Alabama Football: What Tide must focus on during bye week
By Dakota Cox
What are Alabama football’s priorities for their bye week?
In most college football seasons, the bye week is a chance to focus on your next key opponent. Since Alabama football always gets a bye before LSU, they can prepare for the Tigers this week. In 2020, they do not have to focus as much on LSU. The Tigers have been disappointing, so they will not be as big of a challenge.
Instead, the Crimson Tide can focus on other issues. They can evaluate where they currently are and see where they need to improve. Although Alabama has been playing great, there are a few places where they need to get better.
Where is Alabama’s focus during their bye week? Let’s take a look.
Adding wide receiver depth
This was Alabama’s strongest unit to start the 2020 season, but the loss of Jaylen Waddle changes a lot. Mac Jones targeted DeVonta Smith more than ever against Mississippi State, and that is not a constant recipe for success. Metchie has to develop into a strong second option, and Alabama football needs to develop the freshmen receivers to add depth. Slade Bolden is a great receiver in a unit, but his lack of speed impacts how Alabama calls plays. If Alabama can have a speed unit with Smitty, Metchie and a freshman, the offense will improve even more.
Tackling
The worst part of Alabama football’s defensive performances has been tackling. They need to work on this, and a bye week is a great opportunity to do so. This seems like a simple fix, but something has to change for Alabama football.
Depth in the secondary
The secondary has improved, but there is still so much room to grow. Specifically, Alabama needs more consistent play at safety. There are a few options, but Saban must develop the safeties. Secondary play is his bread and butter, so we will see how that goes against LSU.
Next. Alabama's report card vs. Mississippi State. dark
These three keys will be at the top of Saban’s list as he prepares for this bye week. If Alabama football can improve in these aspects, the Crimson Tide can become an even better team. It may not impact the regular season, but it will determine if Alabama can win it all in 2020.