Alabama shut out Nick Saban’s alma mater Kent State Saturday, 48-0, but it seemed as though it may come at a cost.

Several players were shaken up during the game, which precedes the team’s second SEC game against Kentucky this Saturday, but it now appears the team narrowly escaped without any major injuries.

Damien Harris had the worst injury and it apparently was only a minor ankle sprain. Several other players were shaken up, whether it was Calvin Ridley, Bo Scarbrough or Ronnie Harrison, among others. ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster were already held out of this game due to prior injuries.

All of the players returned for extended action or appeared to be OK (Damien Harris being the lone exception). The lack of a major injury was the best news of the day for those in the Alabama program. Sure, putting together a complete game and completing a shutout were reasons to be happy, but more important games loom in the month of October.

In the meantime, coaches must be encouraged in watching younger players step up on both sides of the ball. Jalen Hurts continues to be one of the most dynamic players on the team. Of the team’s five offensive touchdowns, Hurts was under center for four of them.

On the team’s last touchdown drive, Hurts got three players seldom used on offense involved. Derek Kief, Trevon Diggs and Mack Wilson all played critical roles in the team’s 13-play, 66-yard drive. Diggs has been primarily used in the team’s secondary and Wilson is primarily a linebacker, although he’s shown an ability to be a strong blocker and pass-catcher.

Blake Barnett received important playing time, while Cooper Bateman even got into the game late in the second half. Barnett led two successful scoring drives, one resulting in a field goal after being handed good field position, and another a 34-yard TD strike to O.J. Howard. Barnett is showing himself as a solid quarterback, but Hurts continues to solidify himself as the better choice for now.

Alabama was thrown sideways with Harris’ departure and Scarbrough getting roughed up. However, true freshman Joshua Jacobs and B.J. Emmons did well in their absence. Jacobs carried the load with 11 touches for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns. Emmons had 8 rushes for 51 yards. Derrick Gore received 6 carries for 45 yards during the second half.

The offensive line had its best performance of the season, opening up big holes for all of the backs and protecting Hurts well. Even with a few subpar snaps from center Bradley Bozeman, the true freshman signal-caller handled the poor snaps with calm.

Meanwhile, Alabama’s penalties were a big improvement from previous weeks. The Tide committed just 2 penalties for 20 yards after combining for 21 penalties and 159 yards the previous two weeks.

Alabama scored its sixth non-offensive touchdown this season, extending its streak of games with such a score to six dating back to last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal when Xavian Marks took a punt return 75 yards back for a touchdown. Saban was still displeased with Marks for not properly fielding a few punts, but the touchdown probably made those mistakes easier to swallow.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ryan Anderson kept his goal intact. He stated he wants to get to every quarterback the team faces this season. Through four games, he has 3 sacks after recording a half sack Saturday. Reuben Foster chased Kent State quarterback Mylik Mitchell out of the pocket, and Anderson’s high motor caught him for a shared sack with Tim Williams.

Minkah Fitzpatrick actually led the team with 1.5 sacks in the game. Foster had a half sack and led the team in tackles with seven.

While Jacobs probably benefitted most from this game, backup linebacker Keith Holcombe, receiver Cam Sims and defensive lineman Raekwon Davis all received valuable playing time.

The team moves on to a bigger challenge in SEC foe Kentucky this coming week. After that, it will be a brutal stretch that features road games against Arkansas and Tennessee followed by a home game against Texas A&M.

For now, the team has a little boost of confidence knowing it has the ability to put together a complete game.