No. 15 Alabama splatters No. 21 Missouri for bounce-back win

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — With its back against the wall, No. 15 Alabama showed up in a big way. The Crimson Tide dominated a ranked opponent, shutting out No. 21 Missouri by a final score of 34-0.

The win moves Alabama to 6-2 on the season, with a 3-2 mark in SEC play.

The Alabama defense, which was under fire a few weeks ago, played the best game it has all season. Missouri was unable to put together any kind of consistent offense, and was repeatedly held on third down, and area this defense mightily struggled with early in the season.

The defense also forced three takeaways, bringing the takeaway total over the past three games up to 10. Malachi Moore, Bray Hubbard, and Qua Russaw all picked off backup Missouri quarterback Drew Pyne, who played much of the game after starter Brady Cook exited the game with an injury.

Offensively, the unit left Alabama fans groaning for about a quarter-and-a-half. For a while, the same ineptitudes that plagued the Crimson Tide against Tennessee showed themselves, but something clicked late in the first half.

All of a sudden, quarterback Jalen Milroe started playing with more confidence. He looked sharper, making quicker decisions and no longer looking aimless under duress. He led the Crimson Tide offense on a number of touchdown drives, including multiple that came off turnovers, something the team failed to do last week.

Milroe completed 16-of-26 passes on the day for 215 yards, while adding 51 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 11 carries.

In addition to Milroe’s improved play, Alabama found much more success running the ball. For the first time in an SEC game this year, running backs Jam Miller and Justice Haynes combined for over 70 yards in a game. Each back scored at least one touchdown as well.

The win gives Alabama tons of momentum entering the bye week, with a huge game at No. 8 LSU looming in two weeks. That Nov. 9 clash carries a ton of weight, with the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Quarter

Alabama 3, Missouri 0 (8:50)

After the defense forced a three-and-out on the first possession of the game, the Alabama offense went 50 yards in eight plays to get on the board first. Kendrick Law had the best play of the drive with a 21-yard carry. The Crimson Tide stalled in Missouri territory, but Graham Nicholson nailed a 47-yarder for the first points of the game.

Second Quarter

Alabama 6, Missouri 0 (4:38)

After struggling time and time again after the opening drive to put any sort of offense together, Alabama finally put together a nice drive late in the second quarter. Jalen Milroe had two long completions to Germie Bernard, but once in the red zone, a holding penalty caused Alabama to stall. Nicholson hit a 39-yarder for his second field goal.

Alabama 13, Missouri 0 (1:54)

Malachi Moore picked off Missouri on the ensuing possession, and with great field position, Alabama finally capitalized on a takeaway. Milroe found Emmanuel Henderson on a free play to set up inside the five, and Jam Miller capped the drive with a 3-yard score.

Third Quarter

Alabama 20, Missouri 0 (12:33)

Alabama opened the second half with a bang, going 80 yards in six plays. Milroe looked as good as he’s looked all game, completing a few nice throws and adding a 32-yard scramble in the middle of the drive. He capped off the drive as well with a 9-yard rushing score.

Alabama 27, Missouri 0 (4:38)

Coming off another takeaway from the defense, an interception from Qua Russaw, Alabama again capitalized with a touchdown drive. The drive went 65 yards in five plays, and Jam Miller punched it in with an 11-yard score.

Fourth Quarter

Alabama 34, Missouri (11:06)

Alabama kept pouring it on in the fourth quarter, with Haynes scoring a 35-yard touchdown to cap off a 5-play, 77-yard drive.