-
Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
MADISON, Wis. — Alabama went from its clunkiest performance to its cleanest, which didn’t surprise coach Kalen DeBoer or his players.
A week after a mistake-ridden win over South Florida, No. 4 Alabama dominated Wisconsin 42-10, delivering big plays on both sides of the ball while also reducing its own mistakes. The Crimson Tide, who had three lost fumbles and 13 penalties against South Florida, did not commit a turnover, forced four fumbles and drew only four penalties in their first road performance under DeBoer, who pointed to a sharp series of practices that “set us up for success.”
“It just takes time,” DeBoer said. “It takes repetitions for everyone, and we were much more in sync this week, whether it was today or whether it was all week, through our game-planning. There’s some recall with play calls from last week or the week before, and it isn’t just us going against our defense. We’re seeing different looks.”
Quarterback Jalen Milroe became the first player since Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick in 2010 to record multiple passing and rushing touchdowns in each of his team’s first three games. Milroe had three passing touchdowns and two on the ground, as Alabama averaged 7.3 yards per play with four scores of 26 yards or longer. Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams continued his blistering start with a 31-yard touchdown catch and a 47-yarder to set up another score before halftime.
Milroe avoided a turnover and so did his teammates, including running back Jam Miller, who had 71 rushing yards and a touchdown. Both Milroe and Miller lost fumbles against South Florida.
“After last week, I have to take that preparation on working on protecting the ball even more this week and for the rest of the weeks, in every game,” Miller said.
While Alabama protected the ball, four different Tide defenders forced Wisconsin fumbles, including two that the Tide recovered deep in Badgers territory and converted for touchdowns. LT Overton, Deontae Lawson and Keon Sabb led the defensive effort.
DeBoer expected a strong performance after a practice week when Alabama had its “best rhythm.” Alabama also prepared for Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium by playing “Jump Around.” Up 35-10 before the fourth quarter, Tide players took part in the tradition.
“We had a tough week of practice, listening to that jump song,” said wide receiver Germie Bernard, who recorded his first touchdown catch for Alabama with 19 seconds left in the first half. “We were ready to shut that weak-ass jump song down. We were on the sideline, jumping up and just excited, enjoying the togetherness of our team.”
Alabama enters an open week before hosting No. 1 Georgia on Sept. 28. DeBoer said standout safety Malachi Moore, who left the game in the third quarter, is going through concussion protocol but expects to have him back for the Bulldogs. Linebacker Qua Russaw will be evaluated following a lower-leg injury.
“There’s just playcalling rhythms and taking the field and how we communicate, just so many nuances that the great teams have,” DeBoer said. “We’re a work in progress.”