Quarterback Bryce Young Takes Center Stage in Alabama's 44-13 Win Over Miami; Nick Saban Reacts

Quarterback Bryce Young Takes Center Stage in Alabama's 44-13 Win Over Miami; Nick Saban Reacts
(Photo : Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - Bryce Young of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bryce Young's college football career is off to a spectacular start as he led the Alabama Crimson Tide to an emphatic 44-13 victory over the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday. Young completed 27 of 38 passes for 344 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions to set a new school record for passing yards and touchdowns in his debut as a starting quarterback.

Young was delighted to record a historical feat in his first appearance for Alabama. "It's a blessing, for sure. That's not something I take lightly," said Young, who returned the compliment to his teammates and the coaching staff, saying that the "line did an amazing job."

Saban has found himself a new star quarterback

Coach Nick Saban was among those who were impressed with Young's debut performance, saying he played well in his very first start. Saban paid tribute to Young's smarts, saying he was like a veteran out there in redirecting the offense as he positively led it.

Young was lights out right from the get-go, completing 19 of 27 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the game's opening 30 minutes as he immediately torched the Miami defense. In the first half, John Metchie III established a quick rapport with Young, catching five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Tight end Cameron Latu also made his presence felt in Alabama's passing game, recording a pair of receiving touchdowns in the opening half. Latu's first career reception came with 4:39 left in the first quarter, making a 9-yard touchdown catch. He doubled his tally just minutes later in the second quarter, recording a 25-yard touchdown reception.

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Alabama quickly firing on all cylinders in the season opener

Alabama's ground game was a legitimate threat as well in the first half, even though the Crimson Tide did not score any rushing touchdowns during that period. Redshirt-senior Brian Robinson Jr. spearheaded Alabama's ground attack, rushing for 53 yards on ten carries.

The onslaught continued in the second half as Young dissected the Hurricanes' defense through the air. Young made history yet again with a 94-yard throw to Jameson Williams, who went on to score Alabama's second-longest passing touchdown in its program. Williams finished the game with the most receiving yards, tallying a total of 126 from four receptions.

Miami had no answer for Alabama's defense as the Hurricanes averaged just 4.1 yards per play in this contest. With the victory, Alabama improved to 15-0 in season openers under Saban dating back to 2007. The Crimson Tide will travel back home to Tuscaloosa for their second game, hosting Mercer this coming weekend.

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