Photo: Alabama wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks (7) scores a touchdown against Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL on Saturday, Nov 26, 2022. Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
Nick Norris WJLX Sports
TUSCALOOSA, AL – The Alabama Crimson Tide came up big against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, killing the Tigers’ chance of bowl eligibility in a 49-27 throttling.
Quarterback Bryce Young was once again the front-man, decimating Auburn’s defense with what might be his final performance in the crimson and white uniform. The 2021 Heisman-winner completed 20 of 30 passes for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns with just 1 interception.
Young’s most productive targets of the night were Jermaine Burton who caught 3 passes for 87 yards and Ja’Corey Brooks who had 4 receptions for 76 yards and a score. Other players to get receiving touchdowns include Traeshon Holden and Jase McCllellan.
The Tide’s running attack was diverse and effective. Four different players got touches, but the leader was Jahmyr Gibbs who gained 76 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts. Young, McClellan and Roydell Willliams also found the end zone while toting the rock.
As for the Tigers, a somewhat mediocre performance by quarterback Robby Ashford resulted in completing just 11 of 23 throws for 77 yards, though he connected with receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson for a touchdown. However, Ashford found more success on the ground, rushing for 121 and 2 scores on 17 rushing attempts.
He had help in the backfield from running backs Jaquez Hunter, who gained 134 yards on 11 carries, and Tank Bigsby who gathered another 63 yards on 15 attempts.
The Tide defense got the job done Saturday, holding the Tigers to 395 total yards as opposed to the Alabama offense’s total of 516.
The biggest defensive playmakers were LB Deontae Lawson who amassed 9 tackles, 7 being solo, and DB Brian Branch and LB Henry To’oto’o each following with 8 total tackles.
The Tiger defense was led by LB Cam Riley who had 12 tackles and LB Owen Pappoe who followed with 10 tackles and an interception.
With Auburn’s season coming to an unceremonious end, the Tigers must now turn their attention to the offseason, with a head coaching search being of utmost importance.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was the hot name for weeks, but that is seemingly becoming less likely as ESPN reports indicate he will be signing an extension with the Rebels. Other rumored names of interest include Liberty’s Hugh Freeze and Jackson State’s Deion Sanders. Only time will tell who will be the next to guide the blue and orange.
As for the Tide, coach Nick Saban must prepare his squad for an upcoming bowl game to close out the 2022-2023 season. ESPN’s College Football Playoff Selection Show, which will also declare many prominent bowl matchups, airs at 11 a.m. on November 29, 2022.
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