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Alabama football: Grading the Tide’s win over the Miami Hurricanes

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide were able to handle the Miami Hurricanes Saturday inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, winning the contest 44-13.

Now it is time for our weekly report card for the Tide’s performance.

OFFENSE: A-

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to find much to complain about when it comes to the Alabama offense. Bryce Young and company were able to move the ball at will throughout the game.

Alabama passed for a totaled 510 yards of offense while picking up 28 first downs and scoring 44 points.

The run game was not dominant, but it was good enough. Miami ran a lot of run blitzes to help contain the Tide backs.

The makeshift offensive line held up pretty well for the most part, but they did allow a quick pressure that led to a strip-sack on QB Bryce Young. Other than that, the offense performed well considering all of the new starters that were making their debut.

DEFENSE: A+

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The 2021 Alabama defense entered this season with lofty expectations and they delivered. Miami QB D’Eriq King was under pressure the entire game and the Hurricanes could not muster anything on the ground averaging just 2.8 yards per rush.

The Alabama defense forced one fumble on King and intercepted him an additional two times.

The goal-line stand to start the second half was the icing on the cake for Alabama’s defense and set the tone for the last half of football.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A-

Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports

Will Reichard continues to come through for the Crimson Tide. Not only did Reichard connect on all five of his extra points, but he also connected on all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 51-yard attempt.

Alabama only had two opportunities to punt and averaged just 31-yards per punt.

OVERALL: A-

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Overall it was a great performance for the Alabama Crimson Tide to start the 2021 football season. Usually, the most improvement comes between week one and week two of the season, let’s see how the Tide builds off a dominating week one.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide.