Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama defeated Arkansas with some exceptional play. This week Alabama football coaches recognized eight players for their effort. Here is the official release: (courtesy of UA Media Relations)

Eight Alabama players were recognized for their outstanding play by the coaching staff following the Crimson Tide’s 38-14 win over No. 12 Arkansas as announced by head coach Nick Saban Monday. Tailback Trent Richardson and offensive lineman Barrett Jones were named players of the week on offense while safety Mark Barron, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick represented the defense. On special teams, Marquis Maze, Brandon Gibson and Alex Watkins were selected.

Richardson recorded his third straight 100-yard rushing game as he carried the ball 17 times for 126 yards. He also caught three passes for 85 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown. He now has nine total touchdowns on the season to rank fifth nationally in scoring. Jones received the highest grade on the Alabama offensive line as he helped the Tide total 200 pass yards and 197 rushing yards from his left tackle position. Jones also played right tackle in the game and has played center and guard this season. UA ranks second in the SEC in rushing offense and total offense. Both Richardson and Jones were named SEC Players of the Week as well.

The defense held the Razorbacks well below their season averages, allowing just 226 total yards and 14 total points. Arkansas entered the game first in the SEC in passing offense, scoring offense and total offense. Hightower led the team with nine total tackles, with two of those coming behind the line of scrimmage. He had a big stop on a fourth down and helped hold the Hogs to just 17 rushing yards. Barron added six stops, including five solo tackles, and also broke up a pass. Kirkpatrick was credited with six solo tackles, one for loss, and broke up a career-high three passes. He leads the SEC with eight pass break-ups through four games. The Alabama defense finished the day with 10 tackles for loss, six pass break-ups and two interceptions. UA now ranks first in the SEC and in the top three nationally in all four major defensive categories.

Maze returned four punts for 125 yards, including a TD of 83 yards – the first of his career. The punt return score came early in the third quarter and put Alabama up 24-7. He added five catches for 40 yards to bring his all-purpose yardage total to 165. Gibson and Watkins were both in on multiple tackles on the kickoff team and had stops inside the 20. In addition, Gibson is also on the punt return and kickoff return teams while Watkins is a member of the kickoff return team.