Alabama football blasts Missouri headed into bye week

Alabama hosted Mizzou for Homecoming headed into the bye week, and for what seems like the first time in ages led from wire to wire in a 34-0 whitewashing. This game was said all week to be a “get right” chance for Alabama with several key injuries for the Tigers, and they were able to take advantage.

The first half caused plenty of handwringing over the offense. Alabama couldn’t get out of its own way, and the officials were waiting with some downright befuddling calls. Fortunately, the defense was able to take advantage of Mizzou QB Brady Cook’s reduced mobility as he played through a sprained ankle and keep the Tigers at bay.

Cook left the game with a hand injury late in the half, and backup Drew Pyne immediately threw the first of three interceptions that he would offer up in less than a half of football. Malachi Moore returned it into Mizzou territory, and Jalen Milroe was able to punch it in for a 13-0 halftime lead.

Alabama got the ball first out of the locker room and put together its most impressive drive in a while, finished off with a Jam Miller run to go up 20-0, and the rout was on. Justice Haynes probably made the play of the game using his truck stick to sit down a Mizzou safety before taking a long one to the house, but the defense was the star of the show in this one.

Yes, Mizzou’s offense was downright terrible without a healthy Cook, but they took advantage by shutting down the run, at least until garbage time. Graham Nicholson likely eased some fears by drilling two field goal attempts right down the middle as well, including a 47 yarder.

The Tide now gets an opportunity to rest and put a game plan together for a trip to Baton Rouge that isn’t going to be easy. Joyless murderball returned, if only for a week, and for that we are thankful. The penalties were still absurd, but based on some of the calls that’s the best way to describe them. For one game anyway, I wouldn’t put those on a lack of discipline.

There is plenty of ball for you tonight, including the LSU at Texas A&M matchup on ABC that most of you will likely be watching.

Roll Tide.