The Alabama Crimson Tide had a bounce-back 34-0 shutout win over the Missouri Tigers that was showcased in Sunday’s updated Top 25 polls. Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide moved up one spot to No. 14 in both the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 poll.
What does the Tide’s impressive performance mean to Fox Sports analyst and broadcaster Joel Klatt? As he does every Sunday, Klatt re-ranked his Top 10 college football teams following Saturday’s action.
Klatt moved Alabama back into his Top 10 at No. 9, one spot behind the Tennessee Volunteers and one spot ahead of the Miami Hurricanes. Alabama had fallen out of Klatt’s Top 10 rankings after its 24-17 loss at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 19.
The Oregon Ducks topped Klatt’s Top 10 rankings, followed by the Georgia Bulldogs at No. 2. The Ohio State Buckeyes were No. 3 with the Penn State Nittany Lions No. 4. The Texas Longhorns were No. 5 in Klatt’s re-rankings.
My new CFB Top 10 (10/26)
1) @oregonfootball
2) @GeorgiaFootball
3) @OhioStateFB
4) @PennStateFball
5) @TexasFootball
6) @ClemsonFB
7) @IndianaFootball
8) @Vol_Football
9) @AlabamaFTBL
10) @CanesFootball
Almost: @AggieFootball @CycloneFB @BYUfootball @NDFootball…— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) October 27, 2024
Analysis
It’s easy to see why Klatt was impressed with Alabama’s performance.
The Tide dominated in the second half. Jalen Milroe, much maligned after his performance in Alabama’s loss to Tennessee, was far from perfect against Missouri, but he made enough plays with both his arm and his legs for a steady performance.
The Tide ran the ball effectively. Justice Haynes led the way with 79 rushing yards on eight carries and delivered a knockoff-punch touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Jam Miller had two touchdown runs on 11 carries for 48 yards, and Milroe had a breathtaking nine-yard touchdown scramble early in the third quarter as Alabama slowly began to put Missouri away.
The Crimson Tide finished the day with 271 rushing yards.
And with Missouri driving on what would be its final offensive of the game, the Tide’s defense turned the Tigers away on a fourth-down stop from the 1-yard line. Alabama’s players and coaches, especially defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, were fired up.
All in all, Alabama’s dominant victory gave the Crimson Tide something to feel good about heading into its Week 10 bye. The Tide will head to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers on Nov. 9.
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