Alabama did what Alabama does. They dominate. Alabama knocked off Oklahoma 45-34. Bama dominated in the start and Oklahoma really fought back to make it respectable. When it comes to the 2019 NFL Draft, we have a lot to dive into. There’s a lot of talent on the field. Who stood out for better or worse when it comes to Alabama and Oklahoma.
Oklahoma
Let’s talk about the defense. Yeah, that’s a bad idea. Nevermind. I’m not sure you can find one player that’s draftable. On to the offense. I was pretty convinced Kyler Murray was just going to play baseball but something weird is happening. Just the vibe and gut feeling I get is Murray is going to play football. Now that Justin Herbert is going back to Oregon, why can’t Murray go first? I’ll say this. I would be scared to death to draft him but I’m not counting him out. Murray would set a new standard if he makes it because I’m not sure he is bigger than 5-foot-9. There’s no question he has the arm talent and athletic traits to become a franchise quarterback. Murray was truly tested and didn’t have his best game, at least to start. Murray went 19/37 for 308 yards and two touchdowns. Add in his typical 100 yard rushing effort and that’s Murray for you. I’ll still lean that he’s going baseball but I’m not talking about this again until Murray says he’s going football full time.
The Oklahoma weapons didn’t have a great game. Marquise Brown was a non factor. 0 catches. 2 drops. Maybe it’s not fair to judge considering his ankle injury was a huge factor. Brown was mostly a decoy for that reason. Then again, injury concerns should be a concern for a receiver that is very undersized. Oklahoma’s offensive line was abused by the Alabama front.
Alabama
Tua, Tua, and more Tua. There isn’t a player in college football I enjoy watching more than Tua Tagovailoa. We will have to wait at least another year before he even considers the NFL Draft. Tagovailoa was essentially perfect against Oklahoma which isn’t a surprise considering their pillow fight defense. On offense, the only thing I want to talk about is Josh Jacobs. What a game. 15 carries for 98 yards but it goes beyond that. Jacobs is quick and runs hard. You know what else? Nick Saban trusts him. No skill position player touched the ball more on an offense filled with nothing but stars. I know the Oklahoma defense is terrible but Jacobs is for real and shouldn’t be overlooked anymore.
On defense, again, Bama started strong but sort of took the foot of the gas as the game went on. There’s so many guys. Quinnen Williams continues to kill people. Just look at the top picture. Williams almost swallowed Kyler Murray in one bite. He’s doubled on every play and is constantly in the backfield. I’ll say it again, it’s going to be tough to pass on Quinnen because he just might be the best player in the entire class. It helps when you play next to Isaiah Buggs and Raekwon Davis who are both going to get drafted.
I thought the Tide pass rushers had a great game. Anfernee Jennings is really underrated. Watch this sack by Jennings. You can just see how long his arms are and the havoc he creates. Along with that is a sack by Christian Miller who left the game because of injury but has already been invited to the Senior Bowl.
