NCAAF LIVE🔴 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Alabama Crimson Tide | Week 1 - 2024 College Football 25

welcome to Tuscaloosa Alabama Title Town some call it a moniker that many claim but this city lives thanks to the Alabama Crimson Tide we have a ranked versus unranked battle coming up here and you know how chaos can ensue if they start smelling an upset as we'll see a squad from Conference USA the Western Kentucky Hill Toppers taking on the six rank team in the land the Alabama Crimson tie for EA Sports college football I'm Rees Davis joined here in the booth by David Po and Jesse Palmer and guys let's get this thing started Alabama about to kick off to get things started and and it'll be a Touchback the ball will come out to the 25 yd line so Western kuy's offense will get the first swing of the game and here comes the big fella a staple of this aerial attack Jesse and he's a guy they can line up all over the field David there's matchups out there waiting to be taken advantage of yeah and it's so nice to be able to do that it makes it easy to play quarterback when you can feature a guy like this that's fast big and strong you know as an offense often times you try the reverse play because you're trying to take advantage of a defense over pursuing and buy a lot of defensive team speed didn't work right there great discipline by this defense you can barely hear yourself thinking here as they're trying to get this defense off to a good start they make the stop but not before he takes a chunk out of what they need to move the sticks look I know this guy's tiny but on these slant throws as a DB you got to get your hands on him because he's just too quick he's going to cross your face too easy otherwise and he did right there better find the earplugged here comes the noise backing this defense on third down throws to the wide out can't make the connection and the defense putting on the heat and forcing the incompletion you just got to wonder too guys if the crowd didn't impact the offense there playing on the road on the first third down of this football game incomplete the idea here I think just punt it away and see if you can regroup because this this environment is ausome fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way perhaps feeling that coverage coming signals for the fair Catch and makes it at the 25 so Alabama's offense will go to work for the first time today and a big key as this game unfolds is just how aggressive will he be throwing the football at a lock down corner like that yeah and when you're an elite quarterback you think you can do whatever you want to do and you think you can make the right decisions I'm interested see how much he'll test that cornerback on the other side you know there's a saying there's no defense for a perfect pass but he's got to be extra careful and sharp when he's throwing that guy's [Applause] way from the 39 yd line it's first and [Applause] 10 they're going to ride this running back creating some space getting just enough good blocking and they've got it up to the 47 yd line well it's plays like that that will help this offense stay in Rhythm all game long if you can have that kind of success on first down running the football it just opens up your entire Playbook moving forward 8yd pick up on first down leaves them with second and short they'll run it from the gun keeps the legs moving Alabama will get the first down if you're going to play Bama tub you're going to find out really early if you can handle the running game yeah they're going to check your ch I mean they're going to come in and they're going to give you a steady diet of it even when they've had great quarterback play and spread the ball out it's still a physical principle they're going to make you stop the run and if you can't stop it it could be a long game slips a tackle got it in the middle it's prce that's about as close as you can get to that marker and it will be second and just a few breaths away from the first down hey I'll tell you what that slot receiver he may not be the biggest receiver in the world but he is Shifty andun runs really good routes you saw it on that play little bit more to go after that last completion they'll try to pick it up on second down quick completion to the right across the 25 he's got room and they'll finally catch up to him but not before a big chunk of yardage is picked up [Applause] the Crimson Tide comes to the line with the first and 10 from the Red Zone looking for a man caught in the back field it's prentis the defense wouldn't let him loose and even though it's in completion they lost yardage I love defenses that can tackle the catch right away you're not giving up any Yak as soon as that player has the ball he goes down now they're about to run a dirty half dozen plays on this drive the give to the running back from the shotgun he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple that linebacker was a heat seeking missile and the heat that he sought was the ball carrier yeah great job great feel linebackers are making all the calls in the defense and understanding when I need to come through that Gap and come through with bad in those guys are usually 245 lbs of heat seeking missile firing to the end zone and he's got it touchdown Crimson tie well that score leaves you with a burning question who had that dude whoever it was wasn't close no and the receiver was able to run right by him and and get to the end zone and and camp out and put up his tent and build the fire and fill up the coffee pot and just about everything else in before the guy decided to even get remotely close to him lining up to attack one more onto that lead and the extra point is good and it's seven nothing they put together a 74 yd touchdown drive and the scoring play comes on a tou pass from 22 yd out kickoff team has the ball teed up and they're about ready to go on the move from inside is five nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 the hill topper offense comes onto the field again he wastes no time and comes out throwing caught near the sidelines he'll pick up a few before going out out of bounds and I think you're seeing these guys in every offense now these little guys that they're so quick it's hard to get a hand on them run crisp routes you can throw it short you can throw it long but they're just big time Playmakers we've definitely seen an emphasis shift towards smaller wide receivers with some serious skill and maybe he'll get back to the line of scrimmage but no more than that boy there wasn't much room to wiggle for that running back there none at all great job by the defense getting the Back Field quickly closing up all the holes nowhere to win Here Comes This Home crowd as a defense tries to get off the field on third down here's the snap itching to fire down field and the sophomore has to get that one out in front of his receiver third and long situation they try to go screen I think they were hoping it was going to be a big Zone and they could get those offensive linemen down the field but the defense sniffed it out forcing the incompletion the hill Toppers line up to punt it away this will be the second time they've had to kick it away working his way on the return up to the 40 yd line before he stopped here comes that Alabama offense they Unleashed an aerial assault last time that took him right to the end zone David So ree with that drive I think you've accomplished something you wanted to accomplish make this defense think you put them back on their heels now shoot PA you might be able to slip a few runs in on this drive to really Jack him up yeah I like that idea but I also like the fact that speed kills they've got it at the receiver position so if you got one-on-one matchups man take advantage halfway there on first down it's second and five running back searching for a hole and the defense snows him under after a very short game yeah and the running back didn't get much here but you know you clearly want to the tempo run the football be consistent make that defense physically meet the challenge third down after the run to the air it's milro finds his big tight end and he's knocked down immediately but not before he moves the chain you know you don't see a lot of hitch throws against third down but if you're going to give the receiver access like that the quarterback's going to take it that was just way too easy Alabama comes to the line with first and [Applause] 10 from the gun they'll try the middle that's a really nice play it's impressive when it's first down the defense thinks you might be running the football you still can line up you can get some movement at the point of attack and find a little crease for your [Music] running after the productive first down play it's second and six from the gun they'll give it on the inside he was running through tackles and picked up the first down and finally got knocked down with the weapons this offense has you knew it was just a matter of time in the Run game before someone was going to break a long one they' just been running into a wall they just couldn't seem to find their creases and get enough movement up front but they finally got it there picking up the first let's see what happens next on the run it's tains and they picked up nine on first down it'll bring up second and short all wide outs no backs he's back to throw on second down grab near the sticks it's Bernard he's there to make the stop but the damage has been done as they pick up the first down on the throwing catch stop me when you've heard this before first down first down first down just continuing to put first downs together so far this defense just can't find any answers from the 17 yd line threatening to score on First and 10 trying to get the edge with a quick touch pass really nice stop there from this senior leader and these little touch passes man they're just the easiest completions ever for quarterbacks Palmer I bet you would have loved being able to just Flip It Forward that counts as to your completion percentage which is good and then it's all right after the catch so pretty easy for a QV you wouldn't have been the only allamerican in this boo day if I were allowed to have Push passes when I was playing quarterback I'll tell you that it is so hard to defend it's so hard to got some room enter to the goal line he almost punched it in for six they'll get him down at the one yd line looks as if have an injury on that last play and we'll take a break to check him out Alabama comes to the line with a first end goal he'll put the tight end in motion trying to bully their way in and there is nowhere to run they were eager and ready for him this time around great job by the defense everybody firing off the ball hit their guys holding their gaps running to the football nowhere to go got stopped on first down they'll try it again from the two they'll try to blast their way in and he takes it in for the score touchdown Alabama man did he show some hops for that one some serious vertical right there I tell you what everybody in front of you hey I'll go by air if I need to good job getting in the air getting a touch he'll try to add another to their lead and with the extra point they pushed the lead out a little further that touchdown Drive covered 61 yards and finished the deal with the short touchdown run from the two they're lining up to boot it away [Applause] on the run from inside his zone five and they'll bring him down to get the offense started on the next Drive they are shaking the Raptors of this place trying to help their defense as they've got him pinned deep looking for a physical attack from the gun punches ahead they'll give him a yard to the 13 and the running back didn't get much there nice job by the defense you can tell they're focused in on this running back on this game being physical getting knockbacks and limiting his carries they've got him deep in their own end In This Crowd trying to help keep them there he'll try to pop the draw puts him in the spin cycle weaves his way ahead and gets five out to the 18 yd line and as an offensive coordinator you don't need the perfect play with this guy as your running back he's going to make the play perfect for you because he makes everybody miss spin moves hurdles stiff arms speed whatever it takes to move the sticks and score touchdowns Deb Rising as the crowd Gets behind this defense on third down quick completion on the out really nice job to get it past the sticks pick up the first down at the 30 quarterbacks are just like anybody else they get in rhythms and to get in a rhythm early on third down and have a little success here and get the sticks moving great chance to continue to get this offense moving down the field to get some more points and the hill Toppers will have it first and 10 the give to the bat drag down after a pick up of five out to the [Applause] 35 halfway there on first down it's second and five he's looking to throw it's caught good job running that route to get past the sticks because he got nothing after the [Applause] catch the hill Toppers are rolling down the field they'll try the run and they'll bring him to the ground after a short gain Run game is good balance is good now listen if the Run game isn't good then you got to pass the football a little bit more but sometimes you got to keep them honest take them chunk by chunk didn't get much on first down it's second and [Applause] nine the quick out and he's knocked down immediately but a good pick up on that play I love the anticipation on that throw by the QB on the out route you got to throw it before the receiver comes out of his break nice work this has the makings of a good drive the seventh play brings up a third and four from the gun wants to pass caught near the sticks it's Smith they've got it inside the 40 at the 39 as they pick up the first down third down the the focus of the defense has to shift it has to change we have to understand now exactly where the sticks are we can't give up those plays for them to get beyond the sticks and get those first downs just inside the 40 yd line it's first and 10 from the 39 nice run there on first down you know this is a running back that gets better as the game goes on so they're going to want to make sure they keep feeding him the football let him get lathered up got three on first down it's second and seven going to run it it's young and you can forget running in the middle against this defense well you love to see that from the defense right it's like Ben don't break they've given up a bunch of plays on this drive but now that they're getting down close to field goal range you're seeing them start to stiffen up there yeah and plays don't matter anymore yards don't matter all that matters with these defenses nowadays is points and limiting them on third down going up top he can't make the catch had it right in his hands and it'll be fourth down yeah and you can tell he was trying to run with that football before he caught it that slant route you stick your foot in the ground cut towards the QB those one of those plays where he puts it on the money and you just try to make yards after the catch but key word being after the catch now looks as if they'll settle for the field goal TR [Applause] and it's right down the boulevard so they were able to put up a three spot on that last drive and now the kickoff team out there as they prepare to put boot to leather here he comes from inside his own five and he'll be brought down after a solid effort on that return the tied offense rolls onto the field and David how they would love to stick it in the end zone one more time after that last drive and once you get the defense on their heels and you back them off a little bit you get in a little bit of Rhythm it's really hard to stop Jesse and they're going to try to do it again right here and if you're this play caller you're loving what's happening right now because everything you dialed up on that last Drive ended up working out you're just looking at your play sheet everything you're picking is working let's see if they can pull it off again here looking for room it's haes looks like Alabama will pick up the first down you can go way back in the history books to the wishbone attack all the way back to the first Rose Bowl team Alabama builds its identity on a strong running game builds it on dudes that Tote The Rock and do it with nastiness with some physicality and not one guy is going to bring them down and and you see it year after year with these guys and there's always somebody that's going to be a physical challenge to try to get on the ground the defense wouldn't let him lose there and it was a completion but they lost yardage love the awareness by the defense here they're trying to get the running back the ball in space but the defense was expecting it they had guys in position they located the football and they went and gang tackled lost one on that last one it's second and 11 they go to the ground creating some space getting just enough good blocking and they've got it up to the 47 yd line so Alabama takes the lead into the quarter break they largely dominated this first quarter as indicated by the stats now the challenge here they've taken a punch but they can't let it get out of hand as we start the [Applause] second to the air it's milroad fires complete on the Crosser that'll be enough for the first down as they stop him at the 43 yd line well you know who's got to love this offense picking up so many first downs it's their own defense David I know you love playing on teams with great offenses this Alabama offense is quicking they're set up with another first down power football with the run and a decent gain there before the defense makes the [Music] stop halfway there on first down it's second and five he's looking to throw oh goes right through his hands and he will think think about that one for a while it'll be third down well the receiver did everything right he ran a good route he got his head around he just didn't finish the play just look it in we'll see if they go back to the air after the incompletion it's third and five moving the running back forcing the defense to adjust snagged in the middle H brenis they make the stop with the sweet thr catches plenty to give him a first down that is going to drive this defensive coordinator now it's a lot of DCs they focus a ton of energy on how their unit performs on third down and in the Red Zone if this defense gives up a couple more third down conversions like that they are going to be in for a very unpleasant film session on Monday comes out throwing on first down incomplete he had to get rid of it before he wanted to the defense put the heat on there's example of what happens when the quarterback doesn't have a chance to set his feet the pressure just forced him to have to work off schedule a little bit and I think because of that wasn't able to be as accurate as he wanted to be now on second down after the incompletion he wants to throw it again grabbed over to the middle it's Prince and right in the middle a tight coverage and he still makes the grab at the 15 everything seems to be working for this offense right now if they keep this up this could get ugly by the fourth quarter the tide with the first and 10 using his legs it's haes tough running this deep in the Red Zone he's got four down to the [Music] 11 solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six here's the GI off the left side and he'll step into the end zone touchdown B another rushing touchdown that's now two on the game this offense thought they could come into this one running the ball being the more physical team and they look like it right now lining up to tack one more onto that lead the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead they put it in the end zone with a 12pl scoring drive and it was punctuated by an 11 yd Run for the score about to kick it off after punching it in for the [Applause] touchdown and he takes this from inside the five really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field and maybe they want to try somewhere else because there is nothing doing in the middle of this defense stopping the run is about physicality it's about I'm bigger than you I'm stronger than you up front really nice job by the defense showing their strength bowing up stuffing the Run they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 free- snap motion quarterback trying to get a read looking to throw on second down part in the back field it's young and listen I I know that wasn't a huge gain it was positive but I like doing more of that in today's college football I'm just going to try to give my Playmakers a chance to do damage in space away from all the big boys inside so they're facing third and short from the 25 they'll move the running back to try to force the defense to adjust in the gun and looking to throw on third down almost intercepted it'll fall incomplete the defense almost came up with a turnover and I like the aggressiveness on Third and short trying to throw the football take advantage of a look that they got they weren't successful and now it's Fourth and short territory who knows what they're going to do and the hill Toppers will try to pin them back with the punt fair catch called for and made here comes that Alabama offense what a good mix of plays keeping that defense off balance last time David and Reese they don't know if it's run or if it's pass they got them right where they wanted this defense doesn't know how to react from getting punched in the mouth on that last drive so in this next Drive David I think you keep running the football because that sets up the play action it sets up the RPO game and then you keep this defense guess after the productive first down play it's second and six they'll run it from the gun and he's able to shed one tackle but still just a very short gain here on third down bling for a man it's milro and they fail to hook up on third down well the quarterback in his intended target just simply didn't have the timing there the ball Falls incomplete on third Now setting up fourth down the Crimson tie will bring the punt team on the field he'll try to really get into this one and good work by the coverage team to get the Return Man Down On The Ground the hill topper offense comes onto the field again this is hardly the start they dreamed of down 213 but get a touchdown here and you feel like you're back in it Jesse Yeah it's frustrating for this offense as well because they've got the horses they've got Playmakers to light the scoreboard up much more than the three points we're seeing here I think you just got to stay true to yourself do you David and know that the points are going to come well it's also frustrating when the defense is giving up points almost every single possession so they they need to score and this down to have a good drive and then the defense needs to pull the weight a little bit too just masterful working that sideline and getting the toe down for the catch it's so hard to get to quarterbacks when they get the ball out of their hands this fast great job understanding what the defense is doing right away assessing hitting the corner route right off the Jump the offense lines up at the 40 they've got a first down he's going to pass and the quarterback is snowed under really nice play when you talk about Alabama and and their dominance on defense especially in recent years it all starts up front you have to have disruptors playing on the defensive line guys that can be versatile and line up at different positions but create havoc in the back field and that's what this guy has been able to do throughout his career they'll try to keep that sack from Wrecking this drive here on second and 15 he's looking to throw he tosses one high and deep down the left side and it's incomplete after taking a shot on second down they're staring at third well at this juncture in the game with how the scoreboard looks no question this offense is going to have to throw to get back in the game and it's going to be tricky now because the defense is expecting it you're going to throw into a lot of big Zone coverages with everybody's eyes on the quarterback not going to be easy on Third and long hoping to throw beyond the sticks gets it out fast and he's not going to make it the defense denying him the first down so he was forced to just take what the defense gave him and they were able to stop him short of the first down and when you're a defense and you get third and long and you know exactly where those sticks are you set your feet at them they throw it underneath I go rally make the tackle perfect third down and long execution by this defense no return coming he'll call for the fair catch the tied offense rolls onto the field here's another opportunity Jesse to stretch out this lead after punting last time I think it goes back to your Playmakers ree I think it's finding the guys that have been working for you earlier on in this game and getting them the football yeah and there's obviously no need to panic I mean think about it you got the lead you got the football you got to be smart with the football make your plays put a good drive together Here and Now on first down after converting with the Run they're getting this guy lathered up and they try to run inside and there is nowhere to go maybe that stop is a good sign for this defense maybe the defense is starting to figure it out obviously offense is been running the football with so much success something has to change that was a good start got stuffed on first down it's second and 10 back to throw it's milro fires to the middle and that's going to fall to the ground incomplete that was a physical match up there third down coming what a hit by the defender that's a good throw and that was going to be caught but how about the defender dislodging the football from its intended target nice job third down conversions always a hug huge St and they've got a third and long from the 27 a little pre- snap eye candy for the defense quarterback strolling away from heat Nifty little Scamper on this one enough for the first down and he slides in safely you know QBs want to make those big plays they want to they want to put up the big stats but when nothing's there sometimes you just tuck the ball get a minimal gain I like the slide by the way too get down and don't take a big hit Alabama Rolling quickly down field set up with another first down got it behind the line it's Bernard and not much doing there as that defense runs him out of bounds a defense man it helps you a lot when you can be a linebacker or Corner some safety anybody and you see the QB throw the football now I can break up the football right away and limit gains like right here on this off the bootleg looking to fire sof spot in the middle and he'll ramble to the 34 before he's finally knocked down Alabama may always be built on the run but these days they elevate with a highflying pass game and great coaches evolve and we've seen the evolution of this Alabama offense over the last several years and it's not just run it's not just eat clock it is be aggressive attack make big plays down the field grabbed in the back field it's Miller finds AC crease at the 20 and it is a chunk play a huge gain on that one before the defense brings it to an end if I'm a defense I got to find a way to get some more pressure on the quarterback or disrupt their timing and their Rhythm I can't give them these big chunk plays through the air I got to be maybe a little bit more aggressive or do something a little bit different on first and goal let's see if Alabama can get it in In The End Zone they'll try to get it in with the Run smashes ahead touchdown Kai and they take it in for six more points what a day his third rushing touchdown and when you got your college fantasy football team going this guy is racking those points up for you chaing chaing chaing lining up for the Pat and the extra point will tack another one onto this lead about to kick it away after scoring the [Applause] touchdown he'll bring it back from inside is five and he did a good job bobbing and weaving and finding a little bit of Running Room on that return here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field looking for space it's young good job running tough and behind his as he gets up to the 38 yd line they can really be aggressive after that last play it's second and three caught in the back field it's Smith wrestled down at the 43 after getting five now on first down from the 43 yd line he's looking to throw it receiver looks it in it's complete after that last completion it's second down leaves it with the back the hill Toppers pick up the first down well they picked up that first running the football that's good news for an offensive line that really has been getting pushed around and bullied in this game so far's see what happens moving forward and the hill Toppers come to the line with a new set of downs warter back on the keeper he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple he tried to make something out of nothing but there was really nothing he could do on that play and I hope offensively that's not going to make them quit on this option play that that's a scheme that really puts the defense in a bind if I were them I wouldn't let that play stop them from trying to run it later in this game on second down he'll fire grabbed behind the line it's young he makes the stop almost as soon as he catches it and they're short of the first down guys out of the back field now it's not just run the ball downhill anymore you got to be versatile I got to be able to trust you in the pass game and I got to be will throw you the football and you can do that right there I know you're going to catch it and I can depend on you they line up with some serious work to do if they want to convert this one trying to move the sticks on third down through the air and that one's incomplete they weren't just trying to move the chains they were trying to move the scoreboard instead it's Fourth Down great job by the defense dialing out some pressure on third down they hit the quarterback and force the incompletion the hill Toppers will bring the punt team onto the field they may have to pay him overtime he's punting for the fifth time today another punt on the way got to make sure those hammies and glutes all activated don't want any muscle pulls from overuse here comes that Alabama offense how about that last drive just carved him up in the air David yeah and how about that quarterback you gave him the ball he's got it downfield for a huge gain and a pick up of better than 30 yards on that completion before the defense brings him down yeah and the quarterback knew exactly where he wanted to go to the football had time spins the ball deep nice job by this offense understanding what the defense is giving him and creating the explosive Play From Any spot on the field they're a threat to get a chunk play and they just did it first and 10 from the 40 back to pass it's milro he unleashes a long one and EB making a huge play knocking it away down field really nice play by the defender being in a good position for that deep ball down the field not letting the receiver put his big body on him go up over top the only thing that could have been better is that thing tipped to another Defender and it was an interception but great coverage by the defender they'll go to the ground a confident tough efficient run gets it up to the 44 a chance to sort of put the defense on its heels if you convert a third and long this one from the 44 from the gun wants to pass we've reached a two-minute warning and they will try to build on what has already been a dominant first half performance Alabama will bring the punt team on the field this will be the second time they've had to kick it away and the ball will bounce at the four and find its way into the end zone for a Touchback the hill topper offense comes onto the field again looking to go up top on first down boy they've been caught in a buzz saw here in the first half but maybe a has to carry some momentum into the break here it all comes down to this drive right here Reese obviously this offense hasn't had everything go right for them in the first St but here's an opportunity David to execute some plays put some throws together and generate some points and you're right Jesse and this offense needs to start now like we got to get some points on the board create some momentum and continue it because you've dug yourself a significant hope pocket starts to collapse and there was nowhere to go for this quarterback and down he goes the pocket broke down and the quarterback had to take the sack really impressed by this pass rush re just guys winning their individual battles oneon-one up front they're able to get to the quarterback they'll snap it from the 25 here on second and long he's looking to throw he's right on target they bring him down but a solid pick up to put them in position to pick up a first down there's a time out called as this offense tries to find a way to draw a little closer now facing a third and long from the gun wants to pass got his man quickly they able to get him stopped just shy of the first down marker referee signals timeout it's the defense wanting to make sure that they have every thing just right with a big play coming and the hill Toppers decide to punt it away not going to risk a return here he'll make the fair catch offense set on first down he wants to throw unloads to the wide out complete to the left and he was loose and out the gate and doesn't go down until he gets to the 48 yd line well it didn't take long for this guy to leave his impact in the game guys with that catch this guy's already over a 100 yards in the game and we're not even done the first half they were backed up and then suddenly they weren't they've got it first and 10 now inside the 50 to the air it's milro quick completion on the out route and he goes down after making the gra picked up a few but he's still short of the first down marker they'll immediately call timeout fly getting set on second down he's looking to throw grab near the marker it's printis tackled after picking up the first down and this has got to be so demoralizing for this defense right now having given up multiple first downs on this drive somebody on defense has to step up make a play and stop the Le Alabama with a first and 10 here looking to move it through the air they'll throw it to the back on the screen all kinds of Running Room defense is there to make the stop but he's got the first down and they'll have it first and goal with the six they'll use a timeout right before halftime maybe time for one or two more plays they're happy enough to try to take the points as the field goal unit heads out and he'll boot one from the right hash he ought to be able to navigate that angle from this distance didn't make him sweat at all it's good and that lead grows even bigger [Music] that late in the half field goal always gives you a little boost going to the locker room and they'll need to finish off these final few seconds and not allow them to answer looking for an alley from inside his own 10 and they'll get him on the ground as the offense comes out to start the next drive that's the end of the second quarter that means it's time to join Kevin and our halftime update fellas you've been calling a great one today from there in Tuscaloosa and we've got to start our halftime breakdown with this Superstar running back his elusiveness his raw power this young man is the total package and his ability to catch the ball out of the the Back Field is a differentiator a lot of guys can hit the hole this kid can hit the hole and hit the home run in the passing game and with that let's send it back to the guys in t toown the hill Toppers will boot it away to start the second half he'll start the return inside his five nice job executing all of the assign as they put a stop to that return at the 22 the tied offense rolls onto the field he'll keep it himself he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple I tell you what as that ball start to get towards the sideline when they're running these option plays man those outside players become more pivotal my Corners have to be able to tackle my secondary is going to be much more involved and getting the quarterback to the ground nice job by the secondary by this defense back to pass it's milro fires to the right got a wide open receiver and they are pushing the ball down the field a big pick up on that one and the tackle is finally made well how about the offense setting that play up we've seen earlier in the game a couple shorter throws they're just trying to suck those safeties closer to the line of scrimmage anticipating that they would get an opportunity to take a shot they called the perfect play at the perfect time right there wants to throw on first down off the play fake he's got an open man they've got the defense reeling right now with that big play to the 29 well this defense has tried to find ways to disguise their coverage and mix it up to try to confuse the QB it's not working though that last completion he's now get over 300 yards passing they'll start this one from the 29 on first down motion by the back forces the defense to adjust he'll come out throwing on first down he's got it there to make the tackle but the big throw is good enough to give them a first down great job by the offense listen if the defense is going to sit back in zone you know what you got to do run those crossers across the formation those guys that they're looking at the quarterback they're not trying to pick up receivers all the time make those precise throws right in those holes get those first downs get those big chunks from the gun running back on the Move brought down after a 5yd gain down to the [Music] seven going to work on second down in the red zone is still some ground to cover to pick up that first down the back goes in motion on second down he'll let it fly quick strike complete and that was some kind of collision between a couple of big bodies there and he stopped from getting the first down not a lot of ground to cover and not much to defend a big third down in the Red Zone they'll try to get it through the air he makes a grab they'll get him stopped just short of the End Zone but they're in business here with a first down third down in short is exactly what you want an offense because you can run the football make the defense suck up but you can also throw it nice execution third and short Now set up in a first and goal situation power ahead touchdown Crimson tie and The Stomping has commenced have your yourself a day Young fella you know why they handed him the ball a lot because he did that that's his fourth trip to pay dirt this dude has shown you a little bit of everything what a great back and four touchdowns on the day they'll try to add another to their lead and with that extra point the lead remains in the gargantuan category they marked 78 yd down the field and they finish it off with a short Plunge Into The End Zone lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown [Applause] drive here he comes with return good job by the coverage unit to put a stop to that return here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field that last Drive fizzled out Jesse they had to punt it yeah they did and David they're just going to have to do a better job this time around erasing the mental mistakes and just trying to solve the defensive riddle understanding what they're trying to do to you and attack them after picking up a couple at second and eight he's looking to throw going to try to pop one on the screen he's really close to that first down marker but they stop him just a bit short I tell you what if you want to be overzealous and you want to be a Blitzer all the time I like running the screen right behind him did a great job throwing the screen almost broke this one for a long game but it just keeps the defense a little bit more honest if you want to start bringing a lot of pressure wide receiver coming across in motion on the Jet Sweep Racing for the edge and the sticks they were all over him nowhere to go as that third down play turned into a disaster defense was prepared and I'm really impressed by the eye discipline right now that's not easy to do it's not easy to locate that receiver coming across in motion with good timing and getting the Jet Sweep but they were ready for that play fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way makes a move looking for Running Room he'll get it to the 43 yd line before he stopped here comes that Alabama offense that last drive an absolute aerial assault for the touchdown Jesse it was a nice job in play calling too David just giving the quarterback some easy looks and reads so he could go out and execute and he knew exactly where to go with the football everything looked really really easy he was hot the ball was coming out of his hands the defense better do something different they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 dropping back it's milro fires to the wide out and that pass will be Jarred loose on second down that brings up third down well that's one the offense would love to have back that's a play they practice over and over and over they feel like they can run that play in their sleep not able to connect there some third down conversions tougher than others this one a long one on third down from the 43 from the gun wants to pass throws to the wide out fires the pass intercepted and he's wrapped up after a solid return on the pick I love when people start to understand what we're doing defensively if they're going to pass the football and that's that where they're going to live well I'm going to live in dime I'm going to bring more defensive backs on the field so I can cover more of these speed guys that they have out there great job by the def defensive back breaking on the football making the int making the DC look very smart they'll run the RPO and throw it right and the defense holds firm no pickup at all on that play really good defense you know you're trying to stay as close as you can to all these targets and most importantly those open field tackles and getting them on the ground as soon as they catch it that's a major deal for defenses that was a good example there of it dialing up a second down pass play he got his hands on it but couldn't hold on to it what a time that would have been for their first pick of the game well the defense has had enough of this right the quarterback's on a hot streak the ball's not hitting the ground and right there they decide we are jumping one of these routes we're going to try to get a pick almost came away with one there third down conversions are a huge stat and this one would be a doozy if they can pull it off looking left and it's picked off he was trying to get that return going instead he'll hand it to his offense at the 38 well I love the job by the coaching staff there defensively matching the Personnel of the offense putting their dime package out on the field so you bring out the extra defensive back you're anticipating a pass perfect timing to run that personnel and you get the [Music] pck the side offense rolls onto the field after that last pick David they really need to take care of the ball this time no doubt and Palmer I want to know what Spurrier said to you on the sideline after a pick do that again and you'll be right here beside me for the rest of the game you got to go out you got to call your plays and I hope this coaching staff isn't going to be afraid to throw at this [Music] drive random B on first down let's see what they do on [Music] second the give out of the gun they get him on the ground but it's a first down man those little chunks keep annoying the credit when you're on defense it's just putting them in Easy situations chewing up four to six yards at a pop like that put you in a bad situation as a defensive coordinator what do I call either way priority number one we got to stop the run it'll be a first down from the 49 yd line might as well give it to him again and these defensive tackles just eat people they swallow human beings when you get near them they're so big so strong those guys those running backs coming they just need a mid they put one mid on a running back and he usually falls to the ground just because of their sheer mass and strength didn't get much on first down it's second and nine wants to throw it's milro using the back as a rece on the screen he's right out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down that is a time honored way to slow down the rush hit him with the screen and a chunk play yeah such a great job cuz you're flying up the field to get to the quarterback cuz everything looks like pass down the field let those guys get up the field throw it right behind him he does a little bit of the rest making some moves getting up field making the big play and he's a real Nowhere Man tackled in this no gain land you can't let the same guy beat you over and over and over again you got to make adjustment sometimes you got to bring more guys in the Box more guys to the football and make sure he's not the one who beat you he wants to pass it on second down catch in the middle it's wall now he's got it all the way down to the 21 yd line and they are threatening on first down and I love when you understand when I'm supposed to put some RPMs on that football you could tell he's thrown over the middle of the field he knows he's got Defenders there I got to throw this thing in there quick fast in a hurry nice job by the quarterback they'll ride the running back and leave it with him they get him after he picked up five and got him inside the Red Zone down to the 16 [Music] halfway there on first down it's second and five from the gun they'll try to impose their running game pulled down after a pick up of three balls at the 13 boy they'd love to move the sticks here take a shot at it on first and goal it'll be a run on Third and short he'll be stopped short picks up one but they're facing fourth and one and here comes the field goal unit for the second time tonight [Music] it is perfect well that's just piling on not the penalty kind just the mean kind he keep pushing that lead out and the kickoff team's getting some [Applause] work coming out with it it's young not nearly as much as he' hoped when he brought it out of the end zone he'll be stopped at the 15 the hill topper offense comes onto the field again boy they hope this next Drive is more productive after throwing a pick last time Jesse Yeah coach has did a good job on the sideline there just talking to the Young quarterback and making sure he's able to turn the page calm him down to go out and refocus this drive baby yeah and some people do that better than others but you got to show some trust in him maybe get the ground game going help around him a little bit with this system got stuffed on first down it's second and 10 from the gun the G looking for room they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one it's been that kind of day for this offense right it seems like anything they're dialing up just simply isn't working but at this point David I don't know if it's even worth trying to run the ball probably not you're getting destroyed right now nothing has gone your way and when you're down this much I I think the running game is used sporadically not as a staple let's throw this football around and see what can happen and it's incomplete on third down well after struggling so much in the first half you thought they would have made some adjustments here at halftime to see if they can open up this passing game but early on in the second half half you're just not really able to get that done incompletion on third down and your own end you're expecting them to punt and the hill Toppers will line up to punt it [Applause] away he gets a block he was able to get that ball up to the 48 yd line before he stopped on the return here comes that Alabama offense always good to get points on a drive David but Chip Shot field goal can leave you a little empty and I think it's great to get points but the great teams get touchdowns in the red area you got to get out there this time and execute a little better on this drive you're absolutely right David and generally the best Red Zone offenses are the ones that run the ball the best so let's see if they can be a little bit more physical on this drive the offense has it first and 10 from the 42 they'll give it to him again he's knocked down in the back field he'll l a couple well this guy's been eating them alive all game long finally though David you wonder if the defense has been able to make some adjustments find something positive