The Alabama Crimson Tide got back on track in Week 2.

Shakers were shaking, red lights at night, and Dixieland Delight.

It felt like a Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

The Alabama Crimson Tide had a lot of steam to blow off after their disappointing Week 1, and took it out on the UL Monroe Warhawks, with a 73-0 pulverization.

And while the shutout is a tremendous look, for the sake of who the Tide played, it’s hard to analyze the defense.

Offensively though, this was a game that Alabama needed. Blow out a lower-level program, just so they can remind the world just who the Tide is.

Allowing zero points after the disaster in Tallahassee is massive, no matter who the opponent is, and now they head into Week 3 with Wisconsin coming into town.

Here are four observations on the 73-0 blowout win from the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Riley Ready to Rip

It shouldn’t be understated.

For as long as Jam Miller is out injured, Kevin Riley is the top running back on the Alabama Crimson Tide.

We talked about it earlier after the Florida State game, but Riley was the only running back that made any significant headway in the run game then, and it was clear he was the go-to running back tonight.

On 11 carries, Riley rushed for 69 yards, or 6.3 yards per carry. His shiftiness and ability to find the perfect pockets of space is what has made him jump up in the internal rankings.

Coach Kalen DeBoer has always been a fan of Riley, but as fall camp began, he was buried in the depth chart behind Miller, Daniel Hill, Richard Young and Dre Washington.

That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

Once Miller returns, which should (emphasis on should) be when SEC play begins, expect Riley to be featured in a number of packages whether it be as a third down back, or lining up on the outside.

Mr. Reliable

One of the most underrated parts of DeBoer coming into Tuscaloosa was that he brought wide receiver, Mr. Reliable, Germie Bernard with him.

Bernard, the elder statesman of the wide receiver room, had the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft this past season but opted to stay for his final season at Alabama.

And it just may have been the best thing to happen to him.

He’s been flat out unstoppable in the two games he’s played in, amassed for 213 yards, with two touchdowns – both scored in Week 2. He could’ve even had more catching a 42-yard touchdown pass from Ty Simpson, but it was called back due to offensive pass interference.

Despite the overwhelming talent of wide receiver Ryan Williams, who missed this game due to a concussion, the offense needs to be run through Bernard until further notice.

Mr. Perfect

It was a far cry from Week 1.

In Simpson’s first career start, he had to face not just an aggressive Florida State roster, but the loud, intimidating atmosphere of Doak S. Campbell Stadium.

So against the Warhawks, Simpson needed to use this game to see if he still has it.

He went 17/17 for 226 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. It was a game that nearly made history. The only other Alabama quarterback who had more consecutive completions was Mac Jones who had 19 consecutive completions during the 2020 season.

One game is one game, and even though it was against a lesser opponent, it’s a performance that shouldn’t be forgotten about.

Vibe Check

We talked ad nauseum about the vibe on the Alabama sidelines.

Many thought it was weird on Week 1, many believed it was uninspired. They did look lifeless out there, and there was a lot of concern that the “standard” may not be what it used to be anymore.

The vibe was different in Week 2. You saw excitement, you saw the aggression, defenders like Justin Jefferson and Bray Hubbard were exceptionally physical unlike Week 1.

Everyone was excited for each other’s success, and that was the hope.

We had an extended look at what Austin Mack can do, where he completed eight out of 10 passes and two touchdowns, as well as true freshman Keelon Russell who completed four out of six, as well as two touchdowns. 

And while the backups were in, handling business, the sidelines were bumping.

But now we need more, and with tougher competition incoming, a blowout win against UL Monroe isn’t enough.