The University of Alabama has its second straight home game this weekend versus South Florida.
Alabama’s meeting with the Bulls on the road last year ended with a struggle victory. Kalen DeBoer and some other assistant coaches were not on the staff in 2023, but they look to have a dominant showing this time.
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Here are the keys to success for the Crimson Tide in this contest.
1. A fast start on offense & defense
Alabama earned a 63-0 victory over the Hilltoppers, but it did not score on its first offensive possession.
Coach DeBoer wants to have sustained drives on offense; however, he wants the Tide to start fast.
Defensively, Kane Wommack wants a fast start in matching South Florida offensive tempo. The Bulls will run several plays, so Wommack wants to have his substitutions on the field, players flying around, and the defense finishing plays.
2. Establishing the run game early
South Florida has a good defensive secondary, but its front is susceptible to the run game.
Alabama’s offensive line has to establish Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, Richard Young, and the rest of its backfield early.
We saw explosive plays in the run game versus the Hilltoppers when the Tide got going. Elijah Pritchett may get the nod at left tackle again, so he has to be at his best. Alabama needs to wear down USF’s defensive line with its rushing attack.
3. Jalen Milroe needs a huge showing as a passer
Nine pass attempts was all Alabama needed from Jalen Milroe last week, but the redshirt junior needs a huge showing against South Florida.
He did not play in the matchup in 2023 because the Crimson Tide was unsure at quarterback. Milroe has made Alabama more than sure at the position. He took strides versus Western Kentucky, but now it is time for him to build off it.
4. Get more receiving options involved
It was fun watching Ryan Williams have an explosive debut, but Alabama has other stars at wide receiver.
This matchup versus South Florida is an opportunity for Nick Sheridan to utilize Kobe Prentice, Germie Bernard, and Kendrick Law.
Also, the Tide needs to work in Emmanuel Henderson, Cole Adams, and Rico Scott too.
We need to see more from the tight ends, especially after CJ Dippre and Josh Cuevas (transfer from Washington) were the lone two to catch a pass last week.
5. Less penalties/no bad snaps
Alabama cannot have bad snaps this week.
The Bulls need anything to create momentum and bad snap would create it for them.
DeBoer and the Tide cannot afford several penalties. Alabama fans were concerned about its team getting flagged seven times versus Western Kentucky. Discipline will be of the utmost importance this weekend.
6. Swarm defense has to create takeaways
Kane Wommack was not satisfied with last week’s defensive showing, regardless of a shutout.
He wants more takeaways, more sacks, and playing to a no excuse standard. Alabama has an opportunity to swarm against the Bulls and cause negative plays. The biggest thing for the Tide is finish on tackles. We saw a few missed tackles last week.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
