It was the final game at Bryant-Denny Stadium for Alabama’s seniors Saturday and some of them made it a memorable one.
Defensive back Jared Mayden came up big with two interceptions, linebacker Anfernee Jennings had 1 1/2 sacks and several walk-ons got playing time in the Crimson Tide’s 66-3 rout of Western Carolina.
“A lot of guys got to play in this game, which is good,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “They played a significant amount of time and this experience will help their development and it will help us down the road.”
Taulia Tagovailoa played a significant amount at quarterback and threw his first career touchdown, a 15-yard swing pass to DeVonta Smith, who sprinted past two defenders for the score in the third quarter.
Tagovailoa was 2 of 3 passing for 35 yards.
Also seeing the field on offense was running backs Keilan Robinson (92 yards and a touchdown), Jerome Ford (24 yards and a touchdown) and Chadarius Townsend (24 yards). Robinson broke a 46-yard run for a score and led the team in rushing.
Redshirt freshman Tyrell Shavers got his first career catch, a 20-yard reception in the third quarter.
“It’s always nice when those boys get in there,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “Seeing them have fun is always great.”
Among some of the nonstarters and walk-ons to see playing time on offense: QB Paul Tyson (great grandson of Crimson Tide coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant), RB De’Marquise Lockridge, WR Mac Hereford, WR Xavier Williams, WR John Parker, TE Giles Amos, TE Daniel Powell, TE Melvin Billingsley, TE Michael Parker, OL Tommy Brown, OL Darian Dalcourt and OL Amari Kight,
Defensively Alabama’s defensive line saw a significant number of young players see the field due to injuries to the starters.
Second and third stringers got into the game in the second half, and Mayden had to settle them down when the Catamounts got a drive going.
“I remember my first time getting the opportunity to really playing some heavy minutes, so I know they were excited,” Mayden said. “When they started pushing the ball downfield I had to remind them that we are built for this, we are not giving them any touchdowns.”
WCU came away with a field goal.
Among some of the defensive nonstarters to see the field on defense: DB Bandon Turnage, DB DeMarcco Hellams, DB Marcus Banks, LB Jaylen Moody, LB Jarez Parks, DL Ishmael Sophsher and DL Braylen Ingraham.
