Isolation became a reality for the world in 2020 with the Coronavirus pandemic.
We were relegated to wearing masks, keeping a six-foot distance, and not being allowed to socialize with others in large masses.
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It almost hurt the college football season, but the sport survived despite no true road games. Last year, we returned with relaxed mask mandates, and college football had stadiums packed again. Alabama did not have to fear the opponent’s crowd in 2020, but it played in some hostile environments during the following season. The Crimson Tide had three challenging road games in 2021.
Coach Nick Saban took his team against Florida, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Alabama also battled Mississippi State on the road, but the Gators, Aggies, and Tigers tested the Tide. Alabama won two of three games, but it took a defense stop to beat Florida and four overtimes to defeat Auburn. Texas A&M and Jimbo Fisher proved to be too much for the Tide. The Aggies took a 41-38 victory at Kyle Field. Alabama’s experience on the road has players confident for Saturday’s matchup against Texas.
DeMarvion Overshown, a linebacker for the Longhorns, said a win over the Tide ‘would not shock anyone in the Texas locker room.’ Bijan Robinson, Texas’ starting running back, says the team ‘wants to punch Alabama in the mouth.’ Texas has been talking, and Steve Sarkisian knows Saban, but Henry To’oto’o is prepared to have the Tide make a statement.
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“We’ve played in a lot of hostile environments, especially last year,” the senior linebacker said Tuesday to reporters. “We have been in a lot of hostile environments, but the coaches and we as a team understand that this is going to be a huge environment for us to play in. So, the team knows it as a whole. Nobody has to say anything. We know that we have to communicate and do our jobs, play fast and physical.”
To’oto’o said he knows the crowd noise will be epic, but he’s ‘juiced up’ for the game.
Will Anderson and Dallas Turner recorded good numbers in hostile places. The duo has an opportunity to get several sacks of Longhorns’ quarterback Quinn Ewers. Alabama has to limit Robinson’s production and create marquee plays on offense.
After a performance of six touchdowns against Utah State, people are waiting to see what Bryce Young does next.
The Tide looks to take a step forward with its receivers and offensive linemen, but the communication and execution must be top-notch. Alabama did not win a College Football Playoff National Championship last season, but playing in hostile environments has prepared it for the Longhorns. Both teams will battle it out at 11:00 a.m. CT with the Fox Big Noon Kickoff.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
