Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Vs #6 Alabama -Week 1

something more in the air than a gentle breeze off the black Warrior it's the opening of another Crimson Tide football season under the lights in Bryant Denny Stadium 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 sixth ranked team in the land the Alabama Crimson tie glad to have you with us for EA Sports college football I Davis David Po and Jesse Palmer with me in the booth guys we are ready to tee it [Applause] [Music] up and he'll just take a knee and this drive will start at the 25 so Western kuy's offense is on the field for the first time today here he comes and obviously defense is always going to be aware a quarterback but boy he finds a way to put defenses on their heels all the time David I mean what can't he do he's got the weapons he's got the confidence he's got the experience Jesse these kind of guys are so hard to defend you're right they better be able to find a way to get pressure on him cuz if they don't this is going to be a long day off the play F and the pressure gets there and down he goes at the 18 and it is hardly a big surprise RIS that this Alabama defense is hitting hard and making their presence felt in the back field yeah it's what they built their brand on they built it on physicality and stopping the run and and you've seen over the last several years too after they do that they come after your quarterback and they try to get that sucker on the ground on Third and long a check down would be the last resort fires to the wide out he's got an open man and the tackle is made but not before that completion gets him 30 plus and listen the defense knew coming into this one they were going to Target him early and often he is a weapon and there's no mystery where the quarterback's going to be looking on critical down and distances let's see how they are able to cover him throughout the rest of this game yeah and the running back didn't get much here but you know you clearly want to always establish the Tipo run the football be consistent make that defense physically Meet The Challenge and off from the shotgun and the defense stops him just short of the first down maybe needed a few more chain links to move the sticks they'll try to run for it he gets it to the 38 yd line and they'll pick up a fresh set of downs you can barely hear yourself thinking here as they're trying to get this defense off to a good start and he'll Chuck that one away and Save the down nobody was able to get open now on second down after the incompletion and how nice is it to have the home crowd going absolutely bananas communication is harder but they're snapping the football everybody being on time man this crowd really affecting the football game third and long and he'll try to throw for it oh they really could have used that catch there physical pass defense it brings up a fourth down and here comes the field goal unit and it's right down the Boulevard and the first points of the day come on that field goal well the head coach has to like that it's the first drive of the entire year you did some good stuff on the drive you get yourself in field goal range most important You Come Away with points to kick this season off [Applause] after putting up the field goal they're set to kick it away and he'll return it and try to get behind his blockers really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 so Alabama's offense will have its first possession of the game and a big key as this game unfolds is just how aggressive will he be throwing the football in a lock down corner like that yeah and when you're an elite quarterback you think you can do whatever you want to be and you think you can make the right decisions I'm interested to see how much they'll test that quarterback on the other side you know there's a saying there's no defense and the ball is intercepted not the biggest return but he sets him up inside the red zone at the 19 you know after watching that interception I just wonder if this kid's too amped up tonight he was so excited to take the field he thought this was going to be a game that he could stat it up but he's going to have to do a better job tonight with his decision making that is not how you want to start a game couldn't order better field position for this offense trying to start the drive with a pass can't find his man as he took a shot trying to deliver that football and it'll be second down well we're only in the first quarter but already this defense is making their presence felt we've seen time and time again their ability to rush the passer and get hits on this QB his toughness is going to get tested and the hill Toppers have it in scoring position on first and goal that was a really nice catch and an even better run after the grab and he takes it in for the score touchdown Hill toppers when you're handed a break with unbelievable field position like that you better finish the deal and they did you saw the quarterback jog on the field I think he gave a high five to every one of those players coming off that just put them in position to go score that touchdown that QB knew this was a golden opportunity and boy he took advantage of it they'll try to add another to their lead point and with the extra point they push the lead out a little further and let's check in with Kevin Conor in the studio Kevin lot of eyeballs on your game guys and a few on this interesting matchup as well West Virginia is ahead in this one but unlike the days of Don neand this has not been a blowout today in Morgantown they're up by seven over Penn State just another week of college football where we've come to expect the unexpected fellas and how about that one will be keeping an eye on everything going on elsewhere this offense has a second down play the give to the running back from the shotgun stacked up after gaining a couple to the 23 coming to the line of scrimmage on third down third trying to hit the side line on the right the tide will get the first down here's this offense with a fresh set of downs yeah a nice job dialing up that short yardage situation play call there David they needed one yard and they picked up two yeah great job up front great job by the back knowing where they need to go nice having a hole where you can get through and not have to just do it all on your own time that kind of pick up on first down and you can take a shot here on second and short brought to the ground but not before getting enough for the first down this Alabama offense is clicking they're set up with another first down really goodlooking run you know you think about the Legacy Alabama has at the running back position it's ridiculous Mark Ingram onah Heisman obviously Derrik Henry Josh Jacobs I'm going to go back to Sean Alexander who I played against back in the day too all these guys had speed all these guys had vision and quickness and this guy right here he has all of those traits himself just another big time town in the Crimson Tide back that's the end of the quarter Western Kentucky is on top 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 second they go to the ground they'll pick up four second and Six coming tried to pound it on first down now back to the line Second down to the air it's milro quick strike complete they stop him almost immediately short gain there and still a little ground cover to pick up the first they've controlled the football on this drive the eighth play will be a third and three they've got it inside the 40 at the 39 as they pick up the first down running backs on either side of the quarterback you wonder now on offense have they found something in the Run game final it's been tough for them to get the Run game going but they picked up a nice gain on that last one let's see if they go back that last completion sets him up on second down leaves it with the running back I like feeding my guy I like getting my running back touches feeding the ball so he can break some of those big runs but I'm also okay with these little ones set the tone stay balanced muscling ahead on Third and short they are on the move as they pick up the first down they'll spot it at the 28 long drive here play number number 12 coming up for this offense he's got it on the right they pick up half of it it'll be second and five stuck with a running game on first down now here they come again com quickly complete and good coverage by the defense just a short game a manageable distance on third down as they try to convert from the 20 off the RPO quick throw to the right the hill Toppers see them move the chains again first and goal and this feels like their chance to make a game of it and I like it third down and short and this offense stays aggressive and now they're set up forget the field goal we're not looking for three now now set up in the first and goal trying to get a touchdown they've got it down to the three now it's second and goal fast motion from the offense they want to run this quarterback and he'll finish the run in the end zone touchdown Crimson tied well they started with horrible field position but ended with perfect field position in the middle of the End Zone it all comes down to execution R you've got to have guys going out and doing their jobs you saw the offensive line up front they were physical skill players made it happen with the ball in their hands and the quarterback really showed command on that last Drive and the Pat will draw them one point closer so that was a methodical 17 play drive for the touchdown and closed to deal with a three- yd touchdown run coming out with it it's Jefferson and The Return Man reaches the end of the line and down he goes Hill topper offense comes onto the field again now they need to put something together to answer that last score there's a lot of pressure too on this offense to have to execute at a high level they've got to score points they but they can't go too fast cuz their defense right now is time and I think that's the difficulty being a playr like I have to balance all of those things my defense is a little bit tired I can't put on the field but I got to be aggressive because this is a back and forth type game so a lot to process and think about it's a two-minute warning and we'll see if the offense can tack a little something extra on their lead before the break he's looking to throw going to try to top one on the screen and they knock him down but he got past the line to game and the hill Toppers will have it first in 10 he wants to throw and that pass intercepted God room on the return and with the interception he'll take it all the way back touchdown Alabama what a play by this defense with the pick six and how about the defender exactly what you're supposed to breaks on the football makes the interception everybody on defense we turn to offense go lay some blocks so my guy can get it and take it back to the house ready to try the point after for the exra point and the extra point is good and it's a four-point lead they're about to kick it away and the defense probably can't wait to get back out there after the pick six and he'll bring it back and the returner runs out of real estate as he goes down here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field well the good news is they threw a touchdown pass last time it was just to the wrong team Jesse well that's an unfortunate part of the game for quarterback but guess what they do happen so you've got to be able to turn the page here and Lead this offense well I think you know this defense is going to be aggressive they're going to jump routs they're going to play aggressive you got to take advantage of that maybe use that this time to your advantage the short hands it's Johnson and the defense settled in to stop that one for a short gain clock's running and they'll try to get to the line warped speed for second down he's looking to throw takes the easy one to the back timeout is called and it's the defense wanting to make sure that everyone's on the same page for this big down hands it off and he's not going to get there the defense Stands Tall and makes the stop now quick timeout by the defense there trying to make sure everyone has the same call fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way not going to risk a return here he'll make the fair catch a first down for the offense [Applause] [Music] he's going to pass the short hands it's hes the offense calls a timeout to stop the clock looks as if we have an injury on that last play and we'll take a break to check him out second down coming up dropping back it's mro excellent coverage and good use of the hands to knock it away went up top on second down that leaves him needing a yard here on third down they'll try to get the first through the air snagged on the outside it's Hayes and he'll step across the sidelines after making a good gain on that one he's looking to throw it he's going for it all he holds it in and nobody's close nice job by the quarterback hey the defense is going to let your big tight then you wide open like that you will take that throw all day long and they do for a big game trying to find his man on first down it's caught downfield he was smelling that end zone but they get him down at the four after the big pass play he wants to throw it going for six reels it in in the End Zone touchdown timee and this offense is firing in all cylinders right now starting the year game one and creating a little bit of a pad in separation at the end of this first half but you can see why so many people are really excited about this offense this season ling up to add another [Applause] and the extra point is good and they have an 11-point lead they got the late touchdown on the board now about to kick it away and hoping the defense can keep them from answering and they desperately wanted to attempt a return but decided not to instead they'll take the touch back he'll come out throwing on first down got his man on the right there's a timeout called as this offense tries to find a way to draw a little closer looks as if they'll stay aggressive here they go five wide on second and three receiver wasn't ready for the throw incomplete Here Comes This Home crowd as the defense tries to get off the field on third down they'll try to get it through the air another incompletion on third down the hill Toppers will try to pin them back with the punt defense did a great job third and short on the opponent's side of the field they're expecting quick throw everybody they dug their heel on the ground they're able to break on the ball forc the in really good job by the coverage team to make the Stop and that's where they'll put it in play looking for room it's young at the 35 he's got room up near the 40 yd line they'll mark it at the 39 a pick up of 15 comes out throwing on first down slings it downfield he makes a catch they finally make the stop but that one will make those halftime stats look a little nicer as we head to the break that's going to wrap up the first half here and now we join Kevin with the halftime update fellas you've been calling a great one today from there in Tuscaloosa and I get it a lot of coaches will say the difference between winning and losing comes down to stopping big plays and getting big plays but if you ask me it's more about how good you are on third down and how efficient you are in keeping drives alive those two stats can help you break the will of even the best defenses and help you come out on top and with that let's send it back to the guys in T toown and the hill Toppers will kick it off to start the second half he'll bring it back from inside his SP bulldozes him just shedding tackles and he's able to pick his way through the traffic nicely for a good return on that one before he's brought down got the Quick Pass hard knows determined effort to work his way up to the 35 yd line up [Applause] out of the gun the inside hand off to the running back that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there here on third down will they go back to the running game they'll try to run for it love to see these third down conversions on offense and they're out to their own 39 yd line the tide with the first and 10 well they needed two yards to get that first down that's exactly what they got great job execution no secret about it just got to be physical get a hat on a hat low man wins all the cliches to get that third down and short from the gun the running back has it and they'll stop him after a minimal pickup some third down conversion is tougher than others this one a long one on third down from the 43 motion by the back forces the defense to adjust using the quick game they convert on third down as he gets it to the 46 yd line Alabama Rolling quickly downfield set up with another first down nice move there and the defense snows him under after a very short game picked up two yards on that last one they need eight on second down got it in the middle it's LW just what this offense was looking for sets him up at the 26 with a first down tune in to the oo eighth play of the drive coming up false start off the officials offer the deal and the coach accepts it they will take the penalty Ed the play fake now a shot toward the end zone and good coverage there to knock it away and deny the score offense gets set for second down that's a great job by the DB playing the ball in the air you see it all the time DBS kind of get turned around the wide receiver goes up and makes a catch no sirve DB great position knocks the ball down for an imputation on the move it's milro he CAU it and to the end zone touchdown B and find your weapons nice job by the quarterback finding the running back out of the back field he catches it and does the rest walks into the end zone for the touchdown lining up to tack one more onto that lead and with the extra point they're on top by 18 let's go to the studio now and check in with Kevin Connor Kevin what do you got all right guys a little update on what else is happening in college football this weekend West Virginia is running away with things and it's thanks in large part to an offense that's been firing on all cylinders they're up by 18 over pen State we've got our eye on things here and everything else going on right now and any updates we'll see them here guys oh and how about that I know Kevin and those guys will be keeping an eye on it for us on second down was to throw and the quarterback goes down at the 11 yd line when you play at a place like Alabama you have to live up to the Legacy the legacy of the Jonathan Allen the Don pays the Marcel Darius is when you play on that defensive front and the funny thing is I can keep going quinnon Williams Will Anderson like the list goes on and on and on just Elite level recruiting on the defensive line on the edge is how they built this dynasty fires the has intercepted didn't really have room to operate on the return but he hands him the ball at the 32 third in Africa is extremely difficult when I know it's a passing situation I get to rush the passer and pin my ears back I get to put more DBS on the field to drop back and really play pass coverage you can tell the offense was trying to force it trying to get that first down makes the big mistake the tied offense roll PS onto the field they Unleashed an aerial assault last time that took them 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 put them back on their heels now shoot you might be able to slip a few runs in on this drive to really Jack them up yeah I like that idea but I also like the fact that speed kills and they've got it at the receiver position so if you got one-on-one matchups man take advantage they finally get him on the ground with a big running play Move the change for the first down dropping back it's milro got his man quickly and he's able to shed one tackle and pick up pretty good yardage going to work on second down in the red zone is still some ground to cover to pick up that first down he pushes his way down to the four as they get closer and closer Alabama comes to the line with a first end goal gets it out quickly he's down at the one and they almost had the touchdown pass on that one it's now second angle so Alabama takes the lead into the quarter break and they are starting to pull away as we come to the end of the third quarter let's take a look at how we got here one more quarter to go and it looks as if we are ready to play they'll try it again from the one on second and goal trying to punch it in touchdown Crimson tie and The Stomping has [Applause] commenced game one you want to come out put drives like that together score a bunch of points and especially at home give your home crowds something to get excited about they have today they've been jacked up and they're going to go one [Applause] and0 the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead about to kick it away after scoring the touchdown K he'll start the return inside is five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 the hill topper offense comes onto the field again he'll start this drive firing gets the Freshman able to get home with the sack and how about this defense taking care of business keeping that guy under 200 yds is a heck of a day their offense has obviously done their job too and this has been an absolute beat down that's the last thing you want as an offense a negative play a sack on first down from the shotgun the hand off to the back and they'll wrestle him to the ground after a short gain not exactly the ideal situation for this offense third and long backed up inside their 20 fires to the right and here's the third interception of the n and they'll close in on him after a good return on the interception the defensive lineman late in the game man when you know it's passed you're pinning your ears back trying to get to the quarterback and DBS are trying to do this pad them stats get the int nice job by this D here comes that Alabama offense there have been few obstacles for this offense as they are starting to pull away here in the second half Jesse and this has been a dream game for this play caller too right it's like like anything that he's calling is working flawlessly yeah it's fun to be the offensive coordinator but not the defensive coordinat they have had no answers it's been an absolutely miserable day trying to Solve the Riddle of this offense they love to pick up this conversion and go to work with a first and goal false start offense so the decision has been made and the coach will take the penalty a third down try for the offense they're bringing heat they get enough rush and it pays off the sack of the 20 and third and long and the offense goes with a little play action I I don't know why the threat of the run I'm not scared by that you can tell the defense doesn't honor it doesn't buy it flies by the line gets to the quarterback gets the big third down stop they'll send out the kicker to try to salvage this drive they pick the spot it's going to be out a 37 yd attempt it's good and now the leads extended a little far well they're able to get a field goal put three points up on the board after getting that interception you would like to have seen the offense do a little bit more with that possession to give themselves an opportunity to score a touchdown but listen teams will take three points anyway they can get he keep pushing that lead out and the kickoff team's getting some work he'll bring it out it's Hutchinson and returner will be dragged down here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field one of the most valuable things a quarterback can have David shortterm memory just forget that last pick you dang right clear the mechanism it's over moving behind you some players can't do that real well and it leads to more mistakes Jesse you got to just forget about it and move on and I think the coaching and he will be sacked at the 6yd line and it's simply been that kind of day for this offense they've had so many struggles and at this point in the fourth quarter you're trailing by a ton of points the defense knows you're throwing it and they're pinning their ears back and they are getting after as you saw it on that sack there this defense has kept them backed up now one more stop and they can get off the field on Third and long he's looking downfield to throw and with the completion out to the sideline they'll pick up a couple the hill Toppers send out the punt unit this offense has their work cut out for him man because the coverage has been so tight and if you're not throwing to the sideline or you're not getting past the sticks this defense is going to tackle you inbounds like they just did on that last play and bleed the clock the tied offense rolls onto the field they had this thing in a hammer lock at halftime and now they are really ratcheting up the pressure David and I tell you what this offense doesn't have to change a thing they've done what they wanted in the first half and starting off the second half in the same fashion and I like how they're letting different guys get involved too they've got so many different playmakers all over the field that last run leaves him with a third down will they keep it on the ground to give as they work on that clock looks as if the Crimson tied will have the first down here's this offense with a fresh set of downs now he's looking to throw it shoots it to the left it's caught finally run out of bounds but he has this offense rolling with a first down new set of downs after that completion they showed great trust in their quarterback right there and why not he's had an outstanding game an outstanding game was taking care of the football now late in the game you got the lead that first down now tells me now it's time to start running the football run the clock get out of here with the DB we reached the two-minute warning in this offense is that much closer to salting away a victory they'll see if they can find some Running Room on the right here draged down to the turf but not before getting the first down Alama here's this offense with a fresh set of [Applause] downs he'll do it himself he pushes it forward all the way to the 2yd line operating in the Red Zone here on second down from the gun they'll try to impose their running game and they're going to score again yet another touchdown as they just added their tot and add it on again this offense has done whatever they want however they want in this lead has ballooned when you start a season off you want to build momentum you want to defeat an opponent and beat him badly that's exactly what they've done this team looks ready to compete for a national championship P unit on the field ex point and with that extra point the lead remains in the gargantuan category we check in with Kevin Connor what's going on Kevin fellas I think at least a portion of your audience will have an interest in the one that just finished up Cal just wrapped up four quarters worth of dominance on its way to would never end doubt Victory and that's really the standard there in Berkley they'll enjoy this one all week a lot to go through in the film session this week for both teams but boy it's sure it's going to be easier for the side that came away with the win Kevin thanks a lot for that one sounds as if they had a good one there they're trying to dig out of the hole on second and long from the nine he's looking to throw unloads to the wide out that is just a sideline credit throw catch tow drag everything you want they'll throw it on first down they're trying to get to it pass Falls incomplete and there are still 3 seconds left and here we go final play of the game right here misfired on first down back to the air on second good quickness to grab it off the balance they make the stop right there good pickup it's still short of the first down the old coaching cliche go one and0 every week and for the first week they get it done great start to the season that's what you want you want to come out find a way to win was it perfect absolutely not you're going to find things to work on throughout the season but 1 and0 that's where you wanted to be and I think if you're the coaching staff of this winning team you've got to like what you've just seen first game of the year there was tremendous effort on the field guys flying around flying to the football trying to make the plays necessary to win this game they definitely made a few mistakes but that's what practice is for but if you're the coaching staff I think you're very very positive right now moving forward so that's going to do it for us for Jesse Palmer David poock I'm reys Davis saying so long this has been another presentation of EA Sports college football