Blake Doud knew about the impact James Burnip made for Alabama football.

In four seasons, Burnip averaged 43.9 yards as the Crimson Tide's starting punter, second best in Alabama history. His 203 career punts and 8,904 yards rank third in Alabama history.

As Burnip handed Doud, the former Colorado School of Mines punter, the reins of the Alabama unit, they met. They chatted "a few times," Doud said. And Burnip's message remained the same.

"He just told me to play my game," Doud said. "Do what I can do. It's the same thing. Same field. The field didn't change at all. Just punt the ball."

In eight games, Doud has 21 punts for 929 yards for a 44.2 yards-per-punt average. But he's seemed to find his footing against South Carolina. Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub wi

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