Even with loss to Oklahoma, Alabama football's Josh Cuevas was secret weapon to pass game
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After falling in a 23-21 loss to Oklahoma, Alabama football players entered press conferences with a drag in their steps, a sadness in their eyes that hadn’t been seen since being upset in the opener by Florida State.
Even Crimson Tide tight-end Josh Cuevas, who didn’t get to have the celebration that most players would’ve liked after ending the day as the game’s receiving yards leader. In Cuevas’ case, Saturday, Nov. 15, was his best outing in two seasons at Alabama.
Three costly turnovers were the talking point after Alabama’s first homecoming defeat since 2001, overshadowing 80 yards on six catches by the redshirt senior who sits on the watch list for Hispanic College Football Player of the Year.
Given the opportunity to talk about himself and what he offered as a sparkplug with a 25-yard touchdown and five first downs when chains seemed immovable, Cuevas still maintained his humble demeanor.
“I’ve got to give credit to the rest of the offense,” Cuevas shrugged. “I can’t get open unless the other guys clear it out for me and do their own job.”
A look at the scoreboard may raise eyebrows at Cuevas’ praise of the offense. However, even in loss, Alabama had 406 total yards, highlighted by 274 in the first half.
Knowing the three turnovers that Oklahoma forced were out of his control, Cuevas wasn’t frustrated for his performance not getting his spotlight. He bested his stat-line against LSU of 58 yards on four catches, but he still has a few more receptions to make to reach his career-high of 10 while playing at Cal Poly in 2022, when he caught for 118 yards for versus Portland State.
“It’s never just about me,” Cuevas continued.
Instead, he was disappointed for his team.
“Personally, I had no doubt that we’d win that game,” Cuevas said.
Ready to get back to the film room and the practice field, Cuevas’ eyes are already set on Alabama’s next game against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 22.
His message to himself and his teammates?
“Just put your head down and work,” Cuevas said.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Is Alabama football’s Josh Cuevas secret weapon to pass game post-Oklahoma?
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