Alabama’s return to dominant football starts with its offensive line returning to physicality.
The Crimson Tide’s offense has struggled in back-to-back week, including an inability to run Tennessee out Neyland Stadium in Knoxville (Tenn.) last week in a 17-24 loss. Alabama’s offensive front allowed seven sacks in matchups against South Carolina and Tennessee, including four versus the Gamecocks. The Tide faced some of the best pass rushers in the Southeastern Conference with Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart of South Carolina and James Pearce of Tennessee. Missouri will look to create pressure to Jalen Milroe on Saturday to continue his struggles at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Tyler Booker, a junior offensive lineman, said he ‘wholeheartedly’ believes this Alabama team still has the potential to win a College Football Playoff National Championship.
RELATED: Former Alabama DB shines light on Jalen Milroe’s struggles: “He’s not making the layups.”
Chris Kapilovic, the Tide’s offensive line coach, mentioned to reporters on Wednesday about how the mentality of the offensive line has changed for this game.
“I think it goes together,” Kapilovic said about the importance for Alabama’s offensive line to play well as well as win.
“We talk about 1-0, one play, if you are an offensive lineman, if you played every play like it’s fourth in a game with that intensity and care factor … then you are going to be successful. It all ties in together. For us to win games, we have to have amazing practices. We have to be out there straining. Those guys have worked hard this week, probably harder than they have in a while.”
Kapilovic said he has been on Alabama offensive line this week.
“I am excited to see them respond on Saturday,” he said.
Alabama looks to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive and it starts with establishing an identity with its offensive line versus Missouri this weekend.
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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.
