Crimson Tide shuts down Nix with good defensive line

By By Mark Etheridge / special to The Star
Sept. 22, 2002
TUSCALOOSA, AL It was not pretty but Alabama made enough plays to win Saturday night. The Tide stacked the line to slow down USM's bruising runner Derrick Nix, limiting him to 57 yards.
It was fortunate that the Tide defense played at that level since their offense struggled. The Alabama offense came into the contest overjoyed over their balanced offensive attack. That balance was out the window as starting quarterback Tyler Watts left with a sprained ankle on Alabamas first possession. Backup quarterback Brodie Croyle struggled with the passing game going 4 for 15 for only 15 yards and lobbing two interceptions.
With the problems passing, the Crimson Tide resorted to the running game exclusively in the second half. That approach was just fine for the Tide offensive linemen.
The Tide will open SEC play next Saturday at Arkansas.