Alabama’s offense hasn’t looked this bad in quite a long time, and it surely doesn’t look like a team that’s had two weeks off.
In the first half against LSU, the Crimson Tide have looked far from squared away on the offensive side of the football and it was evident from the first few drives of the game. A missed field goal, two punts and a turnover on downs have allowed the Tigers to make it a game as both teams go to the half.
Alabama lost starting center Darrian Dalcourt on the first drive of the game as he limped to the medical tent and did not return. Right tackle Chris Owens shifted inside to center with Damieon George entering the game in place of Owens.
With or without Dalcourt, Alabama’s offensive line has had a number of brutal sequences as quarterback Bryce Young saw constant pressure in his face throughout the entire first half. It wasn’t until under three minutes left in the second quarter where Alabama got on the board with a touchdown run from Brian Robinson.
Thankfully for head coach Nick Saban, the defense has been the least of the team’s worries as it has stepped up to keep the Tigers from gaining any sort of lead.
The Tigers’ longest play on offense came on a fake punt on its first drive of the game where Avery Atkins connected with tight end Jack Mashburn for a 26-yard gain into Alabama territory which ultimately led to a Max Johnson touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Thomas.
With the offense struggling, Pete Golding’s unit gave the team an extra boost at the end of the half as cornerback Jayln Armour-Davis picked off Johnson giving Alabama great field positioning to get a late half lead.
Young was able to lead the team down the field capping off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver John Metchie.
The Crimson Tide will count on its defense once again to begin the second half as the Tigers will start will the football.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
