Alabama Football: Six thoughts and moving on from Florida game

Florida Game, Thought No. 5

The decisive drive that won the game was the Tide’s first possession of the second half. Florida had cut the lead to 21-16 and momentum had shifted to the Gators. Bryce Young led the Tide on a 13-play, 75-yard drive for a touchdown, It was not easy. The Tide had two false start penalties. Young threw one pass away being pressured by Gators. The Tide had five running plays; two of them combined gained two yards. There were two more incomplete passes; one a drop by Slade Bolden in the end zone. Another pass to Bolden lost two yards.

Young remained poised through the adversity. The drive had seven winning plays; the last, a three-yard run by Brian Robinson for a touchdown. Many Alabama players contributed to the success of that drive. How well Young played under huge pressure was perhaps the deciding factor in the eventual win.

Florida Game, Thought No. 6

Young needs one or two more playmakers, specifically pass catchers. Jahleel Billingsley made a good touchdown catch and hopefully, whatever was holding him back has been resolved. Cameron Latu is solid, so are John Metchie III and Jameson Williams.

With those four and a couple more, Young needs sure-handed receivers, who when needed will take the ball away from defenders. They need to be play-makers. Based on, so far, limited action, JoJo Earle must be a regular part of the wide receiver core and get more snaps and targets.

Crimson Tide fans need not be overconcerned. In a hard-fought game, many outstanding plays were made by Nick Saban’s players. After Southern Miss, there are challenges, but this team will continue to improve.