TUSCALOOSA, Ala — The No. 15 Alabama defeated No. 21 Missouri 34-0 in Bryant-Denny Stadium to allow the home crowd to celebrate Homecoming without stress. The Alabama offense mustered 486 yards of offense but still left some to be desired as the Crimson Tide converted on just two of its nine third down attempts on Saturday afternoon.
Two Alabama drives stalled out near the red zone, resulting in field goals, and while the Missouri offense battled its own struggles with Brady Cook leaving the game, finding more consistency offensively has been a theme throughout the season.
Every Alabama Third Down Attempt against Missouri This past weekend.
Two Alabama drives were killed due to second down penalties putting the Crimson Tide behind the sticks. Two others drives were ended by Missouri sacks, four incompletions with three going off the hands of Alabama wide receivers ended others as Alabama’s passing game still has room for improvement.
Let’s take each third down attempt and look at the processes to determine why the Alabama offense struggled on the money down on Saturday.
1. 1st Quarter, 9:42, Third-and-Five
Alabama calls a toss to running back Justice Haynes on its first third down of the game but the play is blown up in the backfield for a two-yard loss.
The play call is strong for the situation when looking at the down and distance and Missouri’s alignment. Both Tigers’ safeties and their slot corner are aligned inside Alabama’s slot receiver Kendrick Law, giving the Tide the leverage advantage on the snap.
Unfortunately, two blocks aren’t executed well, throwing off Alabama’s blocking pattern and resulting in the tackle for loss. Tight end CJ Dippre stalemates the Missouri defender on the edge, but the penetration forces the pulling Jaeden Roberts and Parker Brailsford to run the hump, junking up Haynes’ path to the edge. Alabama’s Kendrick Law is known as one of the best blockers on the team but he appears to take a strange approach to his assignment, going to his assignment’s inside shoulder instead of outside, allowing his defender to easily get outside and add to the negative play.
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2. 1st Quarter, 7:03, Third-and-Nine
Alabama wide receiver Kobe Prentice had a challenging day as he couldn’t catch any of his four targets in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. Prentice motions from one into three from the Crimson Tide’s trips right set and runs an out route right at the first down marker. Unfortunately, he can’t haul in the pass as it goes off his outstretched hands.
The Alabama offense line handled a unique pressure look well, but Milroe still had to make an adjustment in the pocket based on the rush. The pass falls incomplete but Milroe put it in the only position he could to allow Prentice to make a play on in. A little further would be out of bounds, and a little more inside may have resulted in a disastrous interception.
3. 1st Quarter, 1:37, Third-and-Six
Missouri’s Johnny Walker Jr. blows up Alabama’s chances at staying on the field by dipping underneath Kadyn Proctor for a sack on third down.
Missouri only rushes three and leaves a spy for a potential scramble but Proctor is beaten before Milroe can get to his second read as Walker Jr. gets to Milroe in 2.6 seconds.
4. 2nd Quarter, 11:25, Third-and-16
Missouri rushes three with two linebackers sitting on the line of scrimmage as a spy in case Jalen Milroe escapes. Unfortunately for Alabama, three is all it took as Johnny Walker Jr. pulls off almost the same exact pass rush move, this time against Elijah Pritchett, for his second sack on consecutive third downs.
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Alabama is behind the chains due to a holding call. The route concept reflects the down and distance as three Crimson Tide receivers are running verticals, while the fourth one sits down right at the sticks.
These routes never get a chance as Walker Jr. sacks Milroe three seconds after the snap.
5. 2nd Quarter, 4:48, Third-and-19
The Crimson Tide got down to the 11-yard line but a holding penalty backed them up.
The penalty forced Alabama into another long yardage situation where the percentages to convert are much lower.
Missouri rushes four with a fifth caught in between rushing and covering Jam Miller. Jalen Milroe gets good protection, sets his feet and delivers a ball down field to Germie Bernard. Unfortunately, the pass is a little long for Bernard as it goes off his outstretched hand. While the pass falls incomplete and Alabama has to try a field goal, Milroe’s placement is in the only place that gives Bernard a chance to make a play.
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6. 3rd Quarter, 8:27, Third-and-10
The Crimson Tide go back to the well and dial up the same play as #2 above just to the opposite side of the field. It’s nearly the same result as well.
Kobe Prentice motions from one into three in Alabama’s trips right formation. Prentice runs an out route and beats his man but can’t haul in quarterback Jalen Milroe’s pass as it goes off both hands this time.
Alabama’s pocket gave Milroe nice protection and he delivered a solid, catchable pass, unfortunately, Prentice can’t reel it in and the Crimson Tide has to punt again.
7. 3rd Quarter, :18, Third-and-11
This play looks like one of one of Jalen Milroe’s worst throws of the day, but further context will inform you that Ryan Williams ran the wrong route on the play.
“We can’t have someone substitute in a route you run. And sometimes he doesn’t make the throw that you want or he wants. But then there’s other times too where guys just got to make sure they stay the course and run the routes the way they need to be run,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said after the game.
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The TV broadcast clearly shows DeBoer on the sidelines frustrated with the route that was run.
Alabama’s in a two-by-two set and Missouri is rushing five. The Crimson Tide holds up decently on the rush, but a linebacker flashes in front of Milroe’s face just before the throw.
Williams was open on his route, but the communication is critical and Milroe expected the freshman to run a different pattern.
8. 4th Quarter, 12:09, Third-and-four
The Alabama starters converted just a singular third down on the day and it came when the Crimson Tide was already up 27-0.
Missouri rushes five and Alabama’s protection holds up well, allowing the pass routes to develop. Jalen Milroe finds Ryan Williams underneath who’s helped off the line of scrimmage with the releases of Germie Bernard and Kendrick Law.
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Williams takes the reception nearly 25 yards as he shows he’s one of the most electric players in college football.
9. 4th Quarter, 1:37, Third-and-three
The Crimson Tide backups converted their only third down attempt on what was the game’s final live play as Alabama took two knees after to melt the clock.
Ty Simpson finds himself in the shadow of the end zone with an RPO call on his hands. Roq Montgomery blows his block and Simpson wisely pulls the ball looking for a screen to Ty Lockwood. Missouri’s defender jump into the passing lane preventing Simpson from pulling the trigger and instead he wisely pulls the ball down to follow running back Daniel Hill through the rushing lane to barely get the first down.
Alabama’s third down numbers were not good on Saturday as the Crimson Tide converted just two of its nine attempts and the starters converted just one of eight. Kalen DeBoer’s offense averaged needing 9.2 yards on third down against Missouri creating difficult down and distances to overcome throughout the day.
The Crimson Tide has two weeks until its road trip to Baton Rouge in what will virtually be a College Football Playoff eliminator game. If Alabama wants to give itself a chance at postseason success it must focus on creating more manageable down and distances to give itself a better chance at converting and keeping the offense on the field more consistently.
Additional performers include Chuck Leavell, Act of Congress, Roman Street, Will McFarlane and the Muscle Shoals All-Stars, Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee, the Montevallo Community Band and numerous other artists representing Alabama’s diverse musical traditions.
Beyond the music, visitors will find historical reenactments, military encampments, battle demonstrations and the popular America’s Stories presentation series, where historians and costumed interpreters bring pivotal moments from American history to life.
The festival will also showcase Alabama’s culinary heritage through America’s Kitchen, featuring live cooking demonstrations and competitions from chefs across the state, including Columbiana native Jonathan Harrison.
Families can expect a full lineup of children’s activities, hands-on educational experiences, games, crafts, puppet shows and performances by Perondi’s All-Star Stunt Dogs.
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One unique addition to the July 4 schedule will be a screening of “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” at 6:30 p.m. inside the West Wing Theatre. The animated film tells the true story of America’s most decorated war dog and is designed as a family-friendly tribute to service, courage and patriotism.
Organizers say Sweet Home 250 will also place special emphasis on Alabama’s role in the nation’s story.
In addition to exploring America’s founding, the event will highlight Alabama’s contributions to 250 years of American history through music, art, education and cultural programming.
“The Semiquincentennial gives us a rare opportunity to pause and consider the remarkable journey of our country,” Steed said. “We can honor the courage of those who came before us while also thinking about the kind of nation we want to continue building together.”
The celebration will culminate with a fireworks display over Independence Hall on the evening of July 4, providing a fitting finale to Alabama’s largest America 250 event.
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For organizers, however, the festival’s lasting impact will extend beyond concerts, exhibits and fireworks.
“We hope people leave inspired,” Miller said. “We want families talking on the drive home about what they saw, what they learned and what it means to be part of this ongoing American story.”
As America approaches its 250th birthday, Sweet Home 250 offers Alabamians an opportunity not only to celebrate the nation’s past but also to reflect on the principles that continue to shape its future.
“America’s story is still being written,” Miller said. “Every generation adds its own chapter. Sweet Home 250 is a chance for all of us to celebrate the chapters that came before us and consider what we will contribute to the next ones.”
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 NBA draft Tuesday night.
Philon is the first pick of the Mike Gansey era after he replaced Daryl Morey as the team’s president of basketball operations.
Who is Labaron Philon Jr.?
Philon, 20, led the Crimson Tide in scoring last season, averaging 22.0 points on nearly 40% shooting on 3-pointers. He was the focal point of one of the nation’s most potent offenses, as Alabama led the country in points per game in the 2025-26 season. The Crimson Tide (No. 16) finished the season with a 25-10 record and went 13-5 against conference opponents.
Philon, who helped lead Alabama to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament, earned Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors in his sophomore season.
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In 33 games last season for Alabama, Philon scored 725 total points, which is ranked third-most by a player in a single season in program history.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Labaron Philon Jr. after he is drafted twenty-second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images
Philon was the 34th-ranked basketball recruit in the country entering his freshman season at Alabama, according to 247sports. The four-star guard initially committed to playing at Auburn, but decommitted. He then signed a letter of intent to play at Kansas, but didn’t play there, either. He then committed to the Crimson Tide in April 2024.
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Philon impressed as a freshman at Alabama and averaged 10.6 points in 37 games. He declared for the 2025 NBA draft but then withdrew and returned for his sophomore season, where he saw his scoring average jump more than 10 points.
Philon is a Mobile, Alabama, native and played at Baker High School in Mobile County, where he scored 2,334 points in three seasons. He was named the Class 7A Player of the Year twice.
As a junior, he averaged 35 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists and was named Alabama Mr. Basketball, which is given to the best high school boys’ basketball player in the state. Philon transferred to Link Academy, a boarding school in Missouri, for his senior year of high school.
Philon now joins a backcourt headlined by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe heading into the 2026-27 season. Quentin Grimes could return to Philadelphia next season and add even more depth, but he’s an unrestricted free agent.
The pick the Sixers used to pick Philon was acquired in the deal that sent Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline.
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Labaron Philon Jr. scouting report
CBS Sports had Philon ranked as the 14th-best prospect in the 2026 NBA draft.
Here are his strengths and weaknesses, according to CBS Sports:
Strengths
On-ball creator who made an extreme leap as a sophomore, ranking in the 99th percentile in isolations (was 24th percentile as a freshman) and 94th as a pick-and-roll handler (was 32nd percentile as a freshman). Combines smooth attack with sudden change of speed and direction, dexterity, and finishing craft in the lane.
Shot-maker who can make tough shots off both the catch (36% on contested catch-and-shoot 3-pointers), dribble (38% from deep), and has extreme gravity when he’s spacing the floor (46% on unguarded catch-and-shoot 3-pointers).
Shown pliability to thrive in different roles over the years and is a similarly versatile creator, because he’s a scoring threat at multiple levels and also an accurate, and somewhat creative, passer with both hands off the dribble.
Weaknesses
Inconsistent defensive approach. Showed more engagement and potential as a freshman, but couldn’t maintain that as a sophomore when taking on a bigger offensive role.
Lacks overwhelming physicality or highest level explosiveness, and didn’t add any notable muscle mass between his freshman and sophomore seasons (175 pounds at 2025 combine and 176 at 2026 combine).
Unclear how well his creation scales to the NBA level when he will have less usage and volume coupled by more physicality in opposing defenders.
Alabama football hosted a hometown kid for an official visit last weekend when it got Jeremiah Beverley on campus for an official visit.
Beverley attends Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and ESPN currently has him rated as a four-star recruit. He is considering Alabama, Cincinnati, Wake Forest and others.
The Crimson Tide offered Beverley earlier this month and got him on campus for an official visit last weekend. The Alabama target told Touchdown Alabama he used the visit to learn what the Tide has planned for him if he commits.
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“I’m truly happy that I went on that official visit,” Beverley said. “Blessed for that. All I was talking about was the next step, what I got to do? So, just knowing what they have planned for me, knowing what they have set for me.”
At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Beverley makes plays for Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa as a defensive end. Alabama has plans to use him similarly at the next level.
“They’re going to have me at wolf mostly,” Beverley said. “I know coach (Kane) Wommack and coach (Christian) Robinson, I think they see me at other positions, but I know it is guaranteed they’re going to see me at Wolf and me working my way up on special teams, and they expect that out of me.”
Beverley is expected to announce a commitment decision on Friday.
Watch Jeremiah Beverley’s Highlights Below:
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Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.
