Media, fans questioning Alabama's use of DeVonta Smith against Kentucky
At the risk of getting called “rat poison” by Nick Saban, the Alabama-Kentucky has not been in doubt since the Crimson Tide notched a three-score lead in the second quarter.
The second half has continued to be all Bama. Despite it being a blowout at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Smith continued to be used as UA’s punt returner. Media and fans alike questioned Nick Saban taking the injury risk of having Smith on the field with the victory already secured. No one wants to see Smith get injured on a return play like Jaylen Waddle’s season-ending injury.
Here’s a small sample of what was said on Twitter:
DeVonta Smith returning punts with Alabama leading by 7 touchdowns in the 4th quarter. ?
— Brandon Zimmerman (@BZSEC) November 21, 2020
Scary as hell
— UABama#18?????? (@BamaLife4Ever) November 21, 2020
Not fond of it….
— Stan J. Griffin ? (@StanJGriffin) November 21, 2020
Scares me to death
— Bubba (@bamabubba4) November 21, 2020
Risky
— Jules (@julietb514) November 21, 2020
Hate it
— Jackson Henderson (@supahendo) November 21, 2020
Get him out the game
— Kevin Wyckoff (@vcit844) November 21, 2020
Don't do it.
— Ron Kidd ? (@rj4055) November 21, 2020
Do. Not. Like.
— ??????? ????? (@PShuck) November 21, 2020
Every time I see a starter in during a blowout like this it reminds me of Tracy Rocker getting injured in ‘87 on the last play (or series) of a sure win. No need for starters to be in there up 4-5 touchdowns.
— be kind, y’all (@BigAlFishes) November 21, 2020
It's maddening…Waddle out, Bolden hurt, so let's put our #1 back there in a blowout
— Marco (@MightyMouse0578) November 21, 2020
Yeah I agree. Thought we learned our lesson with Tyron years ago.
— BAMA RN?? (@BAMA__BEAUTY) November 21, 2020
Exactly…let Bolden do that?
— KimberlyDenise (@kimplaya) November 21, 2020
I felt the exact same way
— Meg Waldrop (@WaldropMeg) November 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/ChrisGaddis10/status/1330288411832442881