Stephen A Smith had seen Alabama winning games since its Week 1 loss to Florida State, but he wanted to see more of the old-school, physical smash-mouth style that Crimson Tide looked like under Nick Saban.
On Saturday, the Crimson Tide and went got a huge 27-24 victory against previously undefeated Missouri. After the game, Smith gave the Crimson Tide a shoutout on social media.
“Gotta give credit where it’s due with Kalen DeBoer and Alabama,” Smith posted on X. “Georgia last week, now a win at Missouri. Going for a 4th-and-8, winning in the trenches and running the ball versus a top run defense. Now, THAT’s ALABAMA football. Thank you!!!”
Smith appreciated how they ran the ball against the Tigers. Missouri entered the game as the No. 1 rush defense in the country, allowing only 62.9 yards per game entering Saturday. The Crimson Tide didn’t put up crazy numbers, as they rushed it 44 times for 125 yards. However, they went right at the Tigers, and it helped open up some play-action opportunities for Ty Simpson.
He finished 23-of-31 for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, while converting a huge 4th-and-8 from Missouri that set up the game-winning score.
That is three straight wins against ranked SEC teams for Alabama, who is now 5-1 after the season-opening loss to Florida State. The schedule doesn’t get any easier next week, as the Crimson Tide host another ranked team in Tennessee.
