It sounds painful, but admitting something is the first step to understanding where one is in today’s culture.
When it comes to Alabama football, the Crimson Tide is no longer blowing teams out, dominating opponents with physicality, or having the mental edge over opposition. This version of Tide football is explosive, but undisciplined and has no sense of urgency.
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Alabama was in a fight with Vanderbilt and South Carolina. It lost to Vandy, but narrowly escaped the Gamecocks with a win.
It took a miracle play from Jalen Milroe to Ryan Williams and a last second interception from Zabien Brown for the Tide to hold off Georgia on Sept. 28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Alabama we grew accustomed to seeing under Nick Saban is not the same team we have watched through six games. Kalen DeBoer has a 5-1 team, but the group is one that has supporters concern with each game as the same mistakes are happening.
Alabama’s defense cannot get off the field on third down, opponents are scoring in the red zone on Alabama, the Tide is not dominating time of possession, its defense cannot stop the run, and its offense cannot establish balance. Alabama has to find a different way to win, but does it mean spiking up the blood pressure of fans?
Tide fans may need to start keeping medicine in their purse or pockets moving forward.
Alabama is going to be a lot of close games for the rest of the season. Tennessee with Nico Iamaleava at quarterback will be a difficult challenge on the road. DeBoer’s group also faces LSU and Oklahoma on the road, while battling Missouri and Auburn at home. Alabama has yet to locate an identity to hang its hat on; however, its upcoming opponents know what they are.
No one is afraid of the “script A” anymore as they feel they can come and beat Alabama.
Unless a turnaround happens, one can expect the Tide to be in a dog fight with each team for the rest of the year.
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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.
