Victory/Late Shift Open Thread

Alabama had a paycheck game today in Tuscaloosa against a pitiful Eastern Illinois squad, and the game was about as competitive as one would expect.

We got some bad news before the game that standout TE Josh Cuevas suffered a foot injury in practice and will likely miss the rest of the regular season. Kalen DeBoer also elected to sit Parker Brailsford and Germie Bernard with minor ailments, though he said before the game that both should be fine for next weekend.

The first half went about as you’d expect with poor Eastern Illinois overmatched on both sides. Alabama was able to score at will with the run game and, other than one early first down the Panthers could do nothing against the Tide defense. Alabama even blocked a first quarter punt. By the time the half was over, Alabama was up 28-0 on the scoreboard and 268-12 in total yards.

There were some blemishes. Conor Talty banged a 28-yarder off the right upright, much to the chagrin of the fans in attendance and at home. It was another from the right hash, and he continued to split the uprights on extra points. It’s clear that the angles are causing him issues for whatever reason, and the coaching staff should plan accordingly. If he is going to have to make a critical kick in future games, do everything possible to center the ball.

Ty Simpson threw two interceptions in the first half, though one of them was a Hail Mary at the end of the half. EIU linebacker Kaleb Lyons made a great play on the other, showing some nice hops and hands at full extension. Simpson had Ryan Williams open and thought he’d be able to get the ball over Lyons, but it wasn’t to be. Ty made another curious read very late in the half, throwing the ball into a sea of white jerseys, but he was spared a turnover on that one.

DeBoer was able to get plenty of young guys some run in this one. Both backup QBs looked good, AK Dear had some nice moments, and even the freshman kicker got onto the field. Best of all, no major injuries.

Next up is a must win game at Auburn. Don’t we just love those?

Most SEC teams are enjoying tasty cupcakes today, but you can root for Tennessee to lose at Florida should you so desire. Schedule below courtesy of CFBGrid.