The world of Twitter is both a blessing and a curse.
At times, it can be a great form of communication – helping people reach out to old friends, spark healthy debates, and even brainstorm ideas.
However, there are moments where social media becomes a major distraction and breeds negativity in situations that it is not needed.
Case in point, Alabama’s matchup with South Carolina last week.
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Whether it decides to keep Will Muschamp as head coach or not, the Gamecocks have a good football program. A few players will hear their names called by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell next April for the 2020 draft. USC challenged the Crimson Tide and its offensive coordinator, Bryan McClendon, especially did well with keeping its defense off balance.
He mixed up the play calling, using tempo, inside runs and quick passes to spread Alabama’s unit out and have Ryan Hilinski (freshman quarterback) as comfortable as possible.
Even with Hilinski totaling 324 passing yards and the offense scoring 23 points, the Tide’s defense stifled the Gamecocks in the red zone.
It scored one touchdown inside Alabama’s 20-yard line and if not for a terrible targeting call against Christian Barmore on fourth down, its defense would have forced a turnover.
The flag thrown by the officials allowed for the Gamecocks to have a chance to score with 11 seconds left in regulation.
Throughout the game, the constant theme on Twitter was how terrible the defense looked.
While aspects such as tackling, limiting penalties and other mental errors can be corrected, we are living in an era of college football that is more about offense. Since the arrival of Tua Tagovailoa from Hawaii in 2017, Alabama fans are more fascinated with that side of the ball.
Under Pete Golding as defensive coordinator, the Tide is allowing 12 points per game.
In all honesty, the number should be 8.3 points allowed – if not for the targeting call and Shane Lee over pursing a play versus New Mexico State.
People look at the 308.3 yards per game Alabama is surrendering and the 114.3 rush yards/game (most coming vs. South Carolina) as a detriment, but when a team is down two and now possibly three veterans – Dylan Moses, Joshua McMillon and LaBryan Ray – freshmen have to grow up quickly and that can be difficult to do.
This was once a program built on defense and a strong run game.
All the quarterback had to do was not mess anything up. Nowadays, Tagovailoa does more than just manage the game.
He takes over and it has led to a lightning attack that Nick Saban has never had prior to him.
It does not mean Alabama has the worst defense ever; it states that the offense has more experience and the defense can be one that does not give up a ton of points. Through three weeks, the Tide has played with a lot of youth and it has not allowed a rushing touchdown.
With how the schedule sets up, the defense will improve in playing both Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) before entering its bye week.
It is not the groups of years past; nevertheless, Alabama has an opportunity to still produce quality on defense.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
