Alabama vs Missouri: Grading The Crimson Tide’s Performance

Alabama's opening drive gave the impression that the game might get out of hand quickly. The 68-yard drive was capped off by a T.J. Yeldon touchdown. From there the offense struggled to put points on the board for a few drives, and it took a second 58-yard touchdown throw from Blake Sims to DeAndrew White in the second quarter to open things back up. It wasn't surprising to see Sims targeting Amari Cooper on 12 of his17 first half passes.

Cooper is one of the best players in college football, so you cannot blame Sims for wanting to get the ball in his best playmaker's hands. In fact, Cooper's 12 receptions are the most ever in an SEC Championship. He also became the SEC's all-time leader for receptions in a season (115). However, it wasn't until Sims spread the field to more receivers that Alabama found more offensive success. Sims ended the day by completing 85 percent of his passes, which is an SEC Championship record.

The record breaking performances by both Sims and Cooper overshadowed the Tide's performance on the ground. T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry scored two touchdowns a piece while racking up a combined 188 rushing yards. The ground game opened the door to a more balanced attack that eventually was too much for Missouri to handle.

Overall, it was another strong showing by the Tide offense. Cooper was limited in his big play ability, but he drew off defenders and allowed others to get open. Lane Kiffin managed to expose Missouri's weaknesses and it resulted in 42 points. Alabama was once known only for its suffocating defenses, but Kiffin has established an identity on offense.

Three plays. Three plays hurt Alabama's grade enough to result in a grade of a "B+". It was also how Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk was able to rack up 272 passing yards despite completing less than 50 percent of his passes. On three different 3rd and long situations, Mauk completed passes of 32, 64, and 47 yards. All of the passes were thrown out of desperation, and the secondary failed to take advantage. The secondary has struggled to cover the deep down the home stretch, and it is currently the team's biggest issue.

The Tide's defense still managed to stifle Missouri's offense for much of the game. If you take away the three long completions, Mauk would have only finished with 129 passing yards. The Tigers were limited to 41 yards on the ground and averaged less than two yards per carry. The defensive line did an excellent job of shutting down the run and forcing Mauk out of the pocket. Defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson led the team in tackles (9) and tackles for loss (3).

Overall, Alabama's defense is still one of the best in the country and only allowed 13 points. Minimizing big plays through the air will help return the Tide to its former glory of being a dominant defense. As they begin preparing for their playoff matchup with Ohio State, Saban and Kirby Smart will continue to work on the issues in the secondary.

We are beginning to wonder if Alabama's special teams will ever receive another "A". The grade was actually on track to be much worse until JK Scott saved the day....again. Scott averaged over 43 yards punt with a long of 52 yards. His heroic moment came in the third quarter when a bobbled snap almost turned into a blocked punt, but Scott somehow got off a 33 yard punt that was downed on Missouri's 20-yard line.

The grade is the direct result of a missed field goal. Adam Griffith, who had not attempted a field goal in the last two games due to a back injury, missed from 43 yards out. It would be his only attempt of the game.