Alabama fans made sure no seat was empty at Bryant-Denny Stadium for Saturday’s game versus South Carolina.
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Crimson Tide nation wanted to see what a Kalen DeBoer bounce back looked like.
Alabama carried a 14-12 lead at halftime, but supporters want the Tide to finish with dominance.
Jalen Milroe started the matchup with a rushing touchdown and he completed nine of 11 passes for 100 yards with an interception. The Tide’s defense created pressure in the first half — getting two sacks, five tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Below is how the Crimson Tide must finish strong against the Gamecocks.
1. Alabama needs to establish more rhythm on offense
Jalen Milroe has a rushing touchdown, but Alabama has no offensive rhythm.
It had some success running the ball with Justice Haynes, but Nick Sheridan went away from it.
A penalty and a bad sack from Milroe took the offense out of rhythm, but the Crimson Tide should be handling South Carolina’s defense.
Alabama got better toward the end of the first half as it recorded another touchdown, but it has to develop a physical mentality to put the game away.
Milroe also has to throw the ball away. He took a bad sack that killed one drive and not throwing the ball away backed up on his goal line caused intentional grounding. Milroe has to be more aware of protecting the ball and himself on the field.
Kadyn Proctor has been getting worked at left tackle as Kyle Kennard — South Carolina’s best edge rusher — has two sacks of Milroe.
Alabama’s offensive line allowed four sacks in the first half. It has to man up and take control if Alabama wants to win.
2. Germie Bernard is stepping up as the No. 2 WR
Germie Bernard has emerged as the No. 2 option at wide receiver for Jalen Milroe.
The transfer from Washington is becoming a guy Milroe can trust after Ryan Williams. He is getting more comfortable in the offense as he has two catches for 42 yards. Bernard had a 30-yard reception on the Tide’s first drive that set up a rushing touchdown for Milroe. The combination of Milroe and Bernard has to be establish more in the second half.
3. Alabama’s defense has to lock down more
Alabama came out with more energy versus South Carolina than Vanderbilt, but it gave up a touchdown to end the first half.
The Crimson Tide pressured LaNorris Sellers in creating two sacks; however, Kane Wommack’s defense allowed the Gamecocks to drive down the field for a marquee touchdown. Alabama got a sack from Tim Smith, while Que Robinson and Jordan Renaud combined for a sack. The defensive front has been active, but the secondary has to be better. Alabama also suffered an injury with Domani Jackson getting carted into the locker room. Penalties and missed tackles have been an issue, and the Tide has to fix it.
Alabama has to get locked in to take the second half.
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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.
