Alabama football is tied with Texas A&M 17-17 at halftime. Here are a few things that the Crimson Tide will need to do to finish off the Aggies in the second half:
Stop leaving the middle of the field wide open
Alabama is giving the Texas A&M offense full access over the middle of the field. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack will need to make adjustments at halftime because the Aggies are abusing the Crimson Tide over the middle. The RPO action that Texas A&M is leaning heavily on is killing Alabama.
The Crimson Tide have been criticized for having their zone coverage be too soft and players lining up five or more yards off the ball. This defense has displayed a good bit of zone coverage in the game today.
Cut out the self-inflicted wounds
Alabama has allowed Texas A&M to make this game interesting. The missed 36-yard field goal from Conor Talty killed some of the momentum that the Crimson Tide had after picking off quarterback Marcel Reed twice. Alabama’s defense is struggling to get off the field, and the offense has stalled at times in Texas A&M territory.
The Crimson Tide have been called for multiple penalties on defense today. Defensive back Red Morgan was ejected for targeting, and corner Dijon Lee Jr. has picked up an unnecessary roughness and pass interference call.
Also, quarterback Keelon Russell threw a horrible pick in Alabama’s own territory. He will need to play clean football in the second half if the Crimson Tide are going to win this one.
Keep feeding the hot hand
Alabama wide receiver Rico Scott is having a heck of a performance today. Scott has four catches for 109 yards, and he’s burned the Texas A&M defense multiple times. The Aggies are struggling to keep up with him.
Russell has connected with him on a few downfield throws today, and the big plays are helping the young quarterback get into a rhythm and build confidence.
Players need to step up in the secondary
Alabama is currently without Zabien Brown, Red Morgan and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. Brown was unable to play today due to an injury, Morgan started the game but was ejected for targeting, and Kirkpatrick Jr. was suspended by Alabama for violating team rules.
The secondary is thinning out, and players like Lee Jr., Carmelo O’Neal, Chuck McDonald III, Ivan Taylor and more will have opportunities to step up and make big plays for the Crimson Tide.
