It sputtered a lot against Texas and South Florida, but Alabama’s offense looks to get in the direction this week.
Nick Saban will host Lane Kiffin and the Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
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Mississippi is undefeated, while the Crimson Tide has a blemish on its schedule. Kiffin would love nothing more than his first victory over Saban in four tries; however, Alabama’s offense would love to rip apart Pete Golding’s defense. Golding served as Saban’s defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022. He started on the Tide’s defensive staff in 2018, helping the program to three Southeastern Conference Championships (2018, 2020, 2021) and a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020.
After having a players meeting, it seems like the Tide has put its issues behind it. Winning and balance have made it to the forefront of what the offense wants to accomplish. Roydell Williams (running back) and Jermaine Burton (wide receiver) addressed it to reporters in Tuesday’s media availability. Alabama’s offense wants to do what it takes to win games.
Williams, a senior, said the mindset for Alabama’s offense is to play its game.
“Winning is the most important thing,” Williams said. “If we do our jobs the right way, we are a great team. We emphasize balance and being able to execute everything we do.”
Tommy Rees, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, did not have his best play-calling against Texas and South Florida. The 30-year-old faced adversity from opposing defenses and criticism from Tide fans. Williams said the best thing about Rees is he keeps a ‘level head,’ despite the issues. He will have the chess match of battling Golding and the Rebels’ defense in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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“When things are not going the way we planned, he encourages us,” Williams said about Rees. “He fixes things when they need to be fixed, and he makes those adjustments when they are needed.”
Burton, a senior, highlighted some things receivers can do better to enhance the offense.
“We have to run better routes, catch the ball better, and overall sit down with our quarterbacks to go over the game plan,” he said. “We have to make sure everyone has a good idea about what’s going on.”
Burton said the adversity Rees faces as an offensive coordinator reflects on whether everyone on the team is doing their job.
Alabama wants to win the SEC and its journey starts with Ole Miss. Fans want to see the talk backed up with action.
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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.
