Overview
- Alabama routed Eastern Illinois 56-0, creating a second-half window to evaluate quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Austin Mack.
- Starter Ty Simpson played only the first half and finished 11-for-16 for 147 yards with two interceptions.
- True freshman Russell went 7-of-9 for 78 yards with two rushes for 16, hit a 30-yard deep throw, and was 3-of-3 under pressure per PFF.
- Mack completed all five passes for 45 yards and added a 20-yard rushing touchdown, with PFF charting no pressured attempts and no throws beyond 10 yards.
- Kalen DeBoer praised Russell’s progression and the staff’s rep management, as analysts noted that real evaluation will come against SEC opponents and possibly in a spring competition with Mack.