Alabama Football’s Scoring Streak Ended Against LSU
Prior to Saturday night’s victory, the Crimson Tide had won 36 straight games by scoring 31 points or more.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — While the route eventually led to the same destination that most Alabama football fans expected, the journey was much more difficult than many had anticipated.
A notable streak maintained by Alabama was broken in the Crimson Tide’s 20-14 win against the LSU Tigers on Saturday night. The Crimson Tide has scored 31 points or more in each of the previous 36 games, going back to the program’s 44-16 defeat to Clemson in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game.
Alabama had scored 31 points twice during their 36-game stretch. The first came against Notre Dame in the 2020 College Football Playoff, which Alabama won 31-14. The second occurrence came this season, when Alabama defeated Florida 31-29. Aside from those two games — both losses — the Crimson Tide scored more than 31 points.
The following are the game notes from Alabama’s 20-14 victory against LSU:
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In the first quarter, there was no fun:
For the first time in six games, Alabama failed to score on its first drive and was shut out in the first quarter for the first time all season. Since the Sept. 18 game against Florida, the Crimson Tide has scored on every opening drive.
In the first quarter, Alabama outscored opponents 101-37. After the first quarter, LSU lead the Crimson Tide 7-0.
Nice Idea, Terrible Execution
In the second quarter, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and receiver John Metchie both failed to convert on a tough touchdown play. Young sat back in the pocket, looking away from Metchie, who was standing on the line of scrimmage, on First and 10 at the LSU 23-yard line. Metchie dashed off up field within a few seconds, leaving Tiger defender Dwight McGlothern in his wake.
Young’s ball was off-target and beyond of reach of Metchie, who was diving in the end zone. Later, running back Brian Robinson punched it in for Alabama’s first touchdown.
Increase the Assist
Late in the second quarter, Alabama got the ball back in LSU territory thanks to Jayln Armour Davis’ interception.
Bryce Young’s ball to Slade Bolden a few plays later was high and slipped through his hands. Jameson Williams, who was waiting behind Bolen, made the grab at the 8-yard line. Alabama went on to score to grab a 14-7 lead.
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Tide-Bits
(Photo credit: Alabama Athletics)
Jameson Williams has been a persistent explosive threat for the Crimson Tide this season, collecting a 58-yard touchdown ball from Bryce Young in the third quarter against the Tigers.
It was his eighth catch of at least 55 yards, all of which led to the team’s longest play of the season.
Six of the seven of those plays resulted in touchdowns.
Leading the Alabama defense, Jalyn Armour-Davis grabbed his third interception of the season.
Alabama has forced 103 interceptions in the previous 94 games, including tonight’s game, and returned 36 of those interceptions for touchdowns.
Will Anderson Jr. matched his career best with four tackles for loss (-13 yards), as well as 1.5 sacks for -8 yards.
In the first half, the sophomore had 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
He maintains his national lead with 21 tackles for loss (-88 yards).
Following LSU’s 68-yard opening drive, Alabama’s defense restricted the Tigers to just nine yards of total offense for the remainder of the first half.
Linebacker Will Anderson Jr., defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis, and wide receiver John Metchie III served as captains for Alabama against LSU.
READ MORE:
Notebook: Alabama Football Scoring Streak Snapped Against LSU
