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Alabama crushed Wisconsin 42-10 on Saturday afternoon in Madison.
It was a thoroughly dominant performance for the Crimson Tide in what was the first road test of the Kalen DeBoer era. After trailing 3-0 early on, Alabama scored 28 unanswered points to create plenty of separation from the Badgers.
Here are 3 takeaways from Alabama’s convincing win over the Badgers:
Ryan Williams keeps improving
Another week, another Ryan Williams touchdown. Williams got Alabama on the board with its first TD of the game. It was also the 4th score of Williams’ remarkably-young career.
The 17-year-old has proven to be Alabama’s best wide receiver in the early going. He led the Crimson Tide in receptions and yardage today, catching 4 passes for 78 yards and that first-quarter TD.
Williams’ emergence is massive for a WR room that lost some significant talent to the transfer portal this past offseason. If he continues to develop, he could be one of the most impactful playmakers in the SEC this season.
Jalen Milroe’s big day
Jalen Milroe had one of the best games of his collegiate career on Saturday in Madison. He completed 12-of-17 passes for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also posted a passer efficiency rating of 225.7, which is his best mark in a single game (min. 10 attempts) against an FBS opponent in his career.
Milroe was also very effective using his legs, like usual. He rushed for a team-high 75 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries.
Milroe’s development as a passer is arguably the single most important factor in determining Alabama’s upside for the 2024 campaign. He faced a tough test on Saturday on the road against a quality Big Ten opponent — and passed with flying colors.
Dominant defense
Alabama’s defense had a very strong day against Wisconsin. It comes with the caveat that Badgers quarterback Tyler Van Dyke exited the game in the first quarter with a leg injury, but it was still a very impressive showing on the road for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama forced 4 fumbles — recovering 2 — and held Wisconsin to just 4 yards per play on the afternoon. In addition to those forced fumbles, Alabama’s defense combined for 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups and a quarterback hurry.
Alabama will be off next week before hosting No. 1 Georgia on Sept. 28.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
