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The second week of the 2022 college football season is off to a more dramatic start than anticipated. Despite losing quarterback Quinn Ewers to a clavicle...
Video: Nick Saban Yells 'Don't Do That S--t' After Alabama's 'Horns Down' Gestures
Sep 10, 2022
FILE - Alabama head coach Nick Saban watches warmups at an NCAA college football game against Utah State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Top-ranked Alabama (1-0) and Texas (1-0) meet for the first time since 2009 on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban wasn't in a celebratory mood after his team's 20-19 victory over Texas on Saturday.
After multiple Crimson Tide players threw up the "Horns Down" gesture at the end of the game, Saban was heard yelling "Don't do that s--t!"
"DON'T DO THAT S--T!" š³
Nick Saban was HEATED after Bama players did the Horns Down gesture vs. Texas https://t.co/VxIH049NUD
It's understandable why Saban probably wasn't feeling good about things, even though the Crimson Tide left Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium with a win.
The Crimson Tide had six consecutive drives end with a punt from the second to the third quarter. They committed 15 penalties for 100 yards and may have lost if not for two mistakes, including a controversial call by the officials.
Texas kicker Bert Auburn missed a 20-yard field goal as time expired at the end of the first half to keep the score tied at 10.
Early in the third quarter, Texas appeared to sack Bryce Young in the end zone for a safety. An official threw a flag for roughing the passer with targeting, but when referee Scott Campbell attempted to explain things after a review, it got complicated.
The result was an incomplete pass by Young, setting up a fourth down but keeping the score tied.
Between the missed field goal and non-safety, Texas left five points on the field.
Perhaps Saban understood better than his players that they just won a game they probably should have lost.
Bryce Young Says Alabama Is 'Made for' Crunch Time After Dramatic Win vs. Texas
Sep 10, 2022
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)
The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns 20-19 on Saturday in a game that was much closer than expected, but some late fourth-quarter heroics from Bryce Young helped Nick Saban's team claim the victory.
After the win, Young told reporters: "Those crunch times moments, thatās what weāre made for."
Alabama head coach Nick Saban made similar comments after the win, via ESPN's Alex Scarborough:
"It all comes down to execute when you are playing games like this. You need to focus on what is In front of you. You can't worry about the other stuff going on, like what people say, what people say on ESPN and how much you are favored in the game.
"You've got to focus on what is in front of you. If you're an offensive lineman, that's the guy you have to block. If you're a receiver, that's the guy you have to beat,. If you're a QB, you have to take what the defense gives you. If you are a runner, you have to press the hole and make the right cuts. So we didn't do any of that stuff the way we need to. So it wasn't just one thing ,but you have to be able to be focused on that and you can't put yourself behind the 8 ball."
Alabama committed 15 penalties and saw a poor performance from its offensive line that allowed Young to be sacked twice and hurried seven times.
Still, the 21-year-old moved the ball despite the struggles.
Young made a pivotal 20-yard run into Texas territory with less than two minutes remaining in the game to set up a game-winning 33-yard field goal by Will Reichard. He finished the game having completed 27 of 39 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, in addition to rushing for 38 yards on seven carries.
Alabama will face Louisiana-Monroe next weekend at Bryant-Denny Stadium before hosting Vanderbilt on Sept. 24.
Bryce Young Stirs Up Heisman Buzz on Twitter as No. 1 Alabama Avoids Upset at Texas
Sep 10, 2022
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 10: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Alabama overcame a sluggish offensive performance to survive Texas' upset bid with a 20-19win at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young endured his share of struggles but came alive when it mattered most. He set up the game-winning field goal with 10 seconds left by taking the offense 61 yards over nine plays in 79 seconds.
As impressive as that final possession was, it may not have been the best drive by Young in the game. The junior star accounted for 68 of 75 yards on an 11-play drive early in the fourth quarter that ended with Jahmyr Gibbs' touchdown catch to help give Alabama a 17-16 lead.
Bryce Young is still that damn dude.. His WRās have not played great, Young is different.. Extending plays, eyes down the field, he is hard to defend..
This was one of the worst performances by the Crimson Tide in recent years. It marked just the second time since 2018 they have been held to 20 points or fewer in the regular season.
Jase McClellan did have an 81-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to help Alabama to a 10-3 advantage, but his other five carries gained 16 yards.
At one point in the fourth quarter, Alabama had more penalty yards (100) than passing yards. The usually stout secondary gave up 292 yards and 8.6 yards per attempt.
Texas didn't even have Quinn Ewers available for most of the game. The redshirt freshman sensation left in the first quarter with an apparent shoulder injury after being hit by Dallas Turner.
On a day when so many things seemed to work against Alabama, Young pushed his team to victory on the road against a quality opponent.
Things will almost certainly be easier next week. The Crimson Tide will host Louisiana-Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 17.
Why C.J. Stroud Is 2023 NFL Draft's Top QB Prospect Entering College Season
Sep 3, 2022
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during the Rose Bowl game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes on January 1, 2022 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Alabama's Bryce Young may be the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, but Ohio State's C.J. Stroud is clearly college football's best quarterback prospect for the 2023 NFL draft.
History has showed that collegiate hardware doesn't automatically equate to future success. It's happened more often than not as of late, but the likes of Robert Griffin III, Johnny Manziel, Marcus Mariota and Baker Mayfield (so far) didn't translate to the professional game and serve as warnings.
This isn't to say that Young isn't a quality prospect. But he can't automatically be pushed above every other quarterback on draft boards based on what he's done as part of the nation's most successful football program.
Just the fact that Stroud and Young are even in the early conversation as top draft selections is a wonderful change of pace after this year's group of signal-callers can be kindly described as the worst of this century.
"It was a really, really weak class," an AFC personnel executive told Heavy's Matt Lombardo. "Everyone knew it all along, but everyone tried to sell those guys to each other."
As a result, some franchises in desperate need of an infusion of talent under center punted on the position with an eye toward next April. This could benefit the entire class. Kentucky's Will Levis, Miami's Tyler Van Dyke, Florida's Anthony Richardson and Stanford's Tanner McKee should all be in the first-round mix as well.
But Stroud should lead the way as the true premium talent with No. 1 overall potential.
Ultimately, the conversation will hinge on Young vs. Stroud because they're the two most high-profile prospects playing for illustrious pipeline programs. They finished first and fourth, respectively, in Heisman voting last year. Their situations are now flipped slightly, with Stroud entering this season as the betting favorite for the award.
Stroud's physical tools, skill set, production and growth potential place him atop this year's crop.
Stroud's and Young's physical statures are night and day and will likely prove to be the biggest difference in their evaluations. The former is 6'3" and 218 pounds, while the latter is 6'0" and 194 pounds.
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 11: The Heisman Trophy finalists defensive end Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan, quarterback Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh, quarterback C.J. Stroud from Ohio State and quarterback Bryce Young from Alabama look serious as they pose with the Heisman Trophy at the Marriott Marquis in New York on December 11, 2021 in New York City, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Young's height is less of an issue that it once was. After all, offenses operate out of the shotgun on a regular basis, and shorter options have succeeded in the league as of late.
However, Young's slight frame will be a major concern when it comes to taking an NFL pounding. Jim McMahon (6'1", 195 lbs) in 1982 is the last first-round quarterback over the last 40 years to weigh fewer than 200 pounds. Guys like Mayfield (6'1", 215 lbs), Kyler Murray (5'10", 207 lbs) and Russell Wilson (5'11", 215 lbs) are shorter quarterbacks, but they're thickly built. They can create significant torque in their lower bodies and hips because of their squatty frames.
Prototypical NFL size standards aside, Stroud layers throws to all three levels. The 20-year-old passer is particularly adept when he drives the ball down the field. His pure arm strength may not reach Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes levels, but he should be considered among the next tier.
Deep passing is also a byproduct of timing and touch. According to Pro Football Focus, Stroud was college football's most accurate deep passer going into bowl season. The reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year then dumped 573 yards and six touchdowns in a victory over the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl.
It's important to make the distinction between those two points to ensure the number wasn't skewed because of that historic performance.
"I say with C.J., he really drops the ball in there. The best way to put it is like Russell Wilson," former teammate and first-round wide receiver Garrett Wilson told the Big Ten Network last year (h/t The Lantern's Jacob Benge).
PFF also graded Stroud as the best Big Ten quarterback last season with a 67.6 percent accurate pass rate.
NFL evaluators will start to salivate over a quarterback who navigates the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield and consistently delivers the football with a smooth, compact delivery.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Alabama Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young (9) throws downfield during the Alabama Crimson Tide versus the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship, on January 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Young isn't a slouch either. He has a great feel for the game with excellent touch within the scheme and creativity outside of structure. But his stature will remain a sticking point.
Levis, meanwhile, brings the best combination of size (6'3", 232 lbs) and raw arm talent, as well as two years of learning under current or former NFL offensive coordinators at Kentucky in Liam Coen and Rich Scangarello. Van Dyke lit up the second half of last season. He must repeat that performance over a full campaign. Richardson is a raw mound of elite athletic traits. Finally, McKee is a 6'6" pro-style quarterback coming out of Stanford, and he must help the program rise from the malaise of the last three seasons.
To take the next step, Stroud simply needs to build on what he's already done. Last season, the Ohio State starter became the only quarterback at the FBS level to finish top-five in completion percentage (71.9), passing yardage (4,435), passing touchdowns (44), yards per attempt (10.1) and quarterback rating (186.6).
Anything close to or exceeding those numbers will cement Stroud's status as not only the top quarterback prospect but also the leading candidate for the first overall pick (yes, even over Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. because of positional value).
The third-year signal-caller knows he must improve in certain areas, particularly in leading the offense and becoming a louder voice in the locker room.
"He's speaking up. He's more mature. He wants to win," wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba told reporters. "You know, we're all fired up. He's a competitor, and no one wants to win more than him, and he wants to bring that to the whole team and spread it out."
Head coach Ryan Day added: "I think that C.J. has really grown in terms of his leadership this year, and just has a much more, you know, wide perspective on everything thatās going on, not just his job. He sees it almost as a coach right now. I know his No. 1 thing is he wants to win, and everything else is secondary. And heās practiced that way."
A better understanding of and an increased comfortability within the offense should speed up Stroud's process. Like most young quarterbacks, the one-year starter could be quicker to get off his first read and work his way through his progression to the point where it becomes far more natural in how he sees the field.
The Buckeyes' current setup provides a significant task, with Stroud needing to grow mentally within the scheme while taking on more responsibility with a reworked supporting cast. He is now the focal point of the offense. Everything flows through him and how he distributes the ball.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a touchdown pass as Malone Mataele #15 of the Utah Utes defends during the fourth quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Ohio State remains extremely talented at receiver with Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Julian Fleming and Emeka Egbuka. But the group isn't nearly as experienced as the one from last year, when two first roundersāWilson and Chris Olaveāflanked the formation. Essentially, the roles reversed, with Stroud set to make his targets into top-end prospects.
Stroud fits the prototype of a professional quarterback. His traits as a passer are evident. He's playing at the highest level possible and producing against top competition. He has ample opportunity to build an already impressive resume. Maybe Stroud will even capture his own Heisman Trophy.
Either way, this season should serve as the coronation of Stroud as the nation's best quarterback and top option in 2023 even if he doesn't walk away with 45 pounds of Ed Smith-shaped cast bronze.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Alabama's Will Anderson Jr., Bryce Young Voted Top 2022 CFB Players in ESPN Survey
Aug 17, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the College Football Playoff Championship held at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr.
was voted the best player in college football for the 2022 season in an ESPN survey released Wednesday.
Anderson was followed by quarterback Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, giving
the Crimson Tide the nation's top two players, according to the
poll's 11,000 respondents.
Here's a look at the top 10:
Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama OLB)
Bryce Young (Alabama QB)
C.J. Stroud (Ohio State QB)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State WR)
Bijan Robinson (Texas RB)
Jalen Carter (Georgia DT)
TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State RB)
Brock Bowers (Georgia TE)
Jordan Addison (USC WR)
Caleb Williams (USC QB)
Expectations are once again sky-high
for Nick Saban and the Tide. They were voted No. 1 in both the
Associated Press and AFCA Coaches preseason Top 25 polls.
Alabama is always a safe bet to end up
in contention for a national championship, having qualified for the
College Football Playoff in seven of the format's eight years in
existence. It captured titles in 2016, 2018 and 2021.
Anderson and Young lay the foundation
for another strong year in Tuscaloosa, and they'll have plenty of help thanks to a star-studded supporting cast. Here are the other Tide players who landed inside the ESPN poll:
RB Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 20)
S Jordan Battle (No. 23)
LB Dallas Turner (No. 24)
CB Eli Ricks (No. 45)
LB Henry To'oTo'o (No. 54)
OL Emil Ekiyor Jr. (No. 96)
In typical fashion, Saban was quick to
downplay outside expectations following the release of the preseason polls.
"As we always do, it's kind of like
here we go again in making predictions about how young people,
adolescents, will perform in the future," Saban told reporters. "So
that's why we play the games."
Anderson referenced the trophy the Tide
received for finishing as the runner-up in last year's CFP as part of
the team's motivation.
"We don't know anything about that
[ranking] stuff," the junior linebacker said. "And the motivation
in the locker room is everything that we did last, all the bad things
that we did last year. That's the only motivation that we need, that
we didn't get our end goal, that we have a participation trophy
sitting in the cafeteria that we have to look at every day."
Fellow powerhouses Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson and Notre
Dame rounded out the top five in both preseason polls.
Based purely on talent, however, it's
easy to see why the Tide are the early favorite to chase down the
program's 19th national title.
Todd McShay 2023 NFL Draft Rankings: C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young Headline Top 5
Aug 17, 2022
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up before the Rose Bowl game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes on January 1, 2022 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A pair of high-profile quarterbacks are near the top of ESPN NFL draft expert Todd McShay's early rankings for the 2023 NFL draft.
Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Alabama's Bryce Young are ranked third and fourth, respectively, but defensive players primarily dominate the top five.
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. is the No. 1 overall player on McShay's big board, while Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is second and Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith is fifth.
Both Stroud and Young were starting quarterbacks at the collegiate level for the first time last season, and each of them thrived.
Stroud finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting after completing 71.9 percent of his passes for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Meanwhile, Young completed 66.9 percent of his passing attempts for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions en route to winning the Heisman.
Stroud and Young are widely considered the top two quarterbacks in the nation entering the 2022 season both in terms of producing at the collegiate level and establishing themselves as potential top picks in the 2023 NFL draft.
The quarterback talent promises to be rich in the 2023 draft, as McShay also gave Kentucky's Will Levis and Miami's Tyler Van Dyke first-round grades by ranking them 21st and 26th, respectively.
If those rankings hold up, the 2023 draft will be significantly different from the 2022 draft, as only one quarterback was selected in the first round this year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers took Pitt's Kenny Pickett 20th overall, and the next quarterback didn't come off the board until the Atlanta Falcons selected Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder 74th overall in the third round.
Last season also marked the first time since 2017 and only the second time since 2015 that a quarterback didn't go first overall.
Stroud and Young are strong candidates to go No. 1 overall in the 2023 draft depending on the order, but if a team that doesn't need a quarterback picks first, Anderson could be a clear choice.
Anderson finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting last season after racking up a spectacular 17.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss for a Crimson Tide team that reached the National Championship Game.
The past three non-quarterbacks to go No. 1 overall in the draft were all pass-rushers in Jadeveon Clowney, Myles Garrett and Travon Walker, meaning Anderson could be the prospect to beat at this point.
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