Interesting Read
It appeared as if Alabama is adjusting the plan as the season progresses. There simply weren't many balls Hurts tried to throw beyond the linemen. Only four passes were thrown deep, including the Hail Mary that was intercepted on the first half's final play. Calvin Ridley was overthrown on the other two.
Lane Kiffin supplemented the run in different ways Saturday. The jet sweeps were tabled for a couple newer looks.
Tight end O.J. Howard had a career-high eight receptions for 69 yards with a healthy dose of H-back outs behind or near the line of scrimmage. He'd roll parallel to the line the same direction as the passer for short, high-percentage tosses. In all, five of the 15 completions were thrown to recipients behind the line of scrimmage.
There were also a few new looks mixing the read-option running game with a run-pass option. Twice Hurts pulled a hand off from a running back to throw a quick passes to Ridley and Howard.
There were also moments where passing plays were called before Hurts took off. His 37-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown began with Hurts dropping back, seeing nothing and breaking for the goal line.
In those moments, receiving targets become key downfield blockers. This is still an Alabama offense that entered the season with the most balanced talent at receiver during the Saban era.