The Alabama football team impressed on both sides of the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers, in particular on offense.
The Crimson Tide took advantage of mistakes made by the Badgers and scored big-time touchdowns against a solid defense. One individual who plays wide receiver for the Crimson Tide was under a microscope during the first real test os his young career.
17-year old wide receiver Ryan Williams has been one of the most impressive freshman in the country through three games. After his first two games of the season, Williams had recorded 207 yards and three touchdowns on just six receptions. Despite the success of Williams, some people still thought the receiver had not been truly tested against Western Kentucky and South Florida.
Wisconsin, however, has quite the talented secondary that includes Hunter Wohler and Ricardo Hallman. Hallman recorded seven interceptions last season and went largely unchallenged throughout the season as teams did not want to test the cornerback. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has wanted to establish a big-play offense, and thus sent his top receiver out against Hallman.
Ryan Williams is 17 and doing this to grown men.
Just a different breed.
Would love to see a Ryan Williams vs Travis Hunter matchup 👀 pic.twitter.com/9jGUUy6PGO
— Kyle Tusing (@ktusing34) September 14, 2024
Williams recorded four receptions, 78 yards, and a touchdown against the Badgers with Hallman being the primary defender. The receiver is credited with two receptions, 25 yards after the catch, and a sweet juke move against the elite cornerback.
With the showing Williams had against one of the top returning cornerback in college football, it is hard to deny the talent of the receiver.
Alabama Football Receiver Ryan Williams Facing Another Tough Test Ahead
While the Alabama football team may not have the same offensive firepower they have had in the past, they have quite the x-factor in Williams.
Williams is just 17 years old, as nearly every broadcaster will not let the fans forget, and the Alabama football staff is drawing up plays for him. Williams is not just an average receiver on the team, but rather someone the staff feels can add a new layer of athleticism to the offense. In particular, this seemed apparent against Wisconsin as Alabama attacked the defense using the speed of Williams, in both motion plays and deep throws.
The Alabama football team made quite the statement against the Badgers, regardless of the injury to opposing quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. Now, the Crimson Tide will face the #2 Georgia Bulldogs, which will be arguably the toughest game of the season for Alabama. While the entire Crimson Tide team will be challenged, Williams in particular will face the best duo of cornerbacks in college football.
I better not see another DAMN PFF posts ALL damn season claiming Malaki Starks is not the best damn DB in the country! #HesHim pic.twitter.com/vtUHri0eJb
— Athens Steve (@rainy_steve) August 31, 2024
KJ Bolden and Malaki Starks have been lights out for the Bulldogs this season with double-digit tackles, one sack and an interception between the two. One of the two is likely to be on Williams at all times as he poses the biggest threat through the air.
The Alabama football staff has done a great job finding ways to get Williams open thus far. While he may only have ten receptions, the receiver is averaging nearly 30-yards per receptions through three games. Beating teams over the top is what Williams does best, but might not be able to do against Georgia.
The Alabama football team will likely need a solid contribution from Williams in order to beat the Bulldogs at home.
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