Instant Analysis: Alabama 56, Middle Tennessee State 7

Jalen Milroe shines, Crimson Tide dominates in season opener.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Season openers are always hit or miss with Nick Saban.

Sometimes things go off the rails with penalties, dropped passes, missed tackles or with 100 other different things.

Then there are games like Saturday. Everything seemed to go right for Alabama. The offense was solid with Jalen Milroe running the show. The defense was aggressive and limited the Blue Raiders to seven points and got two turnovers.

There were miscues, but not so many for Saban to go off on a rant about.

"They kind of answered the bell the way we wanted them to," Saban said. "On offense we had balance, and we made some explosive plays. We have some things we need to work on but I'm pleased with the attitude of the team."

The question mark for Alabama before the start of the season was on Milroe and his ability to lead the offense. He filled in for Bryce Young last year and even started a game. This year is different. He's the man in charge. He didn't disappoint.

Milroe was 13 of 18 for 194 yards with three touchdown passes and a couple of touchdown runs.

The offense hit on several big plays, too. Milroe connected for a 47-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond, a 29-yard TD to Amari Niblack and a 48-yard bomb to Jermaine Burton.

The defense was ipressive, too. MTSU was held to 211 total yards, including 78 on the ground. 

No. 4 Alabama (1-0) hosts No. 11 Texas next week. Kickoff is 6 p.m. and is televised by ESPN.