Bryce Young and Alabama football light up Vanderbilt in SEC opener
After Bryce Young threw one of his early touchdowns against Vanderbilt, he ran toward the sideline to celebrate with several Alabama football teammates. Then he flashed a smile practically wide enough to reach the other sideline. Give or take a few yards.
By any measure, that big grin is understandable.
Young was having little trouble slinging the football against Vanderbilt. A career already filled with accomplishments added another as Young threw for 300 yards in a half for the first time with the Crimson Tide. He had 316 in the first two quarters.
He picked apart Vanderbilt through the air early en route to a 55-3 victory for Alabama in its SEC opener on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. In not even three quarters of play, Young threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns.
Here are our observations from the game between Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) and Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-1).
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Ja’Corey Brooks in business
How dominant was Brooks at times against Vanderbilt? There was an entire drive in the first half in which Young kept throwing repeatedly to Brooks and only Brooks. It was clear Alabama was just going to keep throwing to him, yet the Commodores couldn’t stop him. Brooks finished with four catches on that drive, the last of which went for a score.
By the end of the first half alone, Brooks had six receptions for 117 yards and two scores. He provided sure hands for Young, catching all six passes thrown his way in the first two frames.
Before Vanderbilt, Brooks only had four catches for 62 yards and no scores. He blew those numbers out of the water against the Commodores.
The combination of size and athleticism make him a tough matchup and a good option for Young moving forward.
Alabama relentless in pursuit of quarterback
It took a little while this season for the defensive front to ramp up, but it’s clear the pass rush is heating up.
Of course, Will Anderson Jr. is leading the way. He’s had a sack in three consecutive games now. But he’s not the only one. Even nose tackle DJ Dale got in on the action.
Alabama found ways to get after Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann and mess up the offensive rhythm.
Competition continues at guard
UA coach Nick Saban will tell you there’s competition at all positions, but it’s clear that the most competition remains at guard.
Even as most positions seem to settle that had serious competition in preseason practices, guard remains open to an extent.
Emil Ekiyor Jr. got the start at right guard, and Javion Cohen started on the left side. Soon, freshman Tyler Booker replaced Cohen at left guard a few series in. Then for the last few drives in the first half, Booker slid over to right guard to take the place of Ekiyor. Cohen returned to left guard.
Then Alabama returned to having Ekiyor and Cohen at guard in the third quarter.
No matter who ends up starting long-term, Alabama is going to end up having experienced depth either way.
More receiving weapons on the way?
Alabama might have some serious speed added to the lineup very soon.
The receivers already looked quite good against Vanderbilt, but there could be more weapons joining the ranks soon.
Receivers Tyler Harrell and JoJo Earle have been out with foot injuries, and neither has played yet this season. But both came out in full uniforms and warmed up ahead of the Vanderbilt game.
Alabama’s receivers played well Saturday, but the addition of Harrell and Earle to the offense could create even more problems for defenses. Each brings strong athleticism, and Harrell could be a dangerous weapon in stretching the field.
Harrell caught 18 passes at Louisville in 2021 for 523 yards and six touchdowns. That was a whopping 29.1 yards per catch. He brings blazing speed, as shown in the 4.24 40-yard dash he ran at Louisville's pro day. The NFL Combine record is 4.22.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Bryce Young and Alabama football light up Vanderbilt in SEC opener
