Alabama’s offensive line had one message during the offseason.
Eric Wolford, the Crimson Tide’s O-Line coach, had his group focused on being more physical. Toughness, dominance in the running game, physicality, and making teams quit was the mindset the group showed in the summer. After the Tide earned a 56-7 victory over Middle Tennessee State, the men up front have a chance on Saturday to show the nation how impactful they can be.
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Alabama did not need further motivation, but it helps to have it. CJ Vogel, a recruiting analyst for Texas and Oklahoma, shared his thoughts about the matchup between Alabama and Texas via social media. He views the offensive line as a ‘weakness’ for both teams, but this is something for JC Latham, Tyler Booker, Seth McLaughlin, Kadyn Proctor, and others can feed off of.
Couple of Thursday thoughts ahead of the Texas-Alabama game:
• The OL is the weakest unit for both teams
• Alabama will have success blitzing LB’s
• Texas has been good containing mobile QBs under PK.
• We will see two very different offenses than what we saw week one.— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) September 7, 2023
MTSU was getting pressure in the pass game often, & Alabama averaged 4.3 ypc with non-QBs. It wasn’t a great day for the OL.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) September 7, 2023
The Tide has the size and power to wear down the Longhorns at the point of attack.
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It needs to keep Texas’ offense on the sideline as much as possible. Alabama has to establish the trenches early, set its running backs up to have success and keep Jalen Milroe clean in the pocket. The offensive unit is prepared to set the tone.
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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.