Three things Alabama needs to do in the 2nd half to beat Oklahoma

Alabama football is in a fight with Oklahoma in a Southeastern Conference matchup.

The Crimson Tide is down 3-10 to the Sooners as Oklahoma is looking to become bowl-eligible and spoil Alabama’s season.

ESPN offers major health update on Deontae Lawson

Kalen DeBoer is looking to get the Tide into the SEC Championship Game and make the College Football Playoff. This first half version of Alabama was not the Tide team that dominated LSU at Tiger Stadium two weeks ago. Alabama has to fix things in the second half in order to handle the Sooners. The three things the Tide needs to do better in the second half are below.

1. Jalen Milroe has to get into a rhythm

Jalen Milroe has just two completions on seven pass attempts for 62 yards.

Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams have made 30-plus yard receptions; however, it has been difficult for Milroe to establish the passing game. He has not had success running the ball either with -2 yards on nine carries. Milroe has to get into a rhythm passing and running the football. He is not playing with the confidence he had against LSU, so he has to find it now.

2. Alabama’s run defense must tighten up

Kane Wommack’s defense struggled stopping the run in the first half.

Jackson Arnold (95 yards, 15 carries) and Xavier Robinson (88 yards, eight carries, a touchdown) have had success running on the perimeter of the Alabama defense. Deontae Lawson, a junior, suffered an injury in the first half and will not return to action.

The Crimson Tide has had issues without Lawson’s leadership against the run.

Justin Jefferson has to step up big time to show leadership in the second half.

3. Nick Sheridan has to get creative

Nick Sheridan was very creative two weeks ago versus LSU, but he has not shown it against Oklahoma.

Alabama has just 97 yards offensively on 23 plays. Oklahoma controlled the pace of the game in the first half, but the Tide has to adjust and it starts with Sheridan having this group impose its will. Hopefully, he comes out in the second half putting the Sooners on its heels. 

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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.