Overview
- Alabama opened the season with a 48-10 win over East Carolina in Week 1 as Keelon Russell completed 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards and added a rushing touchdown while the run game produced 227 yards with nine rushers and four different rushers scoring.
- Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised the running consistency but singled out pass protection breakdowns, poor pad level near the goal line and spotty communication on the offensive line as specific issues to correct.
- DeBoer pointed to one early third-quarter protection lapse that cost the offense an explosive play and said coaching staff will emphasize giving Russell more time in the pocket.
- Russell, a redshirt-sophomore who won the job over veteran Austin Mack, delivered a composed debut that has eased short-term pressure on DeBoer but does not eliminate scrutiny given limited game experience.
- Alabama replaced all five starting offensive linemen in the offseason and faces a difficult SEC stretch including Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M and LSU that will quickly test whether the early gains and protection fixes hold up.