Alabama Defense Keeps Offense Afloat in Victory over Missouri

Tuscaloosa, AL -- The Alabama Crimson Tide returned to Tuscaloosa following a 24-17 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers licking its wounds. The Crimson Tide forced three turnovers against the Volunteers and pitched a first-half shutout, but still lost the contest.

Alabama's defense had a good performance against Tennessee, but 24 points allowed in the second half was still concerning. Even more concerning, the high-flying Alabama offense had been grounded after the first half of Georgia, scoring the fewest points of the season in Knoxville.

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Alabama had one more test before getting a chance to recuperate, regather, and refresh before the final stretch of the season - the No. 21 Missouri Tigers in Tuscaloosa. Alabama's test got easier when Missouri starting quarterback Brady Cook departed the game and did not return to the contest.

Alabama had one goal going into this game - defeat Missouri, and get to the bye week with six wins.

It wasn't pretty, but that has become Alabama's specialty over the past few seasons. Alabama, despite some spotty offensive play and struggles from the quarterback Jalen Milroe, handled what it needed to against the Missouri Tigers in a 34-0 victory.

One of the biggest points of concern for Alabama this season was the defensive performance. Alabama's defense showed signs of progression against Tennessee, but ultimately, Alabama still lost in part due to 24 second-half points allowed by Alabama. Could the Crimson Tide handle what it needed to against a Missouri team that came into the season with expectations?

Spoiler Alert - Yes, Alabama could.

This game looked like vintage Alabama football. Alabama was forcing big stops on defense, even when Cook was in the game for Missouri. Alabama held a 13-0 lead at halftime of this football game thanks to a pair of field goals by Graham Nicholson and a touchdown run by Jam Miller in the second quarter. Milroe did not quite have his best day, but the Alabama defense kept the offense in the football game despite the struggles.

Speaking of Alabama's defense, the Crimson Tide's safeties played as well as they have all season, and that is even with Bray Hubbard filling in for an injured Keon Sabb. Both Hubbard and Malachi Moore picked off backup quarterback Drew Pyne for Missouri, as well as linebacker Qua Russaw.

This game looked like the joyless murderball we have become so accustomed to watching in Tuscaloosa. The offense struggles, the defense keeps Alabama in it, the offense takes advantage of a few short-field opportunities, and Alabama goes into a bye week with a multi-touchdown victory while still feeling like they have a lot to work on.

Was Alabama perfect in this game, absolutely not. The offensive line struggled to get a push in the run game for most of the contest, Milroe still did not look 100% like himself, and the Crimson Tide's receivers had an issue with drops. However, a 30+-point win is hard to complain about, even if Alabama did not look pretty in the blowout.

If we were to give a game ball away, it would go to the defensive coordinator of Alabama - Kane Wommack. Wommack's unit forced three mistakes by Missouri signal callers and held Missouri to under 200 total yards of offense when the game was still competitive.

Alabama's defense was concerned about the loss of Keon Sabb, the transfer safety from Michigan who had started every game for Alabama so far this season. Instead, Bray Hubbard stepped in and was the second-leading tackler for Alabama while also hauling in one of the three interceptions Drew Pyne threw on the day.

The Crimson Tide will have two weeks to rest and prepare for a game that could decide its season on November 9.

Stat Leaders

Passing: Jalen Milroe - 16/26, 215 yards
Rushing: Justice Haynes - eight carries, 79 yards, one TD
Receiving: Germie Bernard - five catches, 82 yards
Defensive: Jihaad Campbell - eight tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss

Alabama advances to 6-2 (3-2 in SEC play) on the season. That record grants the Crimson Tide bowl eligibility this season. The Crimson Tide gets a bye week before hitting to road for a game that could likely decide its season, a Nov. 9 date in Baton Rouge with the LSU Tigers.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.