Alabama football blasts Eastern Illinois, but did it set tone for Auburn? Grades

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Alabama football did not learn much against Eastern Illinois.

The No. 10 Crimson Tide finished its regular-season home schedule against one of the worst teams in FCS, pounding Eastern Illinois 56-0 on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama's attention is now solely on the Iron Bowl, a rivalry road game against Auburn that will define not only an SEC championship path, but also the Crimson Tide's College Football Playoff hopes.

Did Alabama set the tone for Auburn with its dominant win against Eastern Illinois? Here are our postgame grades.

Alabama football offense: B

Alabama could move the ball against Eastern Illinois. That was never going to be a problem against a less-than-flashy FCS defense, and the Crimson Tide recorded rushing totals it should be pleased by. It was Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson’s inability to take advantage, recording his first two-interception game and continuing to show the same inconsistencies that appeared against LSU and Oklahoma. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, who has a slingshot of an arm, continued to move the ball downfield as the score ballooned. But while the score was lopsided, no real confidence was generated.

Alabama defense: A+

Alabama shut down Eastern Illinois. Facing a Panthers offense that has not scored more than 20 points since Oct. 4, the Crimson Tide continued its recent domination, stifling the Eastern Illinois run game and putting consistent pressure on the Panthers’ quarterbacks. And it was never solely one player either. Alabama’s rotating cast of characters continued the unit’s overall defensive prowess, a welcome sign as the Crimson Tide focuses on Auburn. 

Alabama special teams: C

After a dismal performance in the Crimson Tide’s loss to Oklahoma, the Alabama special teams continued to be a story against Eastern Illinois. Conor Talty missed a 28-yard field goal try, igniting boos from the crowd that continued to boo when Talty took the field for an extra-point attempt. Keon Keeley did block a punt. But the kicking storyline continued to define the unit's overall performance, one that will carry over to Auburn next week.

Alabama coaching: B

Alabama's coaching plan was clear. On offense, balance drives between Russell and Mack as a potential 2026 quarterback battle looms while trying to generate some confidence in the run game. On defense, it was continuing to rotate and continuing to dominate. Alabama did both, albeit without much flash or excitement.

Alabama overall vs Eastern Illinois: B-

Alabama’s attention turns to Auburn after a game where the Crimson Tide dominated, but the Crimson Tide’s inconsistencies on offense and special teams continued to take center stage.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama vs Eastern Illinois postgame grades before Auburn

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