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Former Alabama OL very critical of Bill O’Brien’s play-calling versus Texas

Darrian Dalcourt and others drop back to pass block
Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

After an excellent first week, Alabama fans are back on Bill O’Brien’s offensive play-calling.

The Crimson Tide scored two touchdowns on offense, including one in the fourth quarter. It did not achieve balance between the running game and passing attack. Several fans wondered why O’Brien went away from the run game when it was having success in the first quarter. Also, O’Brien did not have creativity in his calls. Alabama looked predictable at times versus Texas.

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Mike Johnson, a Crimson Tide alum, was critical of O’Brien’s play-calling. Johnson was a starting left guard on Alabama’s BCS National Championship team in 2009. He assisted running back Mark Ingram to the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

Johnson said he could not remember the last time Alabama’s offense ‘looked this bad.’ Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin had balance and creativity, which kept defenses off balance. Texas had more first downs than Alabama (25 to 16), but both teams nearly had the same total yards. The Tide has to improve before it travels to Arkansas on Saturday, October 1.

Hopefully, Alabama gets receivers JoJo Earle (foot) and Tyler Harrell (foot) back soon.

The Tide takes on Louisiana-Monroe this week at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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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. 

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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