Bama backup helps save Shoutout against Missouri

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama. As Missouri neared the end zone, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer called a timeout.

It wasn’t really necessary. Alabama was up 34-0 with under five minutes to play, had backups and was on fourth down at the Alabama 1.

“I wanted them to get that injunction,” DeBoer said. “I wanted to make sure they could hit the ground running and play good football. I knew they worked hard all week and stayed on course. I really appreciated these efforts today.”

The defense got a stoppage. Missouri actually lost a yard.

“There were some gaps that we missed that needed to be taken care of,” starting quarterback Jehaad Campbell said of Missouri’s 89-yard drive on its only drive into the red zone, “but those guys on the goal line did the job and left the field.”

Bray Hubbard stepped into the starting field for Keon Sabb at free safety and had his first career interception, one of three for Alabama. DeBoer said for a secondary full of young players, it’s good to see guys like Hubbard, Jaylen Mbakwe, Zabien Brown, Red Morgan and Xavier Mincey succeed.

“I like the way they continue to improve,” DeBoer said. “There are things they can continue to build on, but they are tough kids. They’ve been on the field a little bit more, and every time they’ve been able to do that, they’ve understood how important practice is for them to be able to perform at the highest level.”

Hubbard replaced Sabb, who was injured against Tennessee.

“You have to be ready when you’re called,” he said. “I was ready and I can’t thank Keon enough. He talked to me a lot, and we talked a lot.”

Receiver and returner Cole Adams left the game in the first half with a leg injury. He returned to the field with a twisted leg and using crutches.

“It feels like it’s going to be something that takes a little time and he’s going to miss it,” DeBoer said. “We will have more information on Monday.”

Alabama lost on third down last week against Tennessee (3 of 14). It’s hard to imagine worse than that, but Alabama found a way. The Crimson Tide was 2 of 9 and at one point was 0-for-7 on third down. It’s understandable that Alabama had a poor performance against Tennessee, which has the nation’s No. 2 run defense. It didn’t help Bama this week that Missouri ranks No. 9 in third down defense. The Crimson Tide converted 40 percent on third down (35 of 83) early Saturday. After Saturday, this number decreased.

Fines remain a problem. Alabama was tagged 15 times against Tennessee for 115 yards. The Crimson Tide, which ranks 129th among 133 FBS teams in penalties, was flagged seven times for 85 yards against Missouri. In all, Alabama was hit with 69 penalties for a whopping 633 yards, which translates to roughly nine flags per 80-yard play.

“Fines are just a matter of non-compliance,” DeBoer said. “We’ve got to learn some hard lessons, get back to work and fix this.”

On a first-and-goal situation at the 9, Jalen Milroe ran left at the QB keeper but found a wall of Missouri defenders. He changed direction and went around the right edge for a touchdown. The camera panned to Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, who just shook his head. Milro converted a fumble five yards into a score to extend Bama’s lead to 20-0.

Initial weather was 85 degrees and sunny. … Richard Young ran for 62 yards, a career long for a redshirt freshman. … Jermey Bernard (82 yards) led the Tide in receiving for the second time this season. … Former Crimson Tide players Chris Samuels and Shawn Alexander, who led UA to the 1999 SEC championship, were honorary captains. … Officials: Jeff Heather (Referee), Trenton Crawford (Referee), Chad Green (Head Line Judge), Chris Conway (Line Judge), John Wisniewski (Field Judge), Glen Fucik (Side Judge), Tom Fimman (back). judge), Joel Menhoff (center judge).