Through two-quarters of action, Alabama is tied at 21 with LSU in what’s trending towards the shootout battle that’s been advertised.
Following the Bye week, the Crimson Tide turned in one of its better first-half performances of the season but that doesn’t mean it’s played without some flaws in its game.
In order for Alabama to come out on top over the Tigers, these are three adjustments Nick Saban and company must make in order to come out with the win.
Keep better contain on Jayden Daniels
Despite allowing the 48-yard touchdown to Malik Nabers on the first drive of the game, Alabama’s secondary has held up fine against the elite talent of the Tigers.
But what’s hurt the defensive unit has been Daniels’ play-making on the ground as he’s carried the ball eight times for 137 yards and a touchdown through the first half. Daniels’ big plays on the ground have bailed out the Tigers and led to the late score before the break which tied the game.
The Alabama front has just one sack and no quarterback hits, so the pressure from Kevin Steele’s unit will need to get home and finish plays in the backfield.
Eliminate early down sacks
So far Alabama’s offense has been impressive out of the gates despite a few early down sacks that have been allowed. It hasn’t hurt them just yet as Jalen Milroe and the offense have been able to convert on five-of-seven third-down attempts but getting behind the sticks isn’t a habit the unit should get into.
Protection has been an improvement from weeks past for Alabama but Milroe has taken two sacks on the day with no one open downfield. Add in a few penalties and drives could get more and more difficult for the unit down the line unless addressed.
Get a more consistent ground game
A big key to the offensive success for Alabama in the first has been Milroe’s playmaking with his legs. It’s been Alabama’s best form of offense as he’s carried the ball 12 times for 82 yards and three touchdowns.
The big plays have been integral for keeping drives alive, but in order for the Crimson Tide to put the Tigers away, it’s going to need to get a more consistent ground game going with its running backs.
Through two quarters Alabama running backs have carried the ball seven times for 23 yards. That won’t cut it down the stretch as it tries to shorten the game and put LSU away, so getting back to a smash-mouth approach must happen and soon.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
