Alabama Football Week 2 Let down: What Went Wrong?
In a highly anticipated match, the No. 3 Crimson Tide (1-1) managed to secure a brief lead of only 69 seconds against No. 11 Texas at Bryant-Denny Stadium. However, their performance, both offensively and defensively, witnessed fluctuating momentum throughout the game, ultimately resulting in a 34-24 defeat.
Analysing Alabama’s Performance Grade C-Report Card: Breakdown
Quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled with two ill-advised interceptions and failed to effectively use his mobility to keep the Longhorns’ defence guessing. Alabama’s rushing game averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, tallying 107 yards on 35 attempts. Interestingly, some of the Tide’s most successful offensive sequences occurred during broken plays. Unfortunately, their potential was marred as two touchdowns were negated due to penalties by the offensive line.
Alabama was on a roll, scoring 30 or more points in eight straight games until Saturday night. They were neck and neck with Penn State for the nation’s longest active streak, but it was Texas that played the party pooper and ended their scoring spree.
Steve Sarkisian’s victory over his former boss, Nick Saban, made him the third assistant coach to achieve this feat, joining the ranks of Kirby Smart and Jimbo Fisher. Remarkably, this loss marked the first time in Saban’s 17-year stint in Tuscaloosa that his team suffered a double-digit defeat on their home turf. Although football is a team sport, the offense struggled mightily, remaining dormant in the first half and showing inconsistency in the second.
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Unpacking Alabama Football Defensive Challenges
In a fiercely contested battle against Quinn Ewers and his formidable trio of elite pass-catchers, the unit showcased remarkable resilience. However, the absence of any sacks or turnovers proved to be a pivotal factor. Let’s delve into the individual performances: Ja’Tavion Sanders led the charge with an impressive five catches, accumulating 114 yards. Xavier Worthy contributed significantly with five catches, gaining 75 yards and scoring a crucial touchdown. Adonai Mitchell was equally impressive, securing three catches for 78 yards, including two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ewers’ composure stood out, demonstrating notable improvement since his performance in Week 1 against Rice.
Alabama’s secondary had trouble, allowing Longhorns to sneak past, resulting in Ewers’ 360 yards and three touchdowns. Alabama posted 362 yards as a team. Texas converted 7 of 18 3rd-downs and 2 of 3 4th-downs.
Alabama lost the ball twice, and they deserve credit for trying to recover it, even though they didn’t manage to do so. Their defense also did a great job by stopping Texas from scoring right after Milroe’s first interception, which kept Alabama in the game.
Kicking It Up a Notch: Alabama Football Impressive B+ Special Teams
William Reichard exhibited exceptional skill by converting three field goals from distances of 42, 30, and 51 yards. James Burnip contributed significantly to Texas’ offensive efforts with five punts, amassing a total yardage of 263, with a notable long punt of 61 yards. Nevertheless, it is imperative to mention that a holding penalty was assessed to Terrion Arnold during a punt return, and Kool-Aid McKinstry retreated during a forced punt return, resulting in a 6-yard loss.
F-Rated Performance on the Sidelines Alabama Football Coaching Crisis
Despite new coordinators, Alabama suffered another early-season loss, denting its championship hopes, with fans quick to blame Bill O’Brien and Pete Golding for last year’s lackluster big-game performance.
After the game, Saban said they won’t let this loss go to waste. They’re all committed to doing better in practice, getting ready, and planning. Coaches, players, and even him – he knows he didn’t do well in guiding the team to play better.
Related video: Texas Longhorns vs. Alabama Crimson Tide | Full Game Highlights
Alabama Football Disappointing Report Card: Overall Grade D
Alabama’s performance in this game was undeniably disappointing, and it’s unlikely to be used as a motivational tool in the future. Texas displayed superior prowess in the trenches, highlighted the skills of their players, and impressively controlled the tempo of the game, all within the confines of Alabama’s home stadium.
Alabama’s trip to Tampa for a matchup against USF, currently holding a 1-1 record, should serve as a refreshing change.
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