Bama Coaches Name Eight Players of the Week After ULM Blowout

The Alabama Crimson Tide dominated the ULM Warhawks 63-7 on Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide controlled all three phases of the football game, setting a school record for punt return yards in a game and scoring touchdowns on special teams and defense.

The Alabama coaching staff named eight players of the week after the non-conference win.

Offensive Players of the Week:

Center - Darrian Dalcourt recorded a team-high, three knockdown blocks across his 36 offensive snaps. He didn't allow a sack, pressure or quarterback hit for the entire afternoon and was a key component in the Tide tallying 509 yards of offense.

Running Back - Jahmyr Gibbs was the straw that stirs the drink for the Alabama offense. He totaled 158 all-purpose yards, making plays in the running game, passing game and even on special teams. Gibbs led the team in receptions with four for 65 yards and a touchdown. He chipped in 36 yards rushing and took his only kickoff return for 57 yards.

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Defensive Players of the Week

Edge - Will Anderson recorded his first career interception and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown, putting Alabama on top 14-0. He was also his usual menace in the offensive backfield totaling five tackles with 1.5 for a loss and one sack on just 20 defensive snaps.

Safety - DeMarcco Hellams was all over the field, leading Alabama in tackles for the second straight week. He totaled nine tackles and was instrumental in keeping the Warhawks to just 169 yards of offense.

Safety - Brian Branch earned honors on both defense and special teams. Defensively he accumulated five tackles with a sack on the day and broke up one pass.

Special Teams Players of the Week

Returner - Brian Branch got into the endzone on his only punt return for 68 yards and a touchdown. He scored Alabama's first punt return touchdown since DeVonta Smith took one to the house in 2020.

Punt Return Team - Ja'Corey Brooks blocked his second punt in two seasons and set up Malachi Moore for a scoop and score. He caught one pass for 29 yards as a receiver and he returned one punt for 21 yards.

Punt Return Team - Kool-Aid McKinstry took five punt returns for 136 yards, averaging 27.2 yards per return. His day was good enough for the third-most punt return yards in single-game history.

Punt Return Team - Malachi Moore scooped up the blocked punt to score a touchdown.. He  also added two special teams tackles.