Strip-sack recovery sets up Alabama TD for first lead over Kentucky
By Andrew Olson
Published:
No. 12 Alabama has had its hands full with the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday in Lexington. After 42 minutes of play, Alabama grabbed its first lead of the game.
It has been far from a banner day for the Crimson Tide offense, but the defense is coming up with big plays. Once again, a Kentucky turnover helped setup Alabama points.
Kentucky’s first possession of the second half ended with a punt. The second possession went worse.
On the third play for UK, Devan Thompkins got in the Wildcat backfield and disrupted things with a strip sack. Alabama was able to recover the ball.
Devan Thompkins lining up at edge as a 300-pounder and winning with a rip ‘n’ dip for the strip sack. Really impressive.
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 12, 2026
Thompkins was third in pressures at USC last season (22) and has flashed his NFL traits today for Alabama. pic.twitter.com/hUh2bP59MS
The recovery set up Alabama at the Kentucky 21-yard line. It took the Crimson Tide only 5 plays to punch it in for a touchdown. With EJ Crowell’s rushing TD, Alabama went up 22-17 for its first lead of the day in Lexington.
Alabama’s first offensive touchdown goes to freshman RB EJ Crowell. Alabama takes its first lead with three minutes left in the third quarter pic.twitter.com/m0CBgRouV6
— Hunter De Siver (@HunterDeSiver) September 12, 2026
Kalen DeBoer initially kept the Alabama offense on the field to go for 2 and try to take a 7-point lead. A penalty, however, back Alabama up and the Crimson Tide settled for the extra point.
UA has added another offensive score as the 3rd quarter is in the final minute. The game is airing on ABC.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
