Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Jamarion Miller scored two touchdowns, leading No. 15 Alabama to a commanding 34-0 victory against No. 21 Missouri on Saturday. Alabama’s defense was dominant, recording three interceptions, while Missouri played the majority of the game without starting quarterback Brady Cook due to an injury.
With this win, the Crimson Tide improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Southeastern Conference, bouncing back from their recent struggles that included two losses in three games. This marked the first time since 2007 that Alabama had lost multiple games before November. The Tigers, also at 6-2 and 2-2 in conference play, lost Cook late in the first half due to a right hand injury, leaving them unable to regain their footing in the game.
At the time of Cook’s injury, the score was only 6-0. Alabama was looking to recover after a tough defeat against Tennessee and a narrow win over South Carolina, followed by another loss at Vanderbilt.
“We had to stick to our ‘Bama mentality football’ knowing what was on the line,” linebacker Jihaad Campbell commented after the game. “That was our main focus.”
Quarterback Jalen Milroe completed 16 of 26 passes for 215 yards and added 50 rushing yards, including a 9-yard touchdown run where he showed impressive agility to reverse direction, as well as a 32-yard run that set up the score. Miller contributed with rushing touchdowns of 3 and 11 yards, while Justice Haynes also made his mark with a 35-yard touchdown run.
Missouri’s backup quarterback, Drew Pyne, struggled, completing 6 of 12 passes for just 42 yards and throwing three interceptions. Cook had managed only 30 passing yards before his departure.
“An X-ray was done, and they didn’t feel comfortable allowing him to continue,” Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz explained regarding Cook’s injury.
Alabama’s defense secured its second shutout of the season, the first against an SEC opponent since a 41-0 win over Mississippi State in 2020, bolstered by a strong goal-line stand and their ability to create turnovers.
“They’re really anticipating plays and taking an aggressive approach rather than playing passively,” Tide coach Kalen DeBoer noted. “We wanted to ensure we got that shutout.”
Pyne’s first pass attempt was intercepted and returned 31 yards by Malachi Moore, leading to Miller’s first touchdown from 3 yards out, giving Alabama a 13-0 lead at halftime.
“Our offense just never found its rhythm after Brady’s injury,” Drinkwitz lamented. “The turnovers put us in difficult positions and overloaded our defense.”
Both teams struggled on third downs in the first half, combining for 0-for-12. However, Alabama found its offensive stride, outgaining Missouri 486-239 overall, with 271 rushing yards. Haynes led the rushing attack with 79 yards, while Miller added 48 yards and Richard Young had a notable 62-yard run during Alabama’s final drive.
Milroe benefitted from the solid ground game, which relieved some pressure after he had struggled with five interceptions over the previous three games.
“Every quarterback needs a strong running game to avoid bearing the weight alone,” DeBoer stated.
Pyne, who had most of the first-team practice reps leading up to the game, faced the challenge head-on.
“He was trying to help us win, but we need to be more careful with the ball,” Drinkwitz admitted. “I have to improve our coaching in those situations so we don’t put him at risk.”
Key Takeaways:
Missouri: The loss dashed their playoff aspirations after starting the season in the top 10. The offense faltered significantly after Cook’s injury, with running back Nate Noel also sidelined.
Alabama: The victory keeps their playoff hopes alive, with only one remaining matchup against a ranked opponent.
Looking Ahead:
– Missouri will host Oklahoma on November 9 after enjoying a bye week.
– Alabama is set to face No. 8 LSU on November 9.
