Johnson had productive night against LSU

By Ken Rogers

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama free safety Rashad Johnson had more “production points” against LSU than any Crimson Tide defensive player has accumulated in any game this season, coach Nick Saban said Monday.

Production points are earned with tackles, assists, interceptions, break-ups, hurries and correct adjustments. Points are deducted for missed assignments, missed tackles, blown opportunities and lack of hustle.

For context, Johnson said if a player earns 20-plus production points, he’s had a big game. He said he earned 32 against LSU.

Johnson led Alabama with nine tackles, including one for loss. He recorded one pass breakup, one quarterback hurry and tallied his fifth interception of the season in the second quarter.

He is tied with Jerell Norton of Arkansas and D.J. Moore of Vanderbilt for the SEC lead in picks. His fifth interception came in the second quarter of Saturday’s game.

It came on a play when he started in the box, just off the line of scrimmage, showing blitz to LSU’s Matt Flynn.

“I think the quarterback thought there wasn’t a safety that was going to be over the top,” Johnson said. “On the snap of the ball when I got to the middle, I saw him look straight that way when he got the ball, so I just went ahead and came out of my break and I made a play on the ball.”

Well, there was more to it. Demetrius Byrd was two steps behind cornerback Kareem Jackson. Johnson got there just as the ball arrived. He said it was the farthest he’s ever run for an interception.

“After the play, Kareem was messing with me on the sidelines and was like, ‘Man, you saved me big time,’” Johnson said. “We just joked around about it afterwards.”

Players of the Week: In addition to Johnson, the Alabama coaching staff selected five players — two from each unit — who had big games against LSU.

Joining Johnson from the defense was Wallace Gilberry, who recorded all three of the Tide’s sacks, finished with eight tackles and forced one fumble.

On offense, center Evan Cardwell and wide receiver Keith Brown were selected. Brown had two touchdown receptions on plays covering 29 and 14 yards. Cardwell, a sophomore, was making his fourth start at center.

On special teams, Javier Arenas and Foress Rayford were recognized. Arenas had 237 return yards, including a 61-yard punt return that put Alabama up 34-27 in the fourth quarter. He was named the SEC’s Special Teams Player of the Week. Rayford, a senior defensive back from Mobile, made several key blocks on the kickoff and punt return teams.

Britt sees ‘miracle’: Nothing can shake Justin Britt this week. The senior offensive guard said his mother is recovering rapidly after a near-fatal accident last month.

Vera Britt suffered serious head injuries, including swelling of the brain, after falling off a cart following the Houston game Oct. 6.

Britt joined his family the next week in Birmingham, fearing the worst. Monday, he reported amazing news.

“She might be able to get out, if not tomorrow than sometime this week,” Britt said. “It’s a miracle. It’s nothing short of a miracle. I’ve never been a part of a miracle and for this to actually happen is amazing.”

Getting healthy: Alabama came out of Saturday’s game without any significant injuries, Saban said.

“We may have a couple of guys that aren’t able to practice today with minor type injuries, but we feel like we’ll have everybody back to be able to practice tomorrow,” Saban said.

One of those held out of Monday’s practice was left tackle Andre Smith, who wore a black jersey and rode a stationary bike for a part of practice.

“Smitty’s got a little twisted ankle. Cardwell’s got a little bit of a back spasm deal,” Saban said.

Cardwell did practice with the offensive line. Chris Capps worked the first-teamers at left tackle on Monday.

Linebacker Darren Mustin said he’s bruised, but he expects that this time of year.

“I’m sore now. That’s part of the game. This is week 10, of course you’re going to be sore,” Mustin said. “If you’re not sore, it means you don’t play. The only ones who aren’t sore are the fans and the benchwarmers. If you play, you’re going to be sore and that’s just part of the game.”