Alabama star Ryan Williams gets extra motivation from reckless comment by Oklahoma leader
The Alabama Crimson Tide have managed to build an elite passing attack despite some glaring issues across their offensive attack. For as well as quarterback Ty Simpson has played, his deep ball has been errant far too often, and he’s had to overcome a completely ineffective run game. Alabama is considering turning to a true […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide have managed to build an elite passing attack despite some glaring issues across their offensive attack. For as well as quarterback Ty Simpson has played, his deep ball has been errant far too often, and he’s had to overcome a completely ineffective run game. Alabama is considering turning to a true freshman in the backfield in hopes of finding another Ryan Williams-esque impact performer.
Williams, who was an unstoppable force in 2024, has been downgraded to a WR2 role as he’s battled injuries this season. That has surely played into Simpson’s struggles connecting downfield, as Williams is one of the finest big-play merchants in the country. However, he’s caught only 36 passes for 528 yards and four scores this season.
Simpson has voiced concerns about how Alabama can attack Oklahoma’s defense, and the Tide can’t afford to lose this week. One Oklahoma defender surprisingly added some heat to the fire that Williams and company surely already had entering this SEC showdown. Here’s what Williams can draw upon as he continues to find his way back into elite form.
Gentry Williams claims Alabama offense lacks a top receiving leader
Alabama has been forced to play a bit by committee this season due to Williams’ smaller impact on the offense. Germie Bernard has come through when needed, and Lotzeir Brooks has been solid when he’s been healthy. Kalen DeBoer has also done well to squeeze eight touchdowns on 40 receptions from the combination of Isaiah Horton and Josh Cuevas.
But when Williams is right, he’s the alpha of the unit. There’s a reason he shared the cover of College Football 26 with Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. He totaled 72, 87, and 98 yards against South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, respectively. It’s not a talent issue.
Despite that, fourth-year Oklahoma defensive back Gentry Williams went on the offensive this week. Here’s what he said about Alabama’s receiving corps.
“If you look at it, they don’t have like a top leader,” Gentry said, “They spread the ball out really well, which is good for them.”
What Williams said wasn’t trying to be ragebait or inflammatory. The fact that Alabama spreads its targets is a great thing and impressive when there is a top-tier talent on the unit. However, it’s easy to interpret what he said as something more cutthroat and risky.
Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb would surely love to get Williams back to his production from 2024, but he’s made do with what he’s had available. The Crimson Tide doesn’t throw the ball downfield or block well enough to hunt big plays all of the time.
It’s possible that having a fully healthy Williams will change that, but Williams, who has 47 career tackles, 10 of which have come over the last two years, didn’t need to poke the bear. He’s not qualified based on his on-field play, and his statement has a better chance of backfiring than paying off with getting into anyone’s head.
