In their final “preseason” game, the Alabama Crimson Tide crushed the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, 52-12. While they didn’t cover the massive spread on the game, they were still impressive in several aspects.

We graded the Tide in all three phases of the game in their last tuneup before SEC play begins.

Offense: A-

The Tide rolled to more than 500 total yards for the second straight week, and Blake Sims’ running ability proved again that this is a different Alabama offense than those of the past. The running game is as good as ever, and it seemed that everyone who took a handoff was able to churn out a first down. The only complaint is the variety in the passing game, or lack thereof. Amari Cooper was outstanding as always, with eight catches for 135 yards and a score, but the rest of the team combined only had nine receptions. And, once again, tight end O.J. Howard was nowhere to be found.

Defense: B

After last week’s shutout, the Crimson Tide probably didn’t expect to give up any scoring drives, let alone four of them. Southern Miss quarterback Nick Mullens hit on several long passes down the sidelines early on, dropping in balls right over Alabama’s secondary. They also failed to force a turnover for the second time in three games. To make matters worse, safety Nick Perry got himself tossed on a targeting penalty, and as a result he’ll miss the first half of next week’s SEC opener against Florida.

Special Teams: A

With all of the kickoffs the Crimson Tide had, they allowed an average of under 20 yards per return, and there was no return on their only punt of the day. Christion Jones did a good job in the return game for Alabama, averaging nearly 28 yards per return on kickoff returns and gaining 14 yards on his only punt return of the day.