Nick Saban knows the time is now to turn things around for Alabama’s season.
After suffering a loss to Texas, the Crimson Tide looks to bounce back against South Florida. It travels to face the Bulls for Saturday’s matchup at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. South Florida is 1-1 on the season as it’s in a home-and-home series with the Tide.
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Alabama is evaluating its quarterback situation moving forward; however, Coach Saban sees the challenges USF presents his team as a competitive bunch. On Wednesday, Saban addressed the media in the Southeastern Conference Teleconference about how the Bulls compare to an SEC school. He said South Florida’s offense is ‘similar’ to what Alabama faced against Tennessee.
The Tide’s defense got torched by the Volunteers in 2022. Hendon Hooker tossed five touchdowns in a 52-49 victory for Tennessee over Alabama. The Volunteers created several explosive plays and had balance in the run and pass game.
South Florida averages 31 points per game. Byrum Brown, a freshman, has eight total touchdowns as a quarterback. He is the team’s leading rusher with four scores and 183 yards. Khafre Brown and Sean Atkins have 100+ yards receiving, and the Bulls’ defense does things similar to Texas. According to Saban, USF runs a lot of stunts, blitzes, and has different pressure looks.
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It did not have the right energy in practice for Texas, but Alabama has to be on it in wanting to dominate the Bulls.
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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.
