The venue changed for Alabama’s matchup against South Florida, but the result was the same.
Alabama struggled with the Bulls for second straight year.
RELATED: Significant takeaways from first half for Alabama versus USF
Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide emerged with a 42-16 victory, but so many things need to be worked on before facing Wisconsin and Georgia. The initial reaction and takeaways are listed below after a close game.
Initial Reaction
Alabama has a lot of work to do.
The offensive line had too many penalties, Jalen Milroe was not sharp, Alabama could not establish a consistent rushing attack, and South Florida’s offensive tempo had the Crimson Tide frustrated some on defense at times.
Alabama did not play to a dominant standard, yet it found a way to win.
Takeaways
1. Alabama is still having issues with penalties
-Alabama had 13 penalties for a loss of 120 yards. Several mental mistakes led to negating explosive plays. Three of the Tide’s five offensive linemen — Wilkin Formby, Tyler Booker, and Geno VanDeMark — had at least two penalties each.
2. Jalen Milroe was not confident in the passing game
-Some of this was the offensive line’s lack of protection, but Milroe also completely missed receivers. He did connect with Kobe Prentice and Ryan Williams for touchdowns; however, he missed on 10 passes. Milroe has to pick it up moving forward.
Milroe completed 17 of 27 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
3. What happened to Alabama’s consistent run game?
-Alabama was not consistent with its rushing attack.
The Crimson Tide was able to establish something in the fourth quarter. Elijah Pritchett replaced Wilkin Formby and he propelled the ground game. Jam Mille totaled 150 yards rushing with a touchdown and Justice Haynes had 41 yards rushing, including a 29-yard rushing touchdown. Alabama needs to still generate a more consistent push in the run game.
4. Alabama’s defense has work to do
-Kane Wommack is going to rip into the defense after it did not force a turnover.
Alabama did record four sacks, seven tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries, but its secondary did not do a good job against South Florida’s receivers. If the Bulls had a better quarterback, this game could have been worse for the Tide.
Byrum Brown had 108 yards rushing for the Bulls. Alabama has to improve its run defense.
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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.
