Crimson Tide cruise in DeBoer's debut

In Kalen DeBoer's first game under the lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium, his Crimson Tide squad thumped Western Kentucky 63-0.

Alabama meant business from the first snap, as the Crimson dashed out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Although a 34.5-point favorite, Alabama showed that this game wasn't just about winning but also about proving a point.

With USF coming to town next week, the same Group of 5 team that gave Alabama everything they could handle last season, the Crimson Tide exemplified the type of dominance that is expected from a powerhouse program.

DeBoer inherited an elite roster from Nick Saban and his 2023 team, which made the college football playoffs, but the newcomers stood out in their first game.

After a pair of punts, Michigan transfer Keon Sabb was gifted his first interception of the season. Hilltoppers' quarterback T.J. Finley, who matched up with the Crimson Tide for the third time in his career, tried to force a throw into double coverage and Sabb gladly set the Crimson Tide offense up in the red zone.

That interception led to quarterback Jalen Milroe's first rushing touchdown of the season.

Sabb's second interception in the crimson and white showed off his instincts.

Standing with his feet just inches from the end zone, Sabb read Finley's eyes from the get-go and was in the perfect position to snag his second pick of the game. Sabb returned it 73 yards to gift Alabama another scoring opportunity.

It wasn't just transfers making plays as the freshman class also joined in. Leading 14-0, Milroe aired a pass out for freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams who beat the defense over the top for an 84-yard touchdown, Williams' first of his career.

That wasn't it for Williams as he closed out the first half with a 55-yard touchdown in which he leaped to make the catch before breaking two tackles en route to the end zone.

Roydell Williams and Jace McClellan left a void at running back, but DeBoer believed Jamarion Miller and Justice Haynes could take the next step in their development.

It's only one game, but in that one game, the two combined for 156 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 17.3 yards per carry.

Milroe needed to attempt just nine passes on the night as the Crimson Tide offensive line created running lanes consistently throughout the game.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack's new defense showcased the aggressive approach brought over from South Alabama as the Crimson Tide forced two turnovers, wrapped up Finley for a sack, and threw down a variety of Hilltoppers for seven tackles for loss.

Alabama's inexperienced secondary looked anything but that as Western Kentucky's passing attack, which was 16th in the country last year, was held to just 103 yards.

It wasn't just the veteran players in the secondary as a trio of freshman defensive backs were seen on the field together.

Freshman Zabien Brown started on the side opposite junior Domani Jackson, while freshmen Zay Mincey, Jaylen Mbakwe, and Red Morgan, who played the HUSKY position, all contributed.

On the defensive line, the WOLF position is essential to success. Saturday night, Qua Russaw and Que Robinson earned the starting nods at the position and both shined in their roles.

Russaw, who played the majority of early down snaps, helped stifle the Hilltoppers running game with four tackles, including one for loss. The WOLF position requires the versatility to play on the edge while also shifting around the A and B gaps. Russaw displayed that necessary trait.

Robinson specialized as a keen pass-rusher with a twitchy burst off the line of scrimmage.

On the Hilltoppers' first offensive series, Que Robinson dropped Finley by zooming past WKU's right tackle for the drive-ending sack.

With a 49-0 score in the early parts of the third quarter, most of Alabama's starters watched packed it in for the night.

DeBoer improved his head coaching record to 105-12 and, most importantly, the type of command Crimson Tide fans desired to see with the kick-off of the new era.

Related: Nick Saban Sends Strong Message About Kalen DeBoer On College GameDay