One week after a crushing loss to Florida State, the Crimson Tide looked like a completely different team in week two. 

After last week’s 31-17 loss to Florida State to start the season 0-1, Alabama had two options: give up, or grow up. 

The Crimson Tide chose the latter of the two as they put on an absolute showcase of a game, shutting out the ULM Warhawks, 73-0. 

The Alabama football team that took the field tonight was the team that fans were expecting to see last week. 

Last week’s team looked unmotivated, uninspired, and unprepared. They struggled for the majority of the game on both sides or the ball. The offense struggled to get things going, and the defense couldn’t stop Florida State from charging down the field.

It was a very concerning performance that made fans, analysts, and even former players question and criticize the overall performance of the team. 

Maybe the players only meeting this past week helped. 

Maybe the practices this week changed things. 

Or maybe the negative national headlines about the program shifted minds.

Who knows. Well, the team does. 

But one thing is for certain, Alabama responded. Loud and clear. 

The team that showed up tonight was hungry.  They were energized. They were motivated. 

But even more than that, they played with purpose. They played with motivation. They played with excellence on both sides of the ball. From the first snap, to the final play. The Alabama team tonight brought back the fire, focus, and dominance fans have been waiting to see.

From the start of the game, Alabama displayed a sense of pride as they marched down the field time and time again ending drives with touchdowns rather than turnovers. The defense shut down any attempt the Warhawks made to put points on the board. 

It was incredible to witness. This team felt different tonight. 

Ty Simpson put on a show. He played perfectly going 17/17 for 226 yards and 4 total touchdowns. 

Austin Mack also demonstrated his abilities as he completed 8 of his 10 passes that resulted in 2 Crimson Tide touchdowns. 

And don’t forget Keelon Russell who went 4/6 and 2 touchdowns. 

But it wasn’t just the quarterbacks who let the world know that Alabama isn’t out just yet. 

No, Germie Bernard did too. He led the receiving group with 2 touchdowns. Bernard might just be the key piece to this Alabama offense. But, that’s a conversation for another day. 

And the defense? Where does one even start? This defensive performance for the Tide tonight felt better than we’ve seen in a while. It felt like the type of defense Nick Saban fielded during his time in Tuscaloosa. It was impressive to say the least. 

Point is, Alabama showed up and showed out tonight. 

They reminded everyone why Alabama is Alabama. 

Sure, Alabama faced ULM tonight. 

But, it was never about the opponent. It was about Alabama. It was about how they’d respond after last week’s embarrassing loss. 

Maybe, just maybe, last week’s loss helped this team in ways we didn’t realize. Maybe losing last week has helped this team be more hungry, passionate, and motivated than we ever realized.  

Tonight’s performance should remind every Alabama fan—and every doubter watching—that you can never count this program out. Alabama doesn’t fold. Alabama doesn’t surrender. This is a program built on grit, fire, and tradition. One that always finds a way to rise back up, time and time again.