Roll Tide Wire Unveils Unexpected Week 2 Standouts in Thrilling UL Monroe Showdown

Saturday night unfolded into an absolute spectacle for Alabama, as they steamrolled UL Monroe with a commanding 73-0 victory — a real statement after absorbing that tough loss to Florida State. What struck me most wasn’t just the lopsided final score, but the way the Tide orchestrated their comeback with precision and panache, breathing life back into their season and lighting up the field with standout performances all around. It’s the kind of triumph that doesn’t just pad the win column, but injects a fresh surge of confidence — a glimpse at the team Alabama is shaping up to be. And boy, did some players deliver game-changing moments worth talking about. Dive into the highlights and meet Roll Tide Wire’s top stars soaring in offense, defense, and special teams during this blowout. LEARN MORE

Alabama had a fantastic performance Saturday night vs. UL Monroe, winning by a final score of 73-0.

It was a great rebound win after a tough loss vs. Florida State. Many players stood out and were exceptional.

This win is a great confidence builder for the Tide. They executed their game plan, showing the type of team they can become.

Below are Roll Tide Wire’s players of the week on offense, defense, and special teams vs. UL Monroe.

Offense: Ty Simpson, Quarterback

Ty Simpson was absolutely masterful on Saturday night. He was 17/17 for 226 yards and three touchdown passes. The 100% completion percentage is very rare, even against a team that is not at the same level as Alabama. Ty showed what he can be in this offense, if he gets time to go through his progressions. Ty is not a three-step drop and get the ball out quick quarterback. He thrives on play action plays where the defense is off set, and when he has time to go through his progressions. He is a great decision maker, accurate passer, and throws catchable passes. He is both methodical and lethal, when he has time to go through his progressions and hit the open receiver. He is the son of a football coach and has a natural understanding of offense. He just needs protection, to showcase his abilities.

Offense: Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver

Bernard had another fabulous performance vs UL Monroe. He had three receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns and was an early dagger in the Saturday’s game. I really think Bernard is one of the best college players in the country. He is irreplaceable in the Alabama offense and I expect that he will have equal production and value to Ryan Williams this season. The natural chemistry between him and Ty Simpson is special. Simpson and Bernard both love the intermediate/deep routes, and they often connect on them. Stay tuned for more electricity from Bernard as a wide receiver, but also running the football in different packages.

Offense: Kevin Riley, Running Back

Riley has an explosive presence on the field as both a runner and pass catcher. He is sudden, elusive, and has great contact balance. Stylistically, he reminds me of Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. Last night he was great at the second and third level, ripping off chunk yardage for the Tide. He finished the evening with 11 rushes for 69 yards and 6.3 YPC and six receptions for 45 yards and 7.5 YPC. He can be effective on short/intermediate routes, in the same way Germie Bernard is effective on intermediate/deep routes. Last night he emerged as a new weapon for the Tide. I expect him to be an All-Freshman SEC player this season.

Defense: Justin Jefferson, Inside Linebacker

Justin Jefferson made his presence felt in Saturday night’s game. He recorded one tackle, 0.5 TFL, one PD, and one interception. There were players who recorded more tackles in this game, but Jefferson made big plays and was active for the Tide. He shows closing speed and great contact power. He also was great in pass coverage, making the the game’s only interception. Between his length and speed, offenses have to be aware of him, as he can make game changing hits and interceptions. He is a linebacker, but he has strong safety qualities. He disrupts the passing game at the intermediate level, and comes up in run support to make violent tackles. His coverage skills and football speed are truly impressive.

Defense: James Smith, Defensive Tackle

James Smith did a great job of winning the line of scrimmage and making tackles in the backfield last night. Smith stepped up with key injuries to Tim Keenan III and Jeremiah Beaman. Alabama needed a defensive lineman who can penetrate gaps and make TFLs. Smith finished with an impressive stat line of four solo tackles and three TFL for -7 yards. Alabama desperately needs an interior lineman, who can win at the line of scrimmage and wreak havoc in the backfield. Smith showed he can be a key contributor on Alabama’s defensive front this season.

Special Teams: Cole Adams, Punt Returner

Cole had two punt returns for 45 yards on Saturday night, to include a 36 yard return. Cole does a great job of running in traffic and looking for daylight. Cole also shows physicality and toughness as a returner. Cole also took valuable reps at wide receiver last night. He recorder three receptions for 48 yards and a score. Cole brings a big pla dynamic to special teams and offense. He proved himself to be an X factor, who can make game changing plays as the Tide approach SEC competition.

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