Alabama Crimson Tide fans had plenty to feel good about in Saturday night’s home opener. The Tide trounced over the visiting Warhawks of the University of Louisiana Monroe, beating them by a total of 73-0. The largest shut out win for the program since 1951.
It was a night in which Alabama received passing touchdowns from all three quarterbacks listed on their depth chart.
Ty Simpson set a school record for consecutive completions in a perfect four touchdown first half.
Sophomore quarterback Austin Mack threw for a pair of touchdowns in his season debut.
But it was the true freshman five star recruit Keelon Russell who stole headlines tonight making his NCAA debut in the fourth quarter of the blow out.
Russell came in hot, throwing an eighteen yard strike on third-and-gotta-have-it to the sophomore wide receiver Cole Adams for the first touchdown of both of their careers. Russell stepped up in the pocket and delivered the ball off platform with a defender hitting his left shoulder. An impressive highlight reel kind of play for the true freshman’s first to bring the score to 59-0.
The next drive was more of the same from Russell. This time it was third-and-five on the very outer edge of the red zone. The quarterback sent a man in motion before hitting a routine three step drop out of the shot gun. He then set his feet at the top of the drop and delivered a precision strike to senior MJ Chirgwin for his first career touchdown reception.
It was an absolutely perfect ball that showcased the five stars arm talent and capped off an unforgettable debut. Russell would finish the game four for six with 65 yards and two touchdowns.
5 Star Freshman Quarterback Throws 2 TDs In Alabama Debut