Alabama Football: Tide’s report card in win vs. Miami
By Dakota Cox
Alabama football’s report card vs. Miami
Offensive Line: B-
Alabama lost three starters from last year’s team, and they moved their right tackle to the left side of the line. They’ve also changed the rotation a few times in training camp, so the true starters have not had a ton of time to build chemistry. With a new starting quarterback, it is crucial for Alabama to have a stable offensive line for the regular season.
The rotating happened this week as well. Chris Owens, expected to be Alabama starting center, started at right tackle for the Crimson Tide. Kendall Randolph was unable to play, and Darrian Dalcourt filled in at center.
Early in the game, Alabama fared well. The real concern is pass protection over the course of the season. Bryce Young was forced to scramble, and that isn’t a recipe for success as the season progresses. The good news is that Evan Neal looked every bit the part of a franchise left tackle.
It will take time to see the starters gel together, but there is certainly room for improvement.
Defensive Line: B+
One of Alabama football’s deepest positions is the defensive line. The backups are just as good as the starters, and plenty of players will get reps this season. The only player lost from last year’s group is Christian Barmore. The Tide bring back Byron Young, Tim Smith, Justin Eboigbe, LaBryan Ray, Phil Mathis and plenty of other studs to provide depth.
We’ll still have to see how the rotation shapes up in SEC play, but this was a solid first game for the unit as a whole. In the run game, Alabama held its own early. Miami was forced to move the pocket to give D’Eriq King time to throw the ball.
Alabama handled the trenches in this game, and the Tide proved how deep they are on the defensive line.