Alabama Football: The state of the Tide heading into the TAMU game

Heading into the TAMU game, Alabama football fans are buoyed by the Tide’s offensive success but still concerned about defensive weaknesses and lack of depth.

The Alabama football prep for TAMU is not over but after Wednesdays each week there is little new information until the next game. Crimson Tide fans are not necessarily looking past the Aggies but the fanbase always keeps vigilant watch for any potential future misfortune.

For those of us trying to balance giddy with a bit of guarded, the 2018 Tide as a “work-in-progress” remains an issue. Most but not all of the ‘what ifs’ concern a scary lack of depth on the defensive line and at linebacker. Which is not to say, that a serious injury to Tua, Jonah Williams, Ross Piersbacher or Deionte Thompson would not be traumatic.

Alabama football is vulnerable to injuries but what team isn’t? The protection against future injury-driven roster depletion is player development. In that area, Alabama football is making progress. The secondary appears close to eight, maybe nine solid players. Patrick Surtain Jr’s quick progress is the most evident. Shyheim Carter’s ability to contribute at three positions is valuable. Xavier McKinney has also progressed into a talented and dependable player. Daniel Wright, Kyriq McDonald and Jared Mayden provide important depth.

What about in the trenches?

There has been some good news with injured players returning on both sides of the ball. Matt Womack had progressed to a walking boot earlier in the week. On Wednesday he was actually on the practice field in a white jersey. He was only working with a trainer and it is not known how much more time his broken foot needs. Based on Deonte Brown’s weak performance against Ole Miss, Womack is, when healed, the only guy able to fill a first-unit hole.

Stephon Wynn returned to work last week, adding another body on the defensive line. Johnny Dwight has been limited, and if not technically injured, is not 100 percent. So far, there is no indication Christian Barmore can contribute this season. The d-line will continue to mainly rely on a six-man rotation. Needless to say, six is dangerously thin.

Then there are the linebackers

Anfernee Jennings looked good against Ole Miss. There were doubts about his speed coming back from the knee injury. Unfortunately, he saw limited practice work the first part of this week. Maybe the training staff is just being cautious. Alabama football fans worry it could mean Anfernee is still not 100 percent.

The lack of depth at inside linebacker is still a problem. The best news is Mack Wilson appears near 100 percent. If Mack or Dylan go down … maybe Christian Miller can step in. Ale Kaho still needs time to learn the defense, not to mention, add some weight. Josh McMillon has shown signs of being a capable run-stopper, but cannot match the speed or quickness of Moses and Wilson.

The opposite of Gloom and Doom

Based on analysis from PFF.com, two Crimson Tide defenders graded out as the best in the nation after CFB’s week three. Quinnen Williams has graded out as the best run-defender in the FBS. Deionte Thompson is also rated No.1 in the Pro Football Focus coverage grades.

Even better news can be seen in the tweet below. Getting this guy back for a Playoff run would be outstanding.

Terrell already running on the zero-gravity treadmill is almost unbelievable and a tribute to his determination and toughness.

The connections between Alabama football and the Aggies are some of the deepest in college football. Jimbo Fisher is the top Aggies coach College Station has seen in a long time.