What Alabama football's Bray Hubbard was willing to do to limit Panthers
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Alabama football junior safety Bray Hubbard wanted a shutout win over Eastern Illinois, and he was prepared to go to extra lengths to get it.
The Crimson Tide got its 56-0 shutout on Saturday, Nov. 22, cemented through a cycle of backups that led the way in the second half. When Hubbard’s time on the field was done, he still found a way to get his influence on it.
“The goal every week is pitch a shutout, and we did just that today,” Hubbard said. “Some of us were like, ‘Don’t let them cross the 50,’ and then they got to the 40 or something. I got a little nervous. I didn’t want to let them cross the 50. So I was joking with Ivan (Taylor). I was like, ‘Look, Ivan, you in there, and you let them cross the 50, I’m coming in there, and I’m yanking you out by your helmet, so you better not let him cross the 50.”
It seems like Taylor, a freshman, took this advice to heart, as he led the Crimson Tide’s defense in tackles (4) along with Hubbard, freshman linebacker Luke Metz and redshirt senior DaShawn Jones.
Alabama limited the Panthers’ offense to 34 total yards, a feat that accomplished just two first downs, one of 11 attempts on second down and none on fourth.
“At the end day, it just comes down to doing our job,” Hubbard said. “We do our job and play fast, play physical, we’ll be dominant.”
Amelia Hurley covers high school sports and Alabama softball for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached through DM on X at ameliahurley_ or via email at ahurley@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football defense wanted more than a shutout vs Eastern Illinois
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