Mike Leach offers initial impression of Bryce Young, Alabama offense

No. 24 Mississippi State‘s life doesn’t get much easier following its 27-17 loss to No. 19 Kentucky last Saturday. Prepping for a big-time SEC West matchup against No. 6 Alabama, Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach discussed his thoughts on Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young and his explosive offense.

“I think they’re good. They have quality players. Several guys are pretty explosive,” Leach said of the Alabama offense. “I think [Bryce Young] is pretty good, he can help himself with his feet.”

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Young has 150 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground this season. He’s no Jalen Milroe when it comes to his dual-threat ability on the ground, but can escape the pocket and move the chains when necessary.

While his ability to run the football has been showcased on occasion, Young is a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback because he’s one of the best pocket passers in the country. After missing the Texas A&M game the week prior, Young completed 35-of-52 (67.3 percent) passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns in his comeback loss against Tennessee.

The Crimson Tide’s explosiveness doesn’t end with Young, however. Alabama boasts one of the top running backs in the SEC in Jahmyr Gibbs. Ranking third in the SEC in rushing yards (635), the Georgia Tech transfer averages more yards per carry (7.2) than any other tailback in the conference. He’s also leads Alabama in receptions with 27 receptions for 268 yards and three more touchdowns. Jase McClellan has also accounted for 303 rushing yards and three scores as well.

Young has a litany of wide receivers at his disposal with no true WR1. Ja’Corey Brooks is the team’s leading receiver with 302 yards and four touchdowns, but Kobe Prentice, Jermaine Burton, Traeshon Holden and tight end Cameron Latu all have between 200 and 300 receiving yards on the season.

The bottom line: Mike Leach and Mississippi State are going to have their hands full with this high-powered Crimson Tide offense. Coming off the loss to No. 3 Tennessee last Saturday, Alabama still controls its own destiny in the SEC West, and will be looking to ensure a division win this Saturday against the Bulldogs.