The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide dominates the Wisconsin Badgers

MADISON, Wis. — Alabama went from its worst performance to its cleanest, which didn’t surprise coach Kalen DeBoer or his players.

A week after a mistake-ridden win over South Florida, No. 4 Alabama dominated Wisconsin 42-10, making big plays on both ends of the field and reducing its own mistakes. The Crimson Tide, which had three forced fumbles and 13 penalties against South Florida, committed no errors, forced four fumbles and only four penalties in its first road game under DeBoer, who cited a series of rigorous drills that “set us up for success.”

“It just takes time,” DeBoer said. “Everybody needs repetitions, and this week we were a lot more in sync, whether it was today or all week, with the game planning. There’s some recall of plays from last week or the week before, and it’s not just us going against our defense. We’re seeing different looks.”

Quarterback Jalen Milroe became the first player since Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick in 2010 to record multiple passing and rushing touchdowns in each of the team’s first three games. Milroe had three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns as Alabama averaged 7.3 yards per play with four scores of 26 yards or more. Rookie wide receiver Ryan Williams continued his blistering start with touchdown catches of 31 yards and 47 yards to set up the other scores before halftime.

Milroe avoided a fumble, as did his teammates, including running back Jam Miller, who had 71 yards rushing and a touchdown. Both Milroe and Miller fumbled against South Florida.

“After last week, I need to focus on working on protecting the ball even better this week and in the weeks to come, every game,” Miller said.

While Alabama protected the ball, four different Tide defenders forced Wisconsin fumbles, including two that the Tide recovered deep in Badgers territory and converted into touchdowns. Lt. Overton, Deontae Lawson and Keon Sabb led the defensive effort.

DeBoer expected a strong performance after a week of practice in which Alabama was in its “best rhythm.” Alabama also prepared for Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium by playing “Jump Around.” Trailing 35-10 entering the fourth quarter, the Tide players took part in that tradition.

“We had a tough week of practice listening to that jumping song,” said wide receiver Germie Bernard, who caught his first touchdown for Alabama with 19 seconds left in the first half. “We were ready to shut down that weak jumping song. We were standing on the sideline, jumping up and down, getting excited, celebrating the unity of our team.”

Alabama enters an open week before hosting No. 1 Georgia on Sept. 28. DeBoer said standout safety Malachi Moore, who left the game in the third quarter, is in concussion protocol but is expected to return to the Bulldogs. Linebacker Qua Russaw will be evaluated after suffering a lower leg injury.

“Just the rhythms of playing and going out there and the way we communicate, just the nuances that great teams have,” DeBoer said. “We’re a work in progress.”