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It didn’t take long for top-ranked Alabama to let Southern Miss know that there would be no letdown after last week’s hard-fought win at Florida.
Crimson Tide receiver Jameson Williams returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and sophomore quarterback Bryce Young passed for 312 yards and 5 TDs as Alabama rolled past the Golden Eagles 63-14 at home Saturday night.
Nick Saban’s team improved to 4-0 on the season an 1-0 in SEC play, setting up a huge game in Tuscaloosa next Saturday against No. 13 Ole Miss.
After the dominating victory over Southern Miss, Saban met with the media to discuss the game and various other topics.
On his team’s energy level in the game:
Nick Saban: "I was really pleased with the intensity that our players played with tonight. That's one of the things we've been harping on."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 26, 2021
On Jameson Williams, who returned 2 kickoffs for TDs:
Saban on Jameson Williams: "He's a great competitor. He always wants to play on special teams"
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) September 26, 2021
On tight end Jahleel Billingsley, who had 5 catches for 105 yards and a TD:
Saban: "Jahleel's been practicing really well, so I think that's something that we've wanted to develop for our team this year."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 26, 2021
On Bryce Young’s 1st career interception:
Nick Saban on Bryce Young: “The interception certainly wasn’t his fault.” He noted the pass hit Jameson Williams in the chest, and they stress to receivers not to body catch.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) September 26, 2021
On the Alabama defense after a tough day at Florida:
Saban on the defense: "We played better. I still think there's some third-down situations we need to clean up and get better at."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 26, 2021
On Roydell Williams, who had 110 rushing yards:
Saban: "We've always thought Roydell could really be a great asset to our offense and a change-of-pace guy because of the speed that he has. He certainly played well tonight."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 26, 2021
On the Alabama students staying throughout the game:
Saban said he was excited to see the Alabama students stick around tonight.
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) September 26, 2021
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."