Explosive Plays lead Crimson Tide to Easy Victory

© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) traveled to Madison, Wis., on Sept. 14 and beat the home-standing Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) by a score of 42-10. The Crimson Tide used explosive plays after turnovers again to pull away from the Badgers and never trailed after giving up a first drive field goal.

Game Summary

The Crimson Tide once again used their opponent's turnovers to turn them into quick points in their first road game north of the Mason-Dixon line since a trip to Penn State in 2011. Quarterback Jalen Milroe continues to make big plays with the weapons around him and uses his explosiveness to become the first FBS quarterback with three straight games to have multiple passing and rushing TDs since Jordan Lynch and Johnny Manziel in 2012. Milroe was 12-of-17 for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air and added 75 yards and 2 TDs on 14 carries on the ground.

The Badgers scored on their first possession, but from then on, they were never in the game. Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was perfect on the day at 5-of-5 for 16 yards before leaving the game in the first quarter with an apparent leg injury. Braedyn Locke came in to replace Van Dyke and was serviceable, going 13-of-26 for 125 yards and 1 TD. Two fumbles by the Badgers led to quick turnaround scores for the Crimson Tide and never let the Badgers feel competitive in the second half.

Turning Point for Crimson Tide

The turning point for the Tide happened in the first quarter when Van Dyke took off on a scramble and left on a golf cart with an apparent leg injury.

From that point on, the Badger's chance to upset the No. 4 Crimson Tide left with Van Dyke on the golf cart. The Alabama defense controlled the Badger's ground game and never let Locke get comfortable.

© Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network

What It Means for Alabama

The victory over the Badgers puts the Crimson Tide at 3-0 on the year and will lead to their first bye week. The bye week comes at a great time, as they can rest and review as they get ready for the huge game looming with the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (2-0)on Sept. 28 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The offense has been explosive despite having a few issues on the line.

What It Means for Wisconsin

For the Badgers, this loss hurts more than just on the record if the loss of Van Dyke will be more than just this game. Locke, who started in three games for the Badgers last year, will be ready if his coach, Luke Ficklle, calls on him. Wisconsin will have a bye week before welcoming one of the new Big Ten Conference members in the No. 11 USC Trojans (2-0).