Jones propels Alabama over stingy Virginia Tech

Courtesy of a stellar performance by Christion Jones, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies by the score of 35-10.

Jones, a member of a very talented wide receiving unit, returned a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter, a kickoff for a touchdown in the second quarter, and was on the receiving end of an AJ McCarron 38-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

How about a Roll Tide for Christion Jones?! Three touchdowns! #wow pic.twitter.com/1vWrdfwqJs
— Tide 99.1 (@Tide991fm) September 1, 2013

Jones’ performance against the Hokies was not only impressive, but extremely rare from a statistical perspective.

Christion Jones is 1st player to have TD on KO return, punt return and pass reception in same game since Kentucky's Derek Abney in 2002.
— ESPN_SEC (@ESPN_SEC) September 1, 2013

As for the lowlights, the Alabama offense, as a whole, was virtually anemic. Especially the offensive line…

In a contest that felt, at times, like something out of the Gene Stallings era, Alabama only managed 14 points of offensive scoring in the entire game. The Crimson Tide garnered a grand total of 96 yards and five first downs in the first half of play.

The 'Bama offensive line, a major area of concern in the preseason, looked as inexperienced as many fans and pundits feared. The Tide running game, a stalwart of the offense, was held in check the entire contest. As for AJ McCarron, the Tide quarterback looked flustered at times as the lack of protection yielded several rushed throws.

The game, while a blowout on the scoreboard, was very “uncomfortable” from an offensive perspective.

Defensive domination

While the offense was inconsistent, the Alabama defense was as stiff as ever. The highlight of the performance came early in the second quarter when safety Vinnie Sunseri intercepted Tech quarterback Logan Thomas and returned the ball 38-yards for a ‘Bama touchdown.

Beamer on Logan's pick six: "They kind of jumped us. They fooled us. The kid made a heck of a play." #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) September 1, 2013

Alabama stats of note

-206 total yards (96 rushing – 110 passing)
-McCarron: 10/23 – 110 yards – 1 TD – 1 INT
-Yeldon: 17/75 yards – 1 TD
-Tide Defense: Limited Virginia Tech to 212 total yards
-Sunseri: INT returned for TD
-C. Jones: 72-yard punt return for TD – 94-yard kickoff return for TD –
38-yard TD reception

>>> *Alabama/Virginia Tech Stats*

Saban quotable

Saban: "I don't think there's anybody in our locker room that's satisfied with the way they played."
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 1, 2013

>>> *Saban press conference transcript*

While Alabama did look impressive in many aspects of the game, the Tide offensive line, as mentioned, performed on a “C-” level at best. With so many talented players at the offensive skill positions, the young ‘Bama “trench dwellers" have been charged with a great responsibility. In many respects, the entire fate of the Crimson Tide offense will be determined by the chemistry and in-game productivity of the offensive front.