The highly anticipated Kalen DeBoer era started off in blistering fashion as the Alabama Crimson Tide boat raced the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 63-0 on Saturday. With a whole new staff and significant roster changes, there was a lot to watch in Alabama’s season opener.
Alabama’s defense looked much improved from a season ago, and QB Jalen Milroe will be at the front of the Heisman conversation all year. But, the biggest takeaway is what a superstar the Crimson Tide have in freshman phenom Ryan Williams.
It didn’t take long as Williams’s first collegiate reception came on an 84-yard TD strike from Milroe. The duo struck again right before halftime for a 55-yard score to give Alabama a 42-0 lead. The former five-star is still only 17 years old but is already showing he’s going to be the home run hitter for the Tide offense in 2024.
Williams finished with just the two receptions on the day for 139 yards, but his role in the Alabama offense will only get larger as the year goes on. His immediate impact was noticed all across the conference as he was named as the SEC Freshman of the Week.
The Crimson Tide hosts the USF Bulls at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN this Saturday.
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