average and a punt return for a touchdown will usually get you good grade. Adding that one of those field goals was a 49-yard kick and the backup kicker got in for two of the extra points, it makes it an easy A+. Adam Griffith put two field goals through in the first half. J.K. Scott even got to kick the ball off, booming it through the back of the end zone.
The highlight of the day came from sophomore Xavian Marks. The return man caught a punt at his own 25-yard line before making a couple of men miss on his way to the end zone.
Coaching
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A: It could not have been easy to get a team ready after last week's physically and emotionally draining win in Oxford. However, there was no slow start from the team and the game was over before the end of the opening quarter. There was a clear plan to get each quarterback into the game. There was no panic on the sideline when injuries came up. Nick Saban and his staff kept the team focused and the coach said he was very pleased with the performance.
Caleb Turrentine is a contributor at Bleacher Report. He also works as a columnist and contributor at Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Follow him on Twitter, @CalebTurrentine.
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