Smashing early reviews
Nussmeier's first game as offensive coordinator overwhelming success
Updated: September 4, 2012, 9:54 AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | TideNation
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Parse through the plays, formations and shifts at the line and you'll see a few wrinkles in the Alabama offense.
First-year offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier loaded the box, calling for a power formation to punch in the Tide's first touchdown against Michigan on Saturday. The difference from a year ago? Alabama went to a two-tight end, two-back, I-set. AJ McCarron faked the handoff to Eddie Lacy and flipped an easy pass to a wide open Michael Williams in the end zone.
The next series, Nussmeier dialed up another I-formation, this time with two wide receivers. Again, McCarron faked the handoff, wideout DeAndrew White gave the defense a double move and left Michigan cornerback Courtney Avery in the dust. He might as well have been wearing stripes, he was so open. The easy 51-yard throw and catch put the Tide up 14-0.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
-
ESPN The Magazine subscribers
-
Need more information?
- Reporter for TideNation
- Covers Alabama Crimson Tide sports and recruiting
- Joined ESPN in 2012
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEADLINES
- Sources: Oklahoma St. limits QB Lunt's options
- For Irish, may be BCS or bust for bowl spot
- Saban: 'Devil' words 'terribly disappointing'
- Running back Richardson will leave Virginia


