Alabama football did what it was supposed to on Saturday, beating Middle Tennessee State, 56-7 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Conference USA Blue Raiders didn’t put up much of a fight throughout the game and the Crimson Tide ran roughshod.
Before focus turns to the Texas game next week, here’s three takeaways from Saturday’s 56-7 Alabama win.
Jalen Milroe had his eyes up, even as the snap from the MTSU 21-yard line rolled toward him. When he recovered, he headed downfield, dancing around the Blue Raider defense before turning what looked like a sure sack into a touchdown run.
The last time Alabama football lost a home opener was on Sept. 1, 2001, when it fell 20-17 to UCLA.
On Saturday, as the Crimson Tide kicked off its 2023 season, the streak of winning openers continued as No. 3 Alabama defeated MTSU 56-7 on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Jalen Milroe became the first Alabama quarterback to pass for three touchdowns and run for two more in the same game. Nicholas Vattiato led the Blue Raiders, passing for 127 yards with a touchdown.
The burning offseason question of who is going to start the opener at quarterback was answered. Jalen Milroe had the first snaps of the new season, and he made the most of his opportunity, dazzling through the air and on the ground. He had it working with his receiving corps. Tyler Buchner came in immediately after Milroe's exit, despite much focus and fanfare around the position battle being directed down a Milroe vs. Ty Simpson avenue. Buchner scored a nine-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Derrick Henry, Alabama had 39 carries for 220 yards and three rushing touchdowns. It averaged 5.6 yards per carry, while the Blue Raiders managed just 2.8, while the coaches’ son Brent (now his quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator) averaged just 4.1 yards per passing attempt.
The Alabama defense played a large part in shutting down the Middle Tennessee offense, totaling three sacks, including one from freshman Caleb Downs. In his Alabama debut, he led the team with a total of eight tackles, including six solo.  
 Although the Crimson Tide pulled off a dominant win for its season opener, Milroe said there is still a lot of room for growth. 
The Texas native hopes to start in Alabama football’s game next weekend against No. 11 Texas. Kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium is at 6 p.m. CT. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN.  
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