Alabama’s Week 3 matchup against Wisconsin in Tuscaloosa was billed as a test of physicality — and it lived up to the hype. The Crimson Tide emerged with a hard-fought 31–17 victory, but the game revealed both strengths and lingering issues that Nick Saban’s staff will need to address as SEC play looms. From dominant stretches of defensive pressure to critical third-down lapses, this showdown offered a clear blueprint of where the Tide stand three games into the 2025 season.
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Pressure and Penetration Dominate the Trenches
From the opening snap, Alabama’s defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage. The Tide generated a 38% pressure rate, collapsing the pocket and forcing Wisconsin quarterback Dylan Peters into hurried throws and two key interceptions.
Edge dominance: Junior edge rusher DJ Carter delivered another highlight performance with two sacks and five QB hurries, establishing himself as one of the SEC’s premier disruptors.
Interior strength: The tandem of Jaheim Harris and Noah Jefferson neutralized Wisconsin’s zone-run game, holding the Badgers to just 2.8 yards per carry.
That interior penetration forced Wisconsin into uncomfortable passing situations, effectively erasing their ability to control tempo with the run.
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Third-Down Woes Linger
Despite their defensive success, Alabama’s offense struggled in key third-down situations, particularly in the first half. The Tide converted just 3 of their first 9 third-down attempts, often due to:
Protection breakdowns against Wisconsin’s simulated pressures.
Receivers failing to create separation on intermediate routes.
Over-reliance on early-down runs that set up predictable passing downs.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees adjusted in the second half, dialing up quicker passing concepts and more motion to help create mismatches. The result? Alabama converted four straight third downs in the third quarter, fueling two touchdown drives that ultimately sealed the win.
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Explosives Make the Difference
When Alabama needed big plays, their skill players delivered:
A 62-yard strike to sophomore wideout Isaiah Jacobs flipped field position early in the third quarter.
Running back Malik Johnson broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run, showcasing the offensive line’s improved second-level blocking.
These explosive plays helped offset the Tide’s third-down inefficiencies and demonstrated the offense’s ability to score in chunks — a trait that will be critical in conference play.
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Special Teams and Hidden Yardage
Field position played a major role in this matchup. Alabama’s punt team, led by sophomore kicker Ryan Bell, consistently pinned Wisconsin deep, with three punts downed inside the 10-yard line. That hidden yardage forced Wisconsin to sustain long drives — something the Tide’s defense didn’t allow.
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Takeaways and Next Steps
This game proved Alabama can win a physical battle in the trenches, but also highlighted the need for cleaner execution on third downs and better pass protection against creative blitz looks.
The coaching staff will undoubtedly emphasize these corrections heading into their SEC opener at Georgia. If the Tide can blend their dominant defensive pressure with more consistent offensive efficiency, they’ll be well-positioned to handle the gauntlet ahead and stay on track for a College Football Playoff push.
