TUSCALOOSA, Ala. Through 10 games this season, there was only one time the Alabama defense got more than one turnover in a game, and it happened in the lo s at Tenne see.Head coach Nick Saban has been emphasizing turnovers "like crazy" for weeks now, and Saturday against Austin Peay, the defense recovered three turnovers for the first time this season."Threes our goal every single game, so to be
Josh Jooris Jersey able to reach that number was huge for us," said Alabama linebacker Henry To'oTo'o.The Alabama secondary doubled its interception total of the season in the game with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Brian Branch snagging interceptions against the Governors."Weve been talking about turnovers since the beginning of the season," Branch said after the game. "It felt good getting one. I knew if one came We all knew if one came, it was going to keep on coming. If everybody just plays their role, its going to come to us.Austin Peay quarterback Mike DiLiello was leading a drive in the fourth quarter to try and get the Governors on the board for the first time, but Branch's interception killed any opportunity for that. It was the first interception of the season for Branch.McKinstry's interception came in the second quarter when Austin
Nazem Kadri Men Jersey Peay was once again driving into Alabama territory. The sophomore defensive back grabbed the under-thrown ball and returned it 26 yards past midfield. It was also McKinstry's first interception of the year.On a fourth down in its own territory, Austin Peay tried to run a little bit of a trick play and ended up fumbling the ball. Redshirt freshman Damon Payne Jr. jumped on it and was visibly fired up after the turnover. He ran to the sideline and got to hold the ball-out belt for the first time this season."It was good to get the
Tyson Barrie Men Jersey turnovers today," Saban said. "It was exciting for the defensive players. I think, hopefully that can be contagious for us, and we can continue to do that."Because
Grant Fuhr Kids Jersey of Alabama miscues on offense and special teams, the Austin Peay offense was set up with good field position to score on two separate occasions.A muffed punt was recovered by the Governors at the Alabama 36. Austin Peay got down into the red zone, but the Crimson Tide defense forced a turnover on downs. Then after Isaiah Bond's fumble near midfield, Austin Peay once again got into the red zone. But Governor's kickerMaddux Trujillo mi sed a chip shot field goal to keep Austin Peay off the scoreboard.It was Alabama's first shutout since the season opener against Utah State.Scroll to Continue"It felt like everybody was doing their
Morgan Rielly Kids Jersey job," Branch said. "The goal isnt really just to get a shutout, but to dominate. So I gue s it came with a shutout today, so were just happy and have got to move on."Alabama also turned the ball over three times, so Saban wasn't pleased with the turnover ratio and said he wants to emphasize ball security moving forward. But overall, he liked what he saw on defense in the win."Defense got a couple of really key stops after we turned the ball over a couple times in the first quarter in the red zone," Saban said. "Its always great to get a shutout."See Also: .