Alabama football gets it right vs EIU, but Ty Simpson didn't | Goodbread
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Alabama football breezed to easy victory over an FCS opponent, Eastern Illinois, 56-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22. The Crimson Tide’s ninth win of the season came as easily as expected, as the Panthers offense was utterly unable to move the ball despite UA defensive coordinator Kane Wommack dotting the field with backups throughout the contest.
Here are some quick postgame thoughts:
Talking points
1) The most relevant happening from Alabama‘s runaway victory was that it escaped the contest without any significant injuries, but there was some concerning news on the injury front prior to kickoff. Coach Kalen DeBoer said that TE Josh Cuevas, who didn’t play against the Panthers, would also be unavailable for the Iron Bowl next week. That’s a serious blow to a Crimson Tide passing offense that has come to count on the senior’s reliable hands and tough running after the catch.
2) Crimson Tide backup QBs Austin Mack and Keelon Russell alternated possessions in the second half, and one of them figures to be the future of the position for Alabama. Both performed well, but there is no denying Russell’s gift for passing. His release is ultra-quick, and the ball comes out of his hand with impressive zip. Whether he becomes Alabama’s 2026 quarterback remains to be seen, but the true freshman, a five-star recruit, has the physical tools for it right now.
3) After a dismal special teams performance against Oklahoma last week, Alabama had another hiccup against the Panthers with a missed 28-yard FG attempt by Conor Talty in the first quarter. For Alabama, the good news on special teams is that the attempt was set up by a Keon Keeley blocked punt, UA’s first of the season. But of greater concern is Talty’s lack of consistency as UA enters a must-win Iron Bowl. Backup kicker Peter Notaro nearly missed a PAT, pushing it just inside the right upright, after Alabama’s fourth touchdown.
Turning point
Ahem … kickoff.
By the numbers
11 – With reserves flooding the field for the Crimson Tide, quarterbacks distributed 22 completions to 11 different receivers. Nobody caught more than four (TE Marshall Pritchett).
What I liked
Alabama LB Qua Russaw’s return to the lineup after being sidelined for weeks with a broken foot was an encouraging sign for the Crimson Tide. Out of action since UA’s September win over Georgia, Russaw got a chance to shake off any rust against EIU, and in advance of a critical game at Auburn. While he was unavailable, Yhonzae Pierre emerged as a playmaker, but Russaw should see plenty of action next week.
What I didn’t
UA QB Ty Simpson threw an early interception and was fortunate not to throw another on a pass over the middle, into too much traffic, in the final minute of the first half. A few plays later, he was picked off again on the final play of the half, albeit on a Hail Mary into the end zone. Simpson sat out the second half, giving him three interceptions over his last six quarters of action. Ball security will be of utmost importance at Auburn, and right now, Simpson isn’t displaying it like he was early in the season.
Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread is also the weekly co-host of Crimson Cover TV on WVUA-23. Reach him at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X.com @chasegoodbread.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football gets it right vs EIU, but Ty Simpson didn’t
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos