Tuscaloosa, AL — Under the blinding lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium and with everything on the line, Alabama sophomore wide receiver Jalen Hale delivered the performance of his young career — and maybe the defining moment of the Crimson Tide’s season.
Hale erupted for three jaw-dropping touchdown receptions, racking up 152 receiving yards on 8 catches, as No. 7 Alabama stormed past rival LSU in a 38-28 thriller that left fans on their feet and the SEC on notice.
“This game was personal,” Hale said after the win. “People have been doubting us, doubting me — tonight we reminded them who we are.”
From the opening whistle, Hale was in attack mode. His first touchdown, a 45-yard bomb down the sideline, blew the lid off the stadium. His second — a leaping grab in double coverage — brought the crowd to a fever pitch. And the third? A slick, one-handed snag in the corner of the end zone that instantly went viral.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer called it “one of the most electric performances” he’s seen.
“He put the team on his back,” DeBoer said. “Jalen Hale showed why he’s built for Bama football.”
Quarterback Ty Simpson, who connected with Hale on all three scores, called his receiver “unguardable.”
With the win, Alabama remains firmly in the College Football Playoff hunt, and Hale has officially arrived as the Tide’s newest star.
“If you don’t know the name now,” Hale said with a grin, “you will.”
