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Alabama’s offense must close the gap with the Tide’s deep defense

Bryce Young throws a pass at Alabama spring practice
Photo by Kent Gidley of Alabama Athletics

Alabama’s offense is an unfamiliar spot for the first time since 2018.

It dominated with Michael Locksley and Steve Sarkisian at offensive coordinator from 2018 to last season; however, Bill O’Brien is the new face in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Before hiring O’Brien, the Crimson Tide acquired its greatest collection of offensive talent with names such as Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Alex Leatherwood, Jedrick Wills, Mac Jones, Evan Neal, and Landon Dickerson (graduate transfer).

Alabama football mesmerized fans with its offense in 2020, as Sarkisian coached the group to 48.5 points per game. The output was the most of the Nick Saban era and set a Southeastern Conference record.

In losing much of its offense to the NFL Draft, O’Brien has to close the gap with his coaching.

RELATED: 3 things to look for in Alabama’s second scrimmage

Since 2018, Alabama’s defense has taken a back seat to its offense.

This spring, however, the defense wants to be great again. Pete Golding’s unit dominated the team’s first scrimmage and has fans excited about the return of a unit that can stop any opposition. The veterans and talented playmakers are on defense, and the players want to show Coach Saban that stopping opponents still matters in winning championships. As it tries to discover its identity, some are concerned that the Tide’s offense will lag. In today’s game, college football is about scoring and analytics.

Saban made peace with this in 2014, when he decided to hire Lane Kiffin as an offensive coordinator. Now, Alabama must find a way to close the gap against its defense. It has youth on the offensive line, an unproven quarterback, and a few unproven wide receivers. This second scrimmage and its spring game will give the Tide’s offense a chance to catch up and assert itself.

Fans want to see dominance on both sides of the ball. Alabama’s offense has to answer in the second game-like practice.

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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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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