Mac Attack leads Alabama to drama-free win vs. Missouri, Dylan Moses return sparks defense
Alabama didn’t give Missouri any chance to stir up trouble on opening day.
On a day when teams all over the Top 10 lost or had to dig deep to avoid upsets, Alabama football turned up to play Missouri with the ruthless efficiency we’ve all come to expect from the Crimson Tide.
With Mac Jones leading the way and a defense bolstered by returning stars, Alabama casually swatted Missouri to the side in a 38-19 victory.
Nick Saban’s dynasty isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Alabama looks like they’ll be headed back to the College Football Playoff if the season-opening win vs. Missouri is any indication
It wasn’t a given Alabama would roll over their opening day opponent. After all, college football fans spent much of the day watching No. 3 Oklahoma concede up a 21-point lead to Kansas State in a 38-35 upset and No. 6 LSU give up an SEC-record 623 yards while losing to Mississippi State. Many will have tuned in to watch No. 4 Georgia struggle with Arkansas and No. 7 Texas avoid disaster against Texas Tech by turning around a 15-point deficit in the final three minutes.
The Crimson Tide avoided those pitfalls by answering every question you might have had about them coming into 2020.
Did you wonder how Alabama would cope without first-round draft pick Tua Tagovailoa? Jones made it clear he’s up to the task with 249 yards and two touchdowns. He was so efficient he left some playing time on the table for true freshman Bryce Young to make his debut and whet appetites for a bright future.
Did you worry the loss of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III would limit the Tide’s passing attack? Jaylen Waddles said hello with eight catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Did you forget about Najee Harris? He reminded Heisman voters to pay attention with three touchdowns and 98 yards on 17 carries.
Were you uncertain about how Dylan Moses would look after a year lost to injury? Two tackles for loss for the redshirt junior should cover that one.
Were you warry after watching Alabama’s defense slip in 2019? In the first half, when the game was somewhat competitive, the Tide defense allowed 3.2 yards per play.
It was Mizzou. Greater challenges will come. Right now, Alabama looks ready to meet them.
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